A new program in Buttonwillow aims to teach residents how to lead healthier lifestyles and fight chronic disease.

Kern County Public Health Assistant Director Brynn Carrigan says the Know Your Numbers Campaign screens participants for cholesterol levels, body mass index, blood glucose, and hypertension. The participants are then offered fitness and nutrition classes two times a week for the next 12 weeks.

Carrigan says they want to expand the program next year and start a mobile health clinic because Kern County residents are more likely to die of diabetes or heart disease than other places in the state.

Kelli Pierce