(Santa Ana) - A mother of six from Santa Ana will represent Orange County as a "Champion for Change" at the unveiling of the new Network for a Healthy California (Network) public health campaign launched in Sacramento today by the California Department of Health Services. The Network recruited every day moms throughout the state who have become “champions” to help educate communities on ways to eat healthier and be more active.

Teresa Vazquez was selected to attend the Sacramento event by the Orange County Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative (NuPAC) due to her efforts to promote healthy eating and activities at Willard Intermediate School and in her community. “Nothing is more important to me than the health of my kids and family,” said Vazquez. “Too many of our kids are becoming overweight and are getting diabetes and other problems. Good health starts with a parent like me who understands the value of making changes in the kitchen and our overall lifestyle.”

California is facing an obesity epidemic, and the increase in the number of overweight youth is of special concern. In Orange County, over one-third of children from low-income families are overweight or at risk for becoming overweight. Reversing the rising rates of overweight and obesity is a public health priority.

"Our community is affected by health problems as a result of poor eating habits and inactivity, so it is important to remember that everyone has the power to make a change in their families’ health,” said Maridet Ibanez, Nutrition Services manager for the County of Orange Health Care Agency.

By incorporating more fruits and vegetables in every meal and increasing physical activity every day, Californians can become Champions for Change and make a difference in their families’ health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For more information and health tips, visit www.cachampionsforchange.net.

About The Network for a Healthy California (Network)
The Network for a Healthy California (Network) works with more than 300 different public, non-profit and business partners throughout the state to empower low-income Californians to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and enjoy physical activity every day. Principal funding is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Program through the Network, which is a public health effort of the California Department of Health Services. These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, visit the Network Web site at www.cachampionsforchange.net.

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