Fresnans are "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" with highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the nation

July 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Local farmer and restauranteur Tara Hamilton, is frustrated.  Her 20-acre organic farm successfully grows fruits and vegetables, she runs two organic restaurants, and she educates people about food and health with weekly un-cooking classes. The problem? Fresnans consume the lowest amounts of fruits and vegetables in the nation even though the county produces 12.2% of California’s ag exports. She hopes Joe Cross’s personal appearance on Sunday August 12th at 3:30 p.m. at the Liberty/Hardy’s Theatre will motivate Fresnans to increase their consumption of fruits and veggies. The event is FREE and is sponsored by Kristina’s Natural Ranch Market and Organic Fresno in an effort to encourage healthier eating habits.

Joe Cross, a successful Australian entrepreneur was 100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, A the end of his rope and the end of his hope, he was 310lbs and his gut was bigger than a beach ball— with one foot already in the grave, the other wasn't far behind. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is the documentary film that chronicles Joe's personal mission to regain his health. It is available for viewing on Netflix.

With doctors and conventional medicines unable to help long- term, Joe explored the body's ability to heal itself. He traded in the junk food and hit the road with juicer and generator in tow. He drank fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days.
While talking to more than 500 Americans about food, health and longevity, it's at a truck stop in Arizona where Joe met a truck driver who suffered from the same rare condition. Phil Staples is morbidly obese weighing in at 429 lbs; a cheeseburger away from a heart-attack. As Joe recovered his health, Phil began his own epic journey to get well.
What emerges is nothing short of amazing – an inspiring tale of healing and human connection. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD defies the traditional documentary format to present an unconventional and uplifting story of two men from different worlds who each realize that the only person who can save them is themselves.

Last year, close to 300 Fresnans came out to meet the star. This year the event is held at the historic Liberty/Hardy’s Theatre at 944 Van Ness Avenue. “We hope that more people will come out and be inspired” says Tara Hamilton. “They’ll have an opportunity to see a historical theatre and meet someone who has maintained his health for five years since doing the 60 day juice fast. If he can do it, we all can!” Please be sure to watch the movie on Netflix before the event as it will not be screened. Free parking is available at the parking lot at Tulare and Van Ness and there is no charge for meter parking on Sundays. The event is on Sunday August 12th at 3:30 p.m. Information is available at www.organicfresno.com