October 2007
10/29/07 - Associated Press
Pediatricians Urge Autism Screening
Symptoms to watch for and the call for early screening for autism come in two new reports released by the American Academy of Pediatrics at its annual meeting and will appear in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics and on its website, AAP.
10/29/07 - RWJF News Digest
Berkeley Restaurants to Promote Healthier Eating Habits
The Berkeley, Calif., Public Health Division has partnered with local restaurants to launch Eat Well Berkeley, an initiative designed to improve residents' eating habits.
10/19/07 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Launches Redesigned Spanish Website
Updated site includes information on asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, immunizations, children′s health and diabetes.
10/24/07 - Associated Press
New York Tries Again to Get Calories on Menus
City health officials hope to revive their stalled plan to require fast-food chains to add calorie counts to the big menu boards that hang above their counters. They hope to make people think twice about ordering a 1,000-calorie lunch.
10/25/07 - Associated Press
US Launches School Commute Exercise Plan
Safe Routes to School, a $612 million effort to increase physical activity among students throughout the nation by getting them to bike or walk to school, is gaining momentum.
10/26/07 - The Washington Post
Conflict Deepens Over Kids' Health Bill
Although Democrats have pushed a revised children's health bill through the House, they lack the votes to overcome a threatened second straight veto by President Bush.
New Report: Healthy Steps for Young Children Program Retains Benefits in Follow-Up Study
Lasting benefits were reported by families who were counseled during the first three years of their child’s life by a developmental specialist in a primary care intervention program, according to a report published in the journal, Pediatrics. They also showed lower odds of using severe punishment and greater odds of negotiating with their child.
10/16/07 - The New York Times
In Diabetes, a Complex of Causes
New research about the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes and how immune cells in the obese react to influence insulin resistance.
10/16/07 - The Washington Post
Hiding Veggies in Food: Benefit or Betrayal?
The “stealth” method of sneaking fruits and vegetables into kids’ meals and snacks draws criticism from experts. more »
Healthy Steps for Young Children Program Retains Benefits in Follow-Up Study
Lasting benefits were reported by families who were counseled during the first three years of their child’s life by a developmental specialist in a primary care intervention program, according to a report published in the journal, Pediatrics. They also showed lower odds of using severe punishment and greater odds of negotiating with their child.
10/16/07 - The New York Times
In Diabetes, a Complex of Causes
New research about the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes and how immune cells in the obese react to influence insulin resistance.
10/16/07 - The Washington Post
Hiding Veggies in Food: Benefit or Betrayal?
The “stealth” method of sneaking fruits and vegetables into kids’ meals and snacks draws criticism from experts.
10/16/07 - The Washington Post
When Kids Hit the Pedals, Good Things Happen
A program called Trips for Kids brings mountain biking to disadvantaged children.
10/18/07 - The Kaiser Family Foundation
Poll Finds Strong Public Support for SCHIP
In a poll conducted by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the Harvard School of Public Health, 70% of Americans said they support the reauthorization of SCHIP.
10/16/07 - RWJF News Digest
Los Angeles Leaders Propose Fast Food Moratorium
About 45% of South Los Angeles’ restaurants are fast food eateries; residents of that part of the city also have the highest rates of obesity. A proposal would temporarily prohibit the opening of any new fast food outlets while city leaders make plans for improving the quality of food in South L.A.
10/19/07 - Reuters
Less Junk Food Seen in U.S. Schools
A report from the Centers for Disease Control that studied school health policy from 2000 to 2006, showed decreased availability of fatty and fried foods and sugary drinks on school campuses, but showed little movement in increasing student physical education.
10/19/07 - MSNBC
Fast Food Portions Keep Getting Bigger
Marketing may have you convinced that “super” and “biggie” sized food and drink products have gone away, but many are just posing as the new “medium” and “large.”
10/14/07 - The Associated Press
Teasing Adds to Weight Problems
For parents concerned about their teens’ weight, pushing diets or cajoling probably won't help, according to a new study. Instead, families should focus on having frequent family meals, creating a positive atmosphere at mealtimes, promoting physical activity and building self-esteem, say researchers in a report slated for publication in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
10/10/07 - The New York Times
Strategies for Getting Children to Try New Foods
With creativity, persistence and patience, so-called picky eaters can be convinced to sample and enjoy nutritious foods.
10/10/07 - The Associated Press
Kids Have Trouble Keeping Weight Off
In a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers who followed a group of children who lost weight revealed that, like adults, it is difficult for kids to maintain weight loss over time.
10/8/07 - HealthDay News
Intervening in Preschool Years Can Prevent Juvenile Delinquency
Parental action can alter a preschoolers' biological response to stress, lowering the chance that even a high-risk child will become a juvenile delinquent, according to researchers at New York University School of Medicine. Findings suggest "that antisocial behavior isn't hard wired, and parents can be part of the solution.”
10/5/07 - RWJF News Digest
Missouri Foundation Awards $11 Million to Programs That Address Childhood Obesity
The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) has awarded more than $11.4 million to 80 local organizations for programs focused on obesity prevention, diabetes management and other community-based health interventions, the St. Louis Business Journal reports. The Healthy & Active Communities Initiative, one of four MFH programs that will distribute the funds, has awarded grants of up to $350,000 to 10 local organizations helping individuals at risk for obesity.
