BRUCETON MILLS -- West Virginia is at or near the top of the list when it comes to obesity, heart disease, and other preventable illnesses.

Preston County ranks near the top in the state but a non-profit group in Bruceton Mills is working to bring those numbers down.

And some people even say the Family Fit Foundation has changed their lives.

Amy Slusher is the director of the organization in Bruceton Mills.

She moved back to West Virginia and decided she wanted to make difference and help make the community healthier and happier.

"It's all about creating an environment that is family friendly," says Slusher.

The Body Shop offers something for every age.

Marlene Humberson, 71, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome that paralyzed her and caused her, at one point, to be in a wheelchair.

"Marlene was a tricky case when she first started it took three of us to spot her just sitting on the ball," says Slusher. "We were really worried about her."

With months of work she now walks two miles a day.

"I'm able to balance on one foot, I can walk further, I can do all the stretching exercises," says Humberson.

Tonya Nestor has also seen positive changes but not only with her fitness level but also with her two sons.

"My oldest son couldn't do a push up before he started going here. That's my 13-year-old, my 7-year-old didn't go outside and play by himself," says Nestor.

The community kids program offers an after school program to teach kids about staying active and eating right.

Slusher says instilling these life lessons at an early age is important to curb childhood obesity and prevent heart disease and diabetes.

She says regular exercise will boost their confidence and keep them from getting depressed, something that often comes with a sedentary lifestyle.

"They couldn't get through five minutes of cardio when they started. They were struggling, and these are little kids<' says Slusher. We really changed that and it's not just about getting thinner it's about feeling better and helping them find that energy within themselves."

The organization holds a farmers' market from 5- 9 every Friday at the Bruceton-Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department to promote local and healthy eating.