Hispanic community leaders help shine a light on a major health issue with a forum in the Bronx.
The group Urban Health Plan organized the event to teach residents about obesity and highlight the work of Hispanic health care leaders.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. says it's a good way to celebrate Hispanic culture and raise awareness of growing problem in the community.
"The statistics show us that when you speak of childhood obesity, 24 percent of the children who are childhood obese are from the Latino community, and this is a perfect way partnering with Urban Health Plan with the National Hispanic Health Foundation, for us to get the information out to the parents," he said.
"It really is important that we intervene very quickly at a young age," said Paloma Hernandez, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan.
Diaz says he's also starting a new social media campaign to encourage Bronx residents to live healthier lifestyles.