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Barriers and Contributors to Breastfeeding in WIC Mothers: A Social Ecological Perspective



The Barriers and Contributions to Breastfeeding in WIC Mothers: A Social Ecological Perspective study used the social ecological model to assess positive and negative factors that influence breastfeeding initiation and duration in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants in New Hampshire. Previous research has shown that Latino mothers have lower breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. In order to increase Latino mothers initiation rates and reduce Latino childhood obesity, it is important to understand interpersonal, social, and environmental factors that influence mother's breastfeeding initiation and duration, especially in programs that focus on mother and infant nutrition. Access this article here. Share on ...

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#SaludTues Tweetchat 1p ET 12/8/15: “Envisioning A Healthier Food Environment for Latino Kids”



What will happen to the future environment? How are policymakers, restaurants, and communities impacting food in Latino neighborhoods? Who’s targeting Latino and other kids of color? Do they see more healthy or junk food ads? What steps can we take to see the food environment that promotes health? Use #SaludTues to tweet with us on Dec. 8, 2015, as we unveil the results of a new study that explores the ways we can envision a healthier food environment for Latino neighborhoods and communities. WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: “Envisioning A Healthier Food Environment for Latino Kids TIME/DATE: 1-2 p.m., ET, Dec. 8, 2015 WHERE: On Twitter with hashtag #SaludTues HOST: @SaludToday CO-HOSTS: Food Corps (@FoodCorps); Voices for Healthy Kids (@Voices4HK) We’ll open the ...

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University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital Certified Baby-Friendly



University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital was designated a Baby Friendly Hospital in November, 2015 through Baby-Friendly USA's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Baby-Friendly Designation is based on evidence-based findings that breastfeeding is beneficial for babies and mothers and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that successfully implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding to support breastfeeding mothers and provide them the information and resources necessary to breastfeed. UAB Hospital staff and administrators began pursuing a Baby Friendly certification in 2011 by creating consistent messaging to promote breastfeeding, through focus groups with pregnant women and new moms, and by reaching out to specialists, such as obstetricians and ...

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Kaiser Family Foundation Offers ACA Answers



The Kaiser Family Foundation has set up a “frequently asked questions” page for those seeking information on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Open enrollment for the ACA is currently ongoing and ends January 31, 2016. The ACA puts consumers back in charge of their health care. Under the law, a new “Patient’s Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health. The Kaiser Family Foundation has made an effort to gather and up-to-date and accurate information. The ACA is working to make health care more affordable, accessible and of a higher quality, for families, seniors, businesses, and taxpayers alike. This includes previously uninsured Americans, and Americans who had insurance that didn’t provide ...

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Review of WIC Food Packages: Chap 2: The WIC Participant Experience



Chapter 2: The WIC Participant Experience, in the second in a series of three reports on the Review of WIC Food Packages, summarizes evidence of complex behavioral and environmental factors that influence participation in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and redemption of WIC foods. Research suggests cultural variation in infant and child feeding practices, which may affect participation in WIC and redemption of WIC benefits. For example, Latinos have lower breastfeeding prevalence than Whites and Asians. Additionally, one study in Maryland found that Latinos preferred beans over peanut butter and they disliked frozen and canned vegetables. Cultural variations, like these, as well as administrative barriers, affect Latino mother's and ...

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The Power of Nutrition and the Power of Breastfeeding, from the World Bank



In October,2015, The World Bank Global Practices Vice President, Kieth Hansen, provided a highlight of the Seventh Annual Summit on Breastfeeding, First Food: The Essential Role of Breastfeeding in "The Power of Nutrition and the Power of Breastfeeding," published in Breastfeeding Medicine. "Children who escape undernutrition are much more likely to survive and stay in school, and they're much more likely to escape poverty—about 33% more likely on average," Hansen said. "And their wages are anywhere from 5% to 50% higher than their peers who were not able to escape." In regards to undernutrition, overall health, and the economy, Hansen says that breastfeeding may be the single most effective investment a country can make. He discusses prioritizing and financing ...

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Let’s Latinize #GivingTuesday



After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes #GivingTuesday; an opportunity for people like you and me to celebrate and encourage generosity around the world. This year, Hispanics in Philanthropy (HipGive), a Latino organization whose mission is to strengthen Latino communities by increasing resources for the Latino and Latin American civil sector, is launching #LatinosGive. The aim of this social media campaign is to show the world how Latinos give back to their families, communities, and society. How can you participate? 1. Complete the phrase #LatinosGive on your hand, arm, or a piece of paper. 2. Take a photo or video of yourself. 3. Explain the word(s) chosen either directly on your video or on the caption of your photo. 4. Share it on Facebook, Twitter and/or ...

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School Principal Steers a Culture of Cycling with Bike Safety and BMX Trails



In 2009 Douglas Johnson, the new principal at Mountlake Terrace Elementary School in Mountlake Terrace, Wash. (10.5% Latino), realized the enormity of physical inactivity and obesity in his community. Latino kids lack safe, quality opportunities for physical activity, which heightens their risk for obesity and disease. Safe biking opportunities provide one avenue to improve the situation. Johnson and other leaders at Mountlake Terrace started taking advantage of existing opportunities offered by local cycling clubs. Soon, they began creating their opportunities and helped bring new bikes, helmets, and a brand-new bike trail to the school to expand students’ ability to get the physical activity they need to stay healthy. Kids Aren't Playing Enough In 2009 Douglas Johnson, ...

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Coca-Cola’s Chief Scientist Resigns



Rhona S. Applebaum, Coke’s chief scientist is stepping down after revelations that the soft drink giant tried to play down the role of coke products in the spread of obesity, New York Times reports. Data from SaludAmerica shows more than 39 percent of Latino children between the ages 2-19 are overweight or obese in the United States. As part of Coke’s strategy to influence research on the effects of sugary drinks on obesity, Applebaum helped establish a nonprofit group known as the Global Energy Balance Network. “The group’s members were university scientists who encouraged the public to focus on exercise and worry less about how calories from food and beverages contribute to obesity.” According to Coca-Cola the company did offer financial support to the group ...

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