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For release September 1, 2005

Fresh recipes, recommended "action steps" and a cooking demonstration in San Pablo are all part of the National 5 A Day Month celebration sponsored this month by Contra Costa Health Services and its partners.

The Contra Costa community continues to face startling health risks associated with poor diet and physical inactivity. In response to this issue, Contra Costa Health Services' On the Move with FoodWise! project is partnering with the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families and the California 5 a Day - for Better Health! campaign on a monthlong celebration in September with the theme "Energize and Mobilize - Eat Fruits, Vegetables, and Be Active." The theme is meant to empower local residents - both individually and collectively - to take charge of their health.

"We are mobilizing Contra Costa residents to take charge of their health and fight for environmental changes in the community," said Gwenndolyn White, Outreach and Education Coordinator for On the Move with FoodWise! "If we are going to curb the obesity epidemic we need to get energized, make better choices, and let our civic leaders and policymakers know that we want change. We want healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, to be more accessible, and we want a safe environment to enjoy physical activity."

The partnership will have food preparation demonstrations and distribute information and recipes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 17, at Food Max Supermarket in San Pablo.

Among the information to be distributed are sets of "action steps" for individuals and families to take at home and at work to promote healthier lifestyles and environments. These steps and other information is available online at cchealth.org by clicking on Health Topics.

Numerous diseases and conditions have been linked to poor diet and physical inactivity including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, the risk of suffering from these diseases may be reduced.

On the Move with FoodWise! is a project within Contra Costa Health Services' Community Wellness & Prevention Program. For more information about the September campaign or On the Move with FoodWise!, contact Gwenndolynn White at gwhite@hsd.cccounty.us or 925-313-6829.

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