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Infographics About Walking



Because walking has numerous health benefits, it shouldn't be so complicated to figure out where kids and families can walk safely and be physically active in nature. The following infographics (English and Spanish) from the National Recreation and Parks Association, EverybodyWalk, National Environmental Education Foundation, Active Living Research,and the Surgeon General demonstrate how powerful nature walks are to transform your health and why everyone deserves safe access to parks and places to walk. National Recreation and Parks Association - Safe Routes to Parks National Recreation and Parks Association - The Power of Parks EverybodyWalk - Anatomy of Walking EverybodyWalk - Health Benefits of Walking Health Benefits of Walking in Spanish National ...

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New Study: Arrows Mark the Way to Healthier Foods & Higher Consumption


Mother and daughter shopping for produce

A new study shows how arrows directing grocery store shoppers may help them choose healthier foods. According to a study from the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, the use of six feet by three feet green arrows with text inside stating, "please follow this green arrow for a healthy heart, or a healthy weight" directed consumers to the fresh produce aisle and helped them choose more produce. These green arrows were part of a study on nutrition interventions using non-traditional marketing on the floor of a grocery store to influence consumers to choose healthier fruits and vegetables when purchasing foods, but not increase their overall budget for foods. "Considering that half of shoppers budgets are less flexible for unmet needs at the grocery store, we knew that we ...

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New Toolkit Helps Bridge Gap to Child Healthcare Enrollment



  The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign has recently released a new resource to help bridge the gap between schools and organizations in an effort to enroll eligible children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Schools have been proven to provide important in-roads to families with children eligible for Medicaid and CHIP. The campaign developed the School-Based Outreach and Enrollment Toolkit to help make that connection. The Toolkit highlights strategies to integrate enrollment into existing school processes, such as including questions on new student registration forms—and developing sustainable outreach partnerships. Tips and customizable tools for working with different members of the school community (from nurses and social ...

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Reports Show Success in Mexico’s Junk Food Tax



Healthier foods are not always affordable or convenient, but the health risks of eating junk foods like chips, energy drinks and candy put many families at risk for diseases like heart disease and diabetes. To reverse the rising diabetic rates in Mexico, Mexico City put a 8 percent tax on high- calorie snacks to help reduce consumption and purchases of high sodium, high sugar snacks that have more than 275 calories per 100 grams of product. The tax has been successful in low-income and medium-income homes where a recent article from American Heart Association (AHA) explains that low-income families bought 10.2 percent less junk food, while medium-income households bought 5.8 percent less. Researchers from Mexico's National Institute of Public Health and the University of North ...

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Two Breakfasts are Healthier than None Researchers Say



According to a new study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, researchers found that teens who didn't eat breakfast were at higher risks for obesity than those who ate two breakfasts. This is powerful for schools, as many are working to incorporate healthier foods and reduce sugary drink consumption among students to curb the rising rates of students with diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health risks. Researchers do not know the case as to why eating two breakfasts rather than none can help, but one theory was that students would not overeat later in the day, according to a recent article. To read the full study, click here. Copy & Share on Twitter: Two Breakfasts are Healthier than None Researchers Say ...

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San Antonio Area Foundation Offering Community-at-Large Grant



The San Antonio Area Foundation Annual Responsive Grant for Community-at-Large Grants are intended for programs that improve the safety and welfare of vulnerable and under-served populations, increase chances for individual/family success and self-sufficiency. Who is eligible to apply? Nonprofit organizations, schools, churches or governmental bodies that serve Bexar and the following surrounding counties: Frio, Atascosa, Karnes, Wilson, Guadalupe, Gonzales, Comal, Blanco, Kendall, Gillespie, Kerr, Bandera and Medina are eligible to submit an application. Applications are due July 15, 2016. Learn more about the Annual Responsive Grant process here. Access a PowerPoint with information ...

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Report Outlines New Approach to Economic Equity



Economic development is a key factor in every city’s growth. Over the last several decades, local economic development in the United States has usually involved cities, states, and regions battling against one another in an effort to attract new residents, companies, and jobs. Typically, the trend for economic development comes in the form of tax breaks, subsidies, location incentives, and favorable tax rates. However several cities are now using a new strategy to generate economic development. Boise (7.74% Latino population), Denver (31.2% Latino population), and Pittsburgh (2.66% Latino population) are some of the many cities that are creating walkable, vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that are attracting residents and employers, supporting existing businesses, and fostering ...

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Disparities Still Exist in Latino Students School Meals



New reports on healthy foods in school meals show that there still remains issues for underserved children of color. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that many children consume most of their daily calories- a third to a half- at school, making school one of the most important food environments that impact a child's future health. A recent report from the CDC looking at schools across the U.S. from 2006-07 to 2013-14, shows that more schools in the West have the availability of salad bars in their schools than all other regions and most schools serving socio-economically disadvantaged students were less likely to have salad bars. Also revealed in the report, were that many majority-Latino schools were less likely to offer fresh fruit in school meals. Latino ...

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WIC Food Improves Preschool Kids Diets



Having healthy eating habits from early ages is important to setting up a healthier future. According to a recent study article, one in five children in the U.S. entering elementary school is overweight, but new research has revealed that the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has improved roughly four million children's' diet quality. Researchers funded by the National Institute of Health looked at how diets changed with new WIC food packaging, discovering that children in WIC households had eaten some vegetables while only one in five children, not receiving WIC, had any vegetables. Studies also show Latino kids often face less access to healthy foods in their schools and neighborhoods, resulting in poorer ...

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