Media Advisory

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Monday, October 24, 2011

What:

Contra Costa Health Services is taking a radical step in backing its healthy message: vending machines at its hospital, health centers and administrative buildings will offer only nutritious alternatives to the usual sugary fare. The health department will host taste testing for employees and patients at its Regional Medical Center and Richmond Health Center this Tuesday and Wednesday to showcase the healthy options. The new vending machines were installed last week. These taste testing events follow national Food Day, which raises awareness about diet-related diseases and promotes healthy eating choices.

Where:

11:30 to 1 p.m. Oct. 25
Courtyard
Regional Medical Center
2500 Alhambra Avenue
Martinez, CA 94553

11:30 to 1 p.m. Oct. 26
First floor lobby
Richmond Health Center
100 38th Street
Richmond, CA 94805

Why:

Obesity is one of the most critical health issues facing Americans today. Data from 2010 show that 40% of low-income children ages 5-19 years old seen in Contra Costa Health Centers or in the Women, Infant and Children program are overweight or obese. As a public health department, Contra Costa Health Services aims to serve as a model for its employees and for the children and families who use its services across the county, and ensure health snacks are available on site.

To find out more about obesity in Contra Costa, visit www.cchealth.org/topics/obesity/.

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