RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity

Seals at Massachusetts Aquarium Inspire Children to be Active

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new exhibit at the New England Aquarium in Boston features five northern fur seals that are inspiring children to be physically active, the Associated Press reports.

Atlanta Children's Hospital Launches Web Site to Promote Healthy Habits

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The nonprofit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has launched a new Web site designed to teach parents and their children how to develop healthy lifestyle habits, Healthcare IT News reports.

Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Again Weighs in as Heaviest State

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A report from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in any state in the past year, the Associated Press reports.

Overweight Mothers Less Likely to Accurately Identify Child's Weight

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that overweight mothers often have difficulty accurately recognizing when their children are overweight or obese, Reuters reports.

Federal Program to Receive More Funding to Increase Schools' Access to Fresh Produce

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The federal government has pledged its support for two measures seeking to improve the nutritional content of foods sold in schools, the Packer reports.

Policy-Makers Eye Kentucky as Potential Model for Federal Child Nutrition Reform

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Efforts in Kentucky to eliminate junk food sales in schools are being touted as a model for federal child nutrition reform, the Washington Post reports.

Nashville Food Deserts Benefit From New Farmers' Markets

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Four Nashville neighborhoods that had previously been identified as food deserts are benefiting from new farmers markets established through the Veggie Project, the Examiner reports.

Sesame Workshop, to Study Effectiveness of Healthy Habits Program

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Sesame Workshop will study the efficacy of its Healthy Habits for Life initiative, which aims to help day care providers integrate lessons on healthy eating and exercise habits for children ages 3 to 5, the Packer reports.

Report Suggests Video Games May Yield Improvements in Child Health

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Although video games have been criticized for fostering a sedentary lifestyle and contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, a new report suggests that the technology may improve children's health and learning, Reuters reports.

Florida Coalition Presents Plan to Address Childhood Obesity

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Healthy Jacksonville Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition in Florida has issued a set of proposals aimed at lowering obesity rates, which had risen to 30 percent and 28 percent among area middle school and high school students, respectively, in 2006, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Michigan Medical Students Educating Children on Healthy Habits

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A Michigan State University (MSU) program is helping local elementary school students to cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, the Jackson Citizen Patriot reports.

AAP Highlights Need for More Play Spaces

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement calling for enhanced neighborhood access to physical activity opportunities for children, the Delmarva Media Group reports.

Study Suggests Adolescents Frequently Underestimate Body Weight

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that overweight adolescents frequently underestimate their weight status, Reuters reports.

Health Experts Call for a Presidential Commission to Address Obesity

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A coalition of health experts has penned a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to create the Presidential Commission on Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives to address the nation's obesity epidemic, United Press International reports.

Study Finds Many U.S. Children Have Limited or No Access to Playgrounds

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring and establishing outdoor play spaces for children, suggests that more than half of children do not have access to such spaces in their neighborhoods, United Press International reports.

Schools Falling Short in Physical Education

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Despite the nation's burgeoning childhood obesity epidemic, few school districts provide the recommended level of daily physical activity for students, the Associated Press reports.

Researchers Develop Text Message System to Encourage Physical Activity Among Teens

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles have devised a system that monitors the physical activity levels of teens and can send cell phone text messages to encourage them to be more active, the Northwest Herald reports.

Louisiana University Receives Funding for Childhood Obesity Screening Program

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning has received $400,000 to expand an effort aimed at reducing the state's rising childhood obesity rate, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Grocery, Theater Group Partner to Educate Children About Healthy Eating Habits

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets has partnered with FoodPlay Productions to bring the group's Emmy Award-winning theater show about healthy eating and exercise habits to approximately 40,000 students in the Northeast, the Saugus Advertiser reports.

New York City Officials Model Grocery Store Plan After Pennsylvania Program

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

New York City officials have announced plans for a program designed to attract full-service grocery stores to underserved areas of the city, the New York Times reports.

Three New Laws in Maine Aim to Curb State's Obesity Rate

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci (D) has signed three bills aimed at curbing the state’s obesity rate, the Bangor Daily News reports.

Study Suggests Supermarket, Fast-Food Restaurant Location has Little Impact on Children's Weight

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new study suggests that children who live close to fast-food restaurants may not be any more likely to be overweight or obese than those who reside further away from such restaurants, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Indiana Launches Statewide Childhood Obesity Campaign

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Indiana Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will act as spokesman for a new statewide school health and wellness initiative in Indiana, the Muncie Star Press reports.

Study Finds Improvement in Children's Eating Habits

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study by The NPD Group, a market research firm, finds that children who eat in restaurants are increasingly selecting healthier fare, the New York Times reports.

Obesity Experts Recommend BMI Screening During Physician Office Visits

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Obesity experts presenting at the Fifth Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference issued new guidelines calling for physicians to measure children's body mass index (BMI) at every office visit, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Audit of New York Schools Reveals Persistent Sale of Junk Food to Students

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report from the New York State Comptroller finds that the majority of New York City schools are continuing to sell junk food, which is in direct violation of city and state nutritional guidelines, the New York Times reports.

