Imperial County tackles obesity

Nonprofit gives free car wash to bring awareness - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - According to the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) 12% of Imperial County children aged 2-11 are overweight for their age.

That's why a local non-profit organization hosted a car wash to try and shed light.

Many organizers say that more needs to be done to tackle the issue of obesity.

Luz Tristan, the medical director of Fit and Healthy, says that their non-profit organization wants to focus on helping children across the valley.

"We are all together here to fight this because this epidemic cannot be fought by one person," she said.

Fit and Healthy has many goals but first, they look to give guidance on diet and exercise to help those who suffer from obesity.

Tristan says that 47% of children are affected by obesity especially across the Valley.

Former Mayor of Calexico, Rosie Hernandez is also part of this organization. Hernandez says the organization started in Calexico.

"We are here to raise funds to assist children and adults, we have different programs that we would like to start and organize," she said.

Hernandez adds that it is helpful to educate individuals with programs Valley-wide.