Obesity And Preserving Culture: Latinos Discuss Parenting Challenges
Listen to this NPR discussion with Latino parents about the challenges of raising healthy, happy children. The panel touches on health, cultural assimilation and ...
Read MoreCity Opens Farmers’ Market in Compton
In Compton, CA, fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce, and residents are feeling it. About 40% of folks living in Compton are obese; many struggle with chronic disease like diabetes. In this predominantly Latino city, corner stores are everywhere and even the "fresh" produce at the local grocery store is often spoiled. City officials are taking a big step in the right direction: opening a farmers' market. In early September, the City opened the Blue Line Farmers' Market, the first in Compton in more than a decade. It sits right at a Metro stop, welcoming riders as they get off. City officials said the weekly Wednesday farmers market is just the first step. The City Council has added health and wellness as one of its "critical priorities" for the coming fiscal year, and in ...
Read MoreStudy: Lack of Bilingual Health Info Creates Gap in Hispanic Patient Care
Lack of Spanish-language health information is the missing link in Hispanic patient care, according to a new study by Univision Communications. The new study targets the "patient journey." Patients typically go through a journey from being aware of health issues that could affect them, all the way to treating a diagnosed health problem. This journey differs for Hispanics. Awareness is the first step to overcoming a health issue, and involves being aware that you may be at risk. Hispanics can become more aware if patients or caregivers, primarily the mother in the Hispanic family, is educated about risks. This study found that awareness could be raised in Hispanics if TVs were used for education, because this is the primary source of information for most Hispanic families. Once ...
Read MoreSlimming Down Restaurants in L.A.
A new healthy restaurant initiative hopes to encourage restaurant owners to offer more healthy options on their menus. Choose Health LA Restaurants is a partnership between the LA County Department of Public Health and local restaurants to promote healthier meal choices for customers across Los Angeles County. A handful of restaurants are already participating. Is there one near ...
Read MoreLawrence, MA Wants to Get Healthier
In Lawrence, Hispanics make up the majority of the population with over 70%. Close to 45% of children and about 69 percent of adults are overweight or obese in Lawrence, according to the city's Department of Health. The City has decided to take action to get folks moving towards better health. Mayor William Lantigua, members of the Mayor’s Health Task Force, Board of Health and local agencies implemented a seven page Healthy Active Living Resolution in early September 2013. Included in the resolution are commitments to improve recreational areas of the city to promote physical activity, increase access to affordable, healthy foods, and create a municipal employee wellness program. The health task force and city departments need to submit their proposals to Mayor Lantigua within ...
Read MoreBe a Star! Share Your Story of Healthy Community Change and We Can Write it Up, Film it
Do you have a story of healthy community change? At Salud America!, a national Latino childhood obesity research network, we can: Interview you Write your story into a professional case study Possibly film your story Then we'll promote your story on our national platform to inspire others to improve Latino child health in their areas. You can also use the story in your own networks. Best part? It's no cost to you! Just see what we did for the folks in Alice, Texas, who teamed up to open some school facilities up to the public for physical activity after school hours. Case study story Video Just email us at saludamerica@uthscsa.org or call 210-562-6528 to start. Find more info here. Salud America!, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson ...
Read MoreHouston’s B-Cycle Program
According to this story from Houston B-Cycle, in May 2012, the city of Houston launched its bikeshare program with just 18 bikes. This January 2013 press release, talks about a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and the City of Houston which aims to create a more bikeable community. BCBSTX donated $750,000 to expand the Houston B-cycle program. The generous donation from BCBSTX will help Houston expand to phase two of the Houston B-cycle program. Prior to this expansion, the bike share program only existed at downtown locations. Phase two of the program will expand the B-cycle program's presence into Midtown, Montrose, and the museum district. Plans for a phase three expansion into the Texas Medical Center and to local universities are in the ...
Read MoreEasier Access to Athletic Programs in Prince George County
The Prince George County Board of Education has decided to abolish a $50 fee, which was formerly required of high school students wanting to participate in athletics. According to an article from The Washington Post, in 2011, the board decided to charge a $50 fee to students as a way to cut back on costs. Now, in an effort to help prevent obesity, the board has decided to do away with the fee and allow middle school aged children to participate in sports like baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. According to the Washington Post, Vice Chairman Carolyn M. Boston (District 6) said: “we heard from the community and we heard from parents who felt our obesity rate is to the point where this is what our kids need.” Changes are set to take place in August of ...
Read MoreWest Philadelphia Community Garden Brings Fresh Veggies to Neighbors
A small community garden in West Philadelphia is starting to a make a big difference. A group of volunteers with the Philadelphia Coalition of the Heart prepared for their second planting season at their North Philly Peace Park. Calling these garden upkeep events, "work parties", they raked weeds, covered the ground with cardboard and wood chips – to protect the soil – and laid out beds that will be used to grow next season’s produce, including cantaloupe, okra, collards, eggplants and watermelon. The goal? To feed the community. Last years garden fed a bunch of neighbors who were happy to grow their own chemical-free, good-for-you veggies. This year, they hope to attract even more residents to the garden to volunteer their time and to take advantage of the local, fresh ...
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