LULAC Brings Latino Health Fair to Ponce, Puerto Rico
April 29, 2015
Contact: Paloma Zuleta
202-812-4477
Ponce, Puerto Rico – This year, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), will kick off its health fair series entitled, Latinos Living Healthy: Feria de Salud on Friday, May 1 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Additional health fairs will take place in Utah, California and Washington D.C. All the health fairs are focused on ensuring that the Latino community has access to healthy food options, and understands the importance of physical activity. The health fairs are free and open to the public.
“Obesity is prevalent within the Latino community primarily because there is a lack of understanding regarding healthy food choices and a lack of access to such foods,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “Thus, it is no coincidence that chronic illnesses linked to obesity are steadily increasing in the Latino community. Through these health fairs, LULAC is working to ensure that the Latino community has the information to reverse this trend and are encouraged to get fit and live healthy lives. With support from the people of Puerto Rico, the health fair will provide a unique opportunity for Latinos to celebrate their culture with healthy food options, health screenings, physical activity, and free healthy cooking demonstrations --- all meant to raise awareness of the health disparities faced by Latinos.”
LULAC encourages attendees to take advantage of the health exams and other health services that will be free to the public. Families can participate in basketball tournaments, and children can meet with their favorite Disney characters. In addition, the fair will include live performances throughout the day which will feature Sonora Ponceña, salsa orchestra, Son Panderos, Mariachis and collegiate bands representing different schools. Celebrity Chef Piñeiro will provide healthy cooking tips during live cooking demonstrations. Other highlights will include food exhibitors, arts and crafts, a farmers market, Reinas de Carnaval and much more. LULAC encourages parents and children to enjoy a day of family fun in a healthy way at the Latinos Living Healthy health fair.
Since the inception of the program, the health fairs have reached over 75,000 people and have partnered with universities, sports clubs, health practices, public sector organizations, among others in the effort to encourage Latinos to live healthy lives.
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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.