More than 300 people get active at the Activate Anaheim Healthy Families Fair

The ACTIVATE ANAHEIM Healthy Families Fair took place on Saturday, May 7 at Ponderosa Park and School. More than 300 local residents learned about health-related community resources and creative ways to get more active, eat right and make better choices for healthy living.

The event featured fresh fruit and healthy snacks, bilingual tips on healthy living, 20 booths highlighting healthy resources across Anaheim, and several interactive workshops. Workshops included:

• Chair Aerobics and Active Families presented by the Anaheim Family YMCA
• Healthy Heart presented by the America Heart Association
• Eating Right presented by Tiger Woods Learning Center
• Physical Education presented by the Anaheim City School District
• Self Defense by Get Safe

“This event helped encourage me to live healthier by eating less sugar, eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising more,” said Dickson Mburu, mother of two girls. “The event was fun, informative and helpful.”

Alma Urbina said, “I really liked exercising today with my family. I am eager to try some of the exercises at home. I realized how easy and fun it is to stay active, eat healthy and live better.”

Other event participants included Farmers Market, Anaheim Family YMCA, Rethink Your Drink, Power Play, WIC Program, CalOptima, City of Anaheim, Cops 4 Kids, Get Safe, AltaMed, St. Joseph Health System, Community Action Partnership, Salvation Army, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Anaheim City School District.

This free community event was presented by the ACTIVATE ANAHEIM collaboration, and funded in part by a grant from the Employees Community Fund of Being California. “Our Activate Anaheim collaboration is helping neighborhoods to plan several more Healthy Families Fairs in the future,” said John Guastaferro of the Anaheim Family YMCA and ACHIEVE Initiative.

If you’d like to take a step toward getting healthier, here are a few “Activate Anaheim” Tips to get you started:

• Replace a work break with a brisk 10-minute walk.
• Get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Eat seasonal fruits and veggies since they are fresh and less expensive.
• Reward child with non-sugary treats, such as stickers or a family activity.
• Walk or ride your bike in Anaheim parks and trails.
• Play with the kids – tumble in the leaves, splash in a puddle, or dance to music.

Download your FREE Healthy Living Tips (bilingual)

Also, learn about Activate Anaheim, the Y’s collaborative effort to make our community healthier for everyone.