The University of California Cooperative Extension presents a Mother's Day gift to low-income moms in Fresno 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon Friday, May 8. A free health fair 'complete with free child care' offers fun, educational activities to women who are at a disproportionately high risk for anemia, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

While someone else takes care of the kids for a change, mothers will browse booths around the perimeter of the Cornerstone Church gymnasium where they:

• Taste three nutritious recipes that cost a total of $15.99 to prepare, and compare that food 'in terms of value and nutrition' with $15.99 in fast food fried chicken.
• Learn exercises using Thera-bands, giving them an opportunity for physical activity appropriate for women of any age or ability.
• Take a blind taste test of non-fat, 1%, 2% and whole milk, learning they're all quite delicious but make a world of difference in saturated fat and cholesterol for their and their children's bodies.
• Get a free canvas bag filled with vital health information for later perusal.
• Gather information on safe food handling, breast cancer awareness, Medicare, summer school lunch programs and more.

All the while, their 3- to 9-year-old children are playing games, hearing stories, creating projects and picking up basic good nutrition concepts and healthy eating habits. The kids also get goodie bags with coloring books, crayons and a Five-a-Day watch.

"It's a tragedy when women needlessly suffer from illnesses that can be prevented or better managed if they knew how to live a healthy lifestyle," said Patty Minami, UCCE program representative. "Coming to the health fair gives them information to make better decisions."

WHAT:
Free health fair for low-income women and free care for their children

WHEN:
Friday, May 8, 1998
08:30 a.m. Presentations on nutrition and physical activity
09:15 a.m. Mothers begin visiting activity stations
12:00 p.m. Door prizes presented and adjourn

WHY:

• Overweight is highest in families with incomes below 131 percent of poverty.
• Only one-third of lower income or less educated adults can name a single food that affects the risk of heart disease or cancer.
• More low-income adults had total fat intakes above recommended ranges than higher income adults.
• About 13 percent of people in low-income households experienced some degree of food insufficiency.

WHERE:
Cornerstone Church gymnasium, 2530 Divisadero Street, Fresno

SPONSORS:
California Nutrition Network, UC Cooperative Extension, Project LEAN, California Health Collaborative, Breast Cancer Prevention Unit, Save Mart and Cornerstone Church.

MORE INFO:
Patty Minami, UC Cooperative Extension Program Representative
(209) 456-7285, plminami@ucdavis.edu

Jeannette Warnert
Public Information Representative
UC Regional Office
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710