How CSULB is Empowering Latino Families to Get Healthier

29Apr
by Ana Gonzalez

In a world of fast food, and lots of screen time, it’s not always easy to be healthy. In fact, sometimes it’s downright hard. Especially if you are working an office job, or have a child spending more time at home . When sports and activities are canceled, parents may find themselves needing extra support. Which is why Cal-State Long Beach has decided to step in with their new Eat, Pray, Grow project. Per the article below: 

“When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, disrupted everyday routines and decreased opportunities for physical activity, Monica Llamas began to notice the effects it had on her family. Her children were no longer participating in sports at school or playing outside as much as they used to.

In February, Llamas participated in the Eat, Play, Go! program hosted by the Cal State Long Beach Center for Latino Community Health to understand her family’s eating and exercise habits and teach her 10-year-old daughter Mya the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Eat, Play, Go project is a weekly, month-long informational program aimed at addressing household behaviors that may place Latino youth at risk of high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

‘Without a doubt, COVID-19 brought a sedentary lifestyle to our families,’ said Isabel Rojas, a program promoter and community outreach assistant for the Latino Health Center. ‘The program brings tools for families to not stay static in their homes, but on the contrary, it is an opportunity for them to be together, to all be seated at the table to plan schedules, plan meals and bond through healthy activities.”Families interested in participating in the next phase of the program can contact program staff at 562-985-1770 or fill out the survey here.

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Ana Gonzalez

Ana Gonzalez is an immigrant from Mexico who came to the U.S. at the age of 10. At age 17, Ana won First place in a district-wide essay contest from Rialto Unified School District, celebrating the life of Cesar Chavez and continuing his legacy, receiving some significant and admirable awards, one given by the legendary Dolores Huerta, a Congressional Commendation award from the U.S. House of Representatives, and other statewide and district awards. Ana earned her Associate Degrees from San Bernardino Valley College, both in Liberal Studies, one emphasizing in Social and Behavioral Science and the other in Humanities. She works for Rialto Unified Schools as a District Parent Center Assistant, previously as an Instructional Aide for Special Education and Intervention Specialist for English Learners. Ana is a single mom of two children, a student at CSU San Bernardino, and an advocate for the education of minorities, for environmental, social, healthcare justice and the homeless. Ana recently received major recognitions from Assembly member Eloise Reyes, District 47, as a 30 under 30 leader, for the service and advocacy in the District. Ana also received the Woman of Distinction Award from the Chicano Latino Caucus of San Bernardino County and LULAC. Educating and empowering the youth, parents, and marginalized communities are her priority. Ana’s objective is to strive for EDUCATION, EQUITY, MOTIVATION, and PROSPERITY for ALL! She believes everyone has the power to succeed in whatever they desire. There are no excuses!

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