The University of Arizona has launched an intervention program called “Saludable” aimed at reducing obesity among Latino youths throughout Arizona.

Celina Valencia is a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Arizona and believes the program can teach students healthy ways to relieve stress.

“Stress and food instability are linked to the development of pediatric obesity, so what we’re trying to do is disrupt that link by teaching children mindfulness and yoga as a way to bring down those toxic stress levels,” Valencia said.

Valencia also said students who completed a pilot program over the summer reported using mindfulness techniques to calm down before an exam or even to help them sleep.