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Know Your Numbers Program launches in Taft

Kern County Public Health Services Department

The Kern County Public Health Services Department launches our Know Your Numbers program in Taft on March 7 at the Taft Branch Library.

This free traveling program offers two health screenings informing participants of their body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels both before and after six weeks of nutrition coaching from our Public Health Nutritionist and fitness classes provided by our partners at In-Shape Health Clubs. Join us every Monday at 27 Cougar Court in Taft from noon to 1 pm, starting March 7 through April 18.

In February, the Department announced a Call to Action to improve our overall health. Kern County has some of the highest rates of obesity and mortality due to chronic health conditions in California. Specifically, 78% of Kern County adults are either overweight or obese and more Kern County residents die from diabetes than anywhere else in the State. More than 50% of Kern County’s deaths due to COVID-19 had obesity and/or a chronic condition as a comorbidity. Together we can change these startling statistics, create a healthier community and improve our overall quality of life. Physical activity and eating a balanced diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

“As we embark on our road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better time than now to invest in your overall health. Know Your Numbers offers nutrition coaching and fitness routines that you can do within the comfort and convenience of your own home,” says Brynn Carrigan, director of Kern County Public Health. “This program is designed to help you make easy to implement, long-term, sustainable changes.”

Know Your Numbers is one of several initiatives geared at improving the overall health of Kern County available from the Department. We encourage our residents to take advantage of these life changing programs.

• Certified Healthy – This program empowers residents to choose local restaurants that offer healthier more nutritious meal options. “Certified Healthy” restaurants have met our ten nutrition criteria. To find Certified Healthy restaurants near you, download our free Safe Diner App.

• Waste Hunger Not Food – This program rescues wholesome food from schools, restaurants, and markets that would have otherwise been wasted and distributes it to those in need, including locations in Taft.

Visit our website http://www.kernpublichealth.com/lets-get-healthy-kern/ to learn more.