National Campaign to Promote Outdoor Play for Children

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council have launched a joint public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at encouraging children to interact in nature and engage in outdoor play, the Denver Post reports.

Obama Administration Endorses Efforts to Help Americans Lead Healthier Lives

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

President Obama's plans for overhauling the U.S. health care system are expected to include several initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases and improving the overall health of Americans, Politico reports.

Restaurant Industry Backs Menu-Labeling Legislation

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Several U.S. chain restaurant corporations have agreed to support legislation that would establish uniform requirements for calorie and nutrition labeling on restaurant menu boards, Reuters reports.

Arizona City Launches Community-Based Program to Address Childhood Obesity

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Parks and Recreation Department in Chandler, Ariz., has launched a project designed to address childhood obesity by promoting physical activity and healthy eating, the Arizona Republic reports.

Study Taps iPhones to Encourage Healthy Eating Among Youths

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cornell University has launched a program designed to evaluate how handheld technology can be used to improve children's food choices, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Pennsylvania Legislators Propose Measure to Reform School Nutrition

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Pennsylvania state Reps. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery) and Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) have introduced legislation that would establish stringent nutritional guidelines for the foods and beverages sold in the state's public schools, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

California Assembly Approves Nutrition Standards for Childcare Facilities

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The California State Assembly has approved a measure that would establish minimum nutrition standards for foods served in licensed child-care facilities, the Los Angeles Times reports.

BMI Registries Recommended as Tool to Track, Address Obesity

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Public health professionals are increasingly touting registries of physician-reported body mass indices (BMIs) as an effective tool for measuring and addressing childhood obesity, AMNews reports.

USDA, Food Network Work Together on School Garden Initiative

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has teamed up with the Food Network and other groups to help lower-income schools and communities establish fruit and vegetable gardens, United Press International reports.

Study Suggests Improving Mothers' Nutrition May Reduce Childhood Overweight

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study conducted by physicians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, suggests that efforts to improve mothers' eating habits may also improve the nutrition of their children and help reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity, Bartlesville Live reports.

Report Suggests Recession May Fuel Rise in Childhood Obesity

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report from the Foundation for Child Development (FCD) suggests that the current economic climate may negatively impact on children's health and wellness, including an increase in childhood overweight and obesity, CBS News reports.

Illinois Approves Spending for Fresh Food Fund

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Illinois General Assembly has approved $10 million in funding for the Illinois Fresh Food Fund, which seeks to stimulate supermarket development in underserved areas of the state, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Florida Students Participate in 12-Week Marathon Challenge

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Approximately 650 students in Jacksonville, Fla., have completed the Shannon Miller Kids Marathon, a 12-week program that promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices, First Coast News reports.

Louisiana House Approves Bill Mandating Daily Physical Activity at Schools

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Louisiana House of Representatives has approved a measure that would require students in kindergarten through eighth grade to participate in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, the Monroe News-Star reports.

Study Suggests Frequent Self Weigh-Ins Help Teens Control Weight

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study appearing in the May issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests that regular self weigh-ins can help teenagers maintain a healthy weight, Reuters reports.

Annual Summer Fitness Challenge Gets Kids Moving

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Snohomish County, Wash., is planning to launch its sixth annual Get Movin' summer challenge, which encourages participants to be physically active throughout the summer, the Everett Herald reports.

Burger King Unveils Healthier Children's Meal Offerings

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Fast-food chain Burger King has announced plans to expand its Kids Meal menu to include three new healthy meals, United Press International reports.

Study Finds Strict Maternal Feeding Practices May Not Influence Child Weight Gain

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the June issue of the journal Obesity suggests that strict maternal feeding practices do not have as much influence over child weight gain as previously believed, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Obesity Prevention Program Yields Success for North Carolina County

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Watauga County Childhood Obesity Prevention Partnership in Watauga County, N.C., is preparing to complete a yearlong effort aimed at reducing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among county residents, the Watauga Democrat reports.

Pennsylvania to Fund Initiatives to Increase Physical Activity among Students

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health (PDH) and Education (PDE) have announced plans to help fund and implement more comprehensive physical education (P.E.) programs at schools in the state, NBC25 reports.

Schools Face Hurdles in Adopting Healthier Meals

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Poor enforcement of nutritional standards and a proliferation of fast-food restaurants are making it increasingly difficult for school districts and state governments to improve the nutritional quality of school meals, Reuters reports.

California Schools to Teach Students Life-Long Fitness Habits

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In response to the burgeoning childhood obesity epidemic, some schools in California are revamping their physical education (P.E.) curriculum to emphasize life-long fitness habits, the Deseret News reports.

Kaiser Permanente Sponsors Farmers Markets

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

California-based health care organization Kaiser Permanente is participating in a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the scope of farmers' markets and introducing the community to healthy food and proper nutrition, the Los Angeles Times reports.

New Mexico Senator Reintroduces Federal Obesity Prevention and Treatment Bill

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) has reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing the nation’s obesity epidemic, the Associated Press reports.

Federal Lawmakers Introduce Menu Labeling Legislation

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) have introduced the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act, which would require fast-food restaurants to post the calorie content of menu items, along with other nutrition information, on menu boards, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Texas House Approves Physical Education Curriculum Standards

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Texas House has granted preliminary approval to a measure that would establish new physical education (P.E.) guidelines for schools and a curriculum that promotes life-long fitness habits, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

USDA Awards Arkansas Research Center Grant for Childhood Nutrition Research

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (ACNC) a five-year, $31 million grant to support its continued research into how nutritional status and dietary factors influence human development and impact future obesity and disease risk, the Morning News of Northwest Arkansas reports.

Milwaukee-Area Schools Aim to Improve Nutrition of Student Lunches

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Milwaukee Public Schools system is making efforts to improve the nutritional quality of the meals it offers, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Study Finds Link Between Adolescent Obesity, Stress

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

According to a study published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health, adolescents who report high stress levels have a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese, United Press International reports.

Michigan Adds Obesity Tracking Component to Immunization Database

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Michigan has announced plans to expand its electronic childhood immunization registry to include obesity rates, Government Health IT reports.

New Jersey Groups Promote Outdoor Play

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

New Jersey after-school programs recently participated in Celebrate Afterschool! Outdoors in the Garden State, a weeklong-event designed to promote outdoor play as part of the national "No Child Left Inside" movement, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Florida Schools Use Gardening Lessons to Teach Nutrition

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Several Miami-area schools are participating in garden projects that teach students about proper nutrition and fresh, healthy foods in an effort to curb obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems, the Deseret News reports.

National Program Enlists Older Adults to Educate Children on Healthy Lifestyles

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

An intergenerational program that calls on older adult volunteers to help promote the benefits of sound nutrition and exercise among children will expand to eight cities over the next two years, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Massachusetts Approves Nation's Toughest Menu Labeling Rules

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Massachusetts Public Health Council has approved a measure requiring restaurant chains to display the calorie counts of all items on menus, including drive-through menu boards, effectively creating the nation’s strictest statewide menu labeling rules, Reuters reports.

UNC Asheville Receives Grant for Childhood Obesity, Wellness Programs

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, has awarded a three-year, $3 million grant to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville for the facility’s North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness, the Asheville Citizen-Times reports.

Study Finds Overfed Infants at Increased Risk for Early Weight Gain

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the May/June issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior finds that mothers who fail to recognize their infants' signs of satiety tend to overfeed, resulting in excess weight gain when infants are between 6 and 12 months old, HealthDay News reports.

Results From BMI Screenings Prompt Tennessee School District to Improve P.E. Curriculum

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Recognizing that a significant percentage of school children in Shelby County, Tenn., are overweight, the district is trying to help schools improve opportunities for exercise, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Study Singles Out Overeating as Primary Cause of U.S. Obesity Epidemic

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Research presented last week at the European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam faults an increase in overeating, rather than a decline in physical activity, for the current obesity epidemic in the United States, Reuters reports.

Study Suggests Link Between Childhood Obesity, Allergies

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the May issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology finds that obese children are at an increased risk of food and other allergies compared to their healthy-weight peers, HealthDay News reports.

Study Finds Additional Physical Activity at School May Not Lead to Increases in Overall Activity

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study recently presented at the 2009 European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam found that increasing the amount of physical activity children engage in during the school day may not do much to stem rising rates of childhood obesity, the Associated Press reports.

Legislators Introduce Childhood Obesity, Eating Disorder Prevention Measure

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and Nita M. Lowey (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation that seeks to improve the physical and emotional health of children, with a particular focus on addressing childhood obesity and eating disorders, CQ HealthBeat reports.

U.S. Schools Participate in Worldwide Exercise Day

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Millions of students in all 50 states and at least 29 countries recently participated in the 20^th annual Project All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES) day as part of a coordinated effort to stem increasing childhood obesity rates, the Associated Press reports.

Alabama Schools Receive USDA Funding to Provide Fresh Fruits, Vegetables

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded funding to 25 Alabama schools to support efforts to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among students, the Florence Times Daily reports.

Disney Uses Popular Stars to Promote Nutritious Foods

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In an effort to encourage children to eat more nutritious foods, Disney has licensed its stars’ likeness for placement on healthy food items, the Washington Post reports.

Ohio Launches Campaign to Encourage Children to Play Outdoors

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has launched Explore the Outdoors, a campaign designed to encourage children to play outside, be active and reconnect with nature, the Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune reports.