Fresno group pushing for more health equality

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno group is pushing for more equality when it comes to healthy food and physical activity options.

Fast food chains line a stretch of Kings Canyon Boulevard in Southeast Fresno. A major health problem according to Cultiva La Salud which also says there aren't enough major grocery stores with affordable healthy options.

The non-profit health advocate also says there's just not enough outdoor recreation available in this part of the city. Keba Myles says his neighborhood has been improved by the city -- especially with the creation of the Martin Ray Reilly Park.

Myle said, "I can honestly say they're stepping it up. With this park that made a big impact in Fresno for the kids to have somewhere to play."

Cultiva La Salud says a lack of health promotion could lead to severe health problems including early death.

"It's an alarm that needs to be sounded," said Genoveva Islas. "We need to take action immediately to stop this from continuing."

Islas lost her sister to ovarian cancer at 39 and her father to heart disease when he was 53. This fight for healthy living is personal.

Islas explained, "I would love to be able to impact and prevent chronic disease from continuing so that moms and dads can live the full course of their life and raise their children."

Cultiva La Salud is part of Public Health Institute which works to create healthy lifestyles in the Central Valley. At a town hall meeting Tuesday, Islas stressed health warnings -- saying half of Latinos born as of 2010 will develop diabetes in their lifetime because of poor eating and a lack of physical activity.

Irma Reyes says her biggest concern is teaching her two children to eat well. And to get out and exersice. And Myles hopes other parents follow these examples so their kids can be healthy and happy.

Myles said, "There's a lot of kids that need to get out and have some fun and not have to sit around the house. Haha."