KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – First 5 California, together with First 5 Lake, announces its Hands-On Health Express will visit the Kelseyville Pear Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Hands-On Health Express is a bilingual traveling health exhibit aimed at educating and entertaining families on the importance of healthy eating and exercise in everyday life.

“One in three California children is considered overweight or obese before they enter kindergarten,” said Camille Maben, executive director, First 5 California. “Partnering with local commissions provides us with a great opportunity to reach local families and help them raise healthy children ready to enter school and thrive.”

As part of First 5 California’s public education efforts, the Hands-On Health Express features nutrition education and physical activities that provide parents with tips on ways to keep their kids physically active and eating right.

In addition to physical health, the express also focuses on a child’s healthy brain development by exploring the importance of reading to a child from day one through story time sessions and offering parents ways to help engage kids and raise lifelong readers.

Children can participate in interactive learning games, win prizes that encourage them to continue the healthy behavior at home, while parents learn about local health services, school readiness, nutrition programs and other available resources.

“The Hands-On Health Express is a chance for us to connect with parents one-on-one to provide important health information and resources while kids are engaged in educational activities,” said Tom Jordan, executive director, First 5 Lake. “We want to ensure that parents have the tools and resources they need to raise healthy children who are ready to learn. The express is a great way to inspire young families in our communities to eat right and stay active.”

The express travels across California to a variety of events including large county fairs, community gatherings, public libraries, preschools and community centers.

For more information about the Hands-On Health Express visit www.first5calfornia.com/parents or connect via http://www.facebook.com/first5california and https://twitter.com/First5CA .