Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Snapshot

Obesity in Young Is Seen as Falling in Several Cities

By SABRINA TAVERNISE for the NY Times

PHILADELPHIA — After decades of rising childhood obesity rates, several American cities are reporting their first declines.

The trend has emerged in big cities like New York and Los Angeles, as well as smaller places like Anchorage, Alaska, and Kearney, Neb. The state of Mississippi has also registered a drop, but only among white students.

“It’s been nothing but bad news for 30 years, so the fact that we have any good news is a big story,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, the health commissioner in New York City, which reported a 5.5 percent decline in the number of obese schoolchildren from 2007 to 2011.

The drops are small, just 5 percent here in Philadelphia and 3 percent in Los Angeles. But experts say they are significant because they offer the first indication that the obesity epidemic, one of the nation’s most intractable health problems, may actually be reversing course.

The first dips — noted in a September report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — were so surprising that some researchers did not believe them.

Deanna M. Hoelscher, a researcher at the University of Texas, who in 2010 recorded one of the earliest declines — among mostly poor Hispanic fourth graders in the El Paso area — did a double-take. “We reran the numbers a couple of times,” she said. “I kept saying, ‘Will you please check that again for me?’ ”

Researchers say they are not sure what is behind the declines. They may be an early sign of a national shift that is visible only in cities that routinely measure the height and weight of schoolchildren. The decline in Los Angeles, for instance, was for fifth, seventh and ninth graders — the grades that are measured each year — between 2005 and 2010. Nor is it clear whether the drops have more to do with fewer obese children entering school or currently enrolled children losing weight. But researchers note that declines occurred in cities that have had obesity reduction policies in place for a number of years.

Though obesity is now part of the national conversation, with aggressive advertising campaigns in major cities and a push by Michelle Obama, many scientists doubt that anti-obesity programs actually work. Individual efforts like one-time exercise programs have rarely produced results. Researchers say that it will take a broad set of policies applied systematically to effectively reverse the trend, a conclusion underscored by an Institute of Medicine report released in May.

Philadelphia has undertaken a broad assault on childhood obesity for years. Sugary drinks like sweetened iced tea, fruit punch and sports drinks started to disappear from school vending machines in 2004. A year later, new snack guidelines set calorie and fat limits, which reduced the size of snack foods like potato chips to single servings. By 2009, deep fryers were gone from cafeterias and whole milk had been replaced by one percent and skim.

Change has been slow. Schools made money on sugary drinks, and some set up rogue drink machines that had to be hunted down. Deep fat fryers, favored by school administrators who did not want to lose popular items like French fries, were unplugged only after Wayne T. Grasela, the head of food services for the school district, stopped buying oil to fill them.

But the message seems to be getting through, even if acting on it is daunting. Josh Monserrat, an eighth grader at John Welsh Elementary, uses words like “carbs,” and “portion size.” He is part of a student group that promotes healthy eating. He has even dressed as an orange to try to get other children to eat better. Still, he struggles with his own weight. He is 5-foot-3 but weighed nearly 200 pounds at his last doctor’s visit.

“I was thinking, ‘Wow, I’m obese for my age,’ ” said Josh, who is 13. “I set a goal for myself to lose 50 pounds.”

Nationally, about 17 percent of children under 20 are obese, or about 12.5 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which defines childhood obesity as a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. That rate, which has tripled since 1980, has leveled off in recent years but has remained at historical highs, and public health experts warn that it could bring long-term health risks.

Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, creating a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Cancer Society says that being overweight or obese is the culprit in one of seven cancer deaths. Diabetes in children is up by a fifth since 2000, according to federal data.

“I’m deeply worried about it,” said Francis S. Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, who added that obesity is “almost certain to result in a serious downturn in longevity based on the risks people are taking on.”

Obesity affects poor children disproportionately. Twenty percent of low-income children are obese, compared with about 12 percent of children from more affluent families, according to the C.D.C. Among girls, race is also an important factor. About 25 percent of black girls are obese, compared with 15 percent of white girls.

Some experts note that the current declines, concentrated among higher income, mostly white populations, are still not benefiting many minority children. For example, when New York City measured children in kindergarten through eighth grade from 2007 to 2011, the number of white children who were obese dropped by 12.5 percent, while the number of obese black children dropped by 1.9 percent.

But Philadelphia, which has the biggest share of residents living in poverty of the nation’s 10 largest cities, stands out because its decline was most pronounced among minorities. Obesity among 120,000 public school students measured between 2006 and 2010 declined by 8 percent among black boys and by 7 percent among Hispanic girls, compared with a 0.8 percent decline for white girls and a 6.8 percent decline for white boys.

“The needle is actually moving,” said Gary D. Foster, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University.

He first noticed the change while conducting a study of middle school students. Even children who made up the control group that did not take part in anti-obesity measures had a weight drop of nearly 4 percent, compared with 5.5 percent for those who did.

Here at William H. Ziegler Elementary in Northeast Philadelphia, where most students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the day begins with a nutrition tip over the loudspeaker. Teachers give out colorful erasers and stickers instead of Tootsie Rolls. Fund-raising events feature fruit smoothies instead of chocolate.

Some students had never seen broccoli or cauliflower, so Jill Dogmanits, a sixth-grade teacher, started taste tests to acquaint students with those vegetables and healthy snacks like hummus, fresh pineapple and whole-wheat bagels.

But school is only part of the day. Children buy an average of 350 calories worth of snacks in corner stores every day, according to a study by Dr. Foster’s center at Temple University. About 640 corner stores are now part of a program of stocking healthier food, according to the Food Trust, a nonprofit group that runs it.

“Parents tell their kids, ‘Take this money and go buy a snack,’ ” said Josh, as children streamed into a store across from his school where crayon-colored sugar drinks called Hugs sell for 25 cents and generic soda is 40 cents.

Dr. Donald F. Schwarz, a pediatrician who is the city’s health commissioner, said: “I think we are beginning to turn the tide with the many things that have gone on now for a decade.”

It is too early to tell whether the trend will hold.

“I’d like to see another year of measurement before I go out and party over this,” said Mary Currier, Mississippi’s state health officer.

And some public health experts say that without broader policy actions like a soda tax, which Philadelphia tried but failed to pass in 2010 and 2011, deeper change will be difficult. Still, new data from Philadelphia — from more than 20,000 children in first through sixth grades — show a further 2.5 percent obesity decline from 2011 to 2012, Dr. Foster said.

Josh lost weight this summer, exercising outside with his stepfather, an Army reservist. But now that it’s cold he has gained some back. Still