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Compiled by Nathan Lang
Racial disparities persist in health care
Los Angeles Times 02/15/10
In a new study, researchers from Yale University’s School of Public Health and the Urban Institute track patterns among diverse ethnic groups and multiple hospitals in order to see which patients benefit more often from high-volume surgeons and hospitals. The results for each main ethnic group--black, Asian, Hispanic, and white--varied from each other, yet overall, the study indicates white patients as receiving better health care treatment.
Is there a link between childhood obesity and where children live?
KPBS Public Broadcasting 02/15/10
Researchers have been studying kids in San Diego neighborhoods in order to determine the relationship between the kids’ environments and the availability of healthy food and exercise. Studies suggest a link between obesity and urban environments, particularly low income neighborhoods.
LA politics confronts food
Los Angeles Times 02/18/10
In LA, there has been a reawakening about the effects of food on a community. A range of food initiatives have been undertaken in LA politics, and the community is becoming more aware about how food is related to many other concerns, including health, safety, and the environment.
More children are suffering from chronic health conditions
Los Angeles Times 02/17/10
A new report indicates that more than one of every four children suffers from a chronic health condition. This rate marks an increase from earlier decades, and prominent illnesses differ from previous generations, with conditions such asthma, obesity, and attention deficit disorder.
The first lady’s campaign against obesity
The Philadelphia Inquirer 02/16/10
In early February, Michelle Obama announced her “Let’s Move” campaign, which aims to prevent childhood obesity in the generation to come. The plan has four main goals that it seeks to achieve with the support of President Obama, Congress, national business leaders, and health advocates.
Participation in high school sports increases women’s success in life
The New York Times 02/15/10
The federal educational law Title IX provided opportunities for girls to participate in athletics throughout high school and college. About four decades after Title IX, researchers have investigated its effects on women, and the results suggest links between high school sports and a better education, employment, and long-term health for these women.
Michelle Obama discusses matters in terms of race
Politico 02/19/10
With first lady Michelle Obama’s new campaign against childhood obesity, the first lady addresses matters in terms seldom used by her husband: terms of race. While her campaign addresses all children in general, the first lady has frequently recognized the less favorable circumstances of black and Hispanic children.
Childhood obesity initiative gains media’s support
Broadcasting & Cable 02/15/10
President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and government agencies are taking initiatives against childhood obesity. Advertising agencies have offered their support for these initiatives. However, these agencies are wary of potentially severe measures such as restrictions on advertising, which they feel is an illusory cure-all for obesity.
Are soda cans the new cigarettes?
The New York Times 02/14/10
America’s consumption of soda far surpasses moderate amounts, and soda moreover seems to be a significant factor in increasing childhood obesity. Lately, soda has caught the attention of President Obama, who has expressed interest in banning all candy and sweetened beverages from schools in addition to placing a tax on soda.
Improving nutrition in school food, easier said than done
The Washington Post 02/14/10
As part of her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama has chosen to focus on improving the food offered at schools. However, a trip to HD Cooke Elementary in Northwest DC Chartwells accounts for the seeming impossibility of the first lady’s task.
Childhood obesity calls for system changes. "Revamped recess puts focus on the physical"
Boston Globe 9/08/09
They would ignore the brightly colored balls left for them on the playground and the hopscotch lines painted on the pavement. Instead, in past years many students at Conservatory Lab Charter School, in Brighton, would spend the half-hour recess sitting idly beneath a leafy tree, chatting away.
Environmental and economic factors contribute to weight gain.
Journal of Urban Health 09/09
Check your library or the Journal for the full text.
Social environment a factor in children’s eating habits
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 08/09
Check your library or the Journal for the full text.
Cost constraints and students' palates often make school lunches unhealthful
Columbus Dispatch, 07/05/09
By Jennifer Smith Richards
Many school districts have less than $1.00 to buy each child’s lunch. The article cites a U.S. Department of Agriculture 2008 report that found that “students who eat school lunches consume high levels of fat and sodium and fewer fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Even amid the current battle against childhood obesity, school lunches remain high-calorie.” One primary reason, Richards writes, is lack of guidelines. The other is cost, “a figure dictated in large part by the federal government's reimbursement formula.” Frozen is less expensive than fresh; processed foods are quicker to prepare than non-processed; food that children won’t eat is a waste of money.
Some districts now participate in a federal program that provides limited funds for fresh produce. They find that children, particularly adolescents, are making better food choices.
NEHI calls for wellness campaign to curb chronic illness and lower costs in Massachusetts
Healthcare Finance News 07/01/09
New England Healthcare Institute and the Boston Foundation report “Healthy People in a Healthy Economy: A Blueprint for Action in Massachusetts” calls for a “culture shift” to change unhealthy behavior , promote wellness, and prevent chronic disease. Diabetes alone has cost the state approximately $34 billion over the past decade.
Healthcare Finance News reports that “the blueprint recommends a coordinated effort from schools, municipalities, state government, payers, employers, the food industry, physicians, philanthropies, the media and opinion leaders.”