Through October, Maywood area residents will be able to purchase low-cost ethnic fruit and vegetables, herbs, arts and crafts, flowers and gourmet items produced by local Latino, Asian-American and African-American farmers and gardeners at the market. The number of vendors at the market and the variety of offerings will widen as the growing season progresses.

The market will also feature entertainment, gardening advice, tips on cooking low-fat, nutritious meals, free samples, methods to lower stress and reduce weight, fun exercises and information on the link between diet and blood pressure and hidden fat in foods. Medical students will offer free blood pressure checks, blood-sugar level screenings and obesity awareness during the health fair.

"The Maywood Multicultural Farmers Market will help us to prevent disease and to build healthy eating habits among area families, many of whom are at risk for life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure," said Hatchett, a public health researcher who has worked for more than a decade at reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

SOURCE Loyola University Health System