Building Health Equity in Merced: A Conversation with Merced Elite Gym’s Andrew Navarro
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Navarro, founder of Merced Elite Gym, to explore how fitness, education, and cultural awareness intersect to promote health equity in Merced, California. We dive into the challenges facing the Latino/x community- especially around nutrition access and health literacy- and discuss how Andrew is using his gym as a platform for change. We also break down the Socio-Ecological Model to understand how individual behavior, family dynamics, community support, and organizational leadership all play a role in improving health outcomes. Whether you're a health advocate, educator, student, or simply passionate about community wellness, this conversation offers practical insight into building healthier communities from the ground up.
