Hawaiian Gardens Fights Childhood Obesity With New School Program

HAWAIIAN GARDENS (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County's smallest city is fighting one of its biggest problems — childhood obesity.

Tri-City Regional Medical Center, ABC Unified and city officials Wednesday launched Activate Hawaiian Gardens, a program focused on reducing childhood obesity.

The new program, implemented at four Hawaiian Gardens elementary schools, is geared towards providing students and parents tips on healthy eating, exercise and improved communication.

Hour-long sessions will be held once a week at each elementary school throughout the school year to teach parents how to manage the behavioral issues related to diet and better nutrition.

Wellness Coordinator for Tri-City Regional Medical Center, Alexander Khananashvili, created Activate Hawaiian Gardens in hopes of making a long-term change and reducing chronic illness and disease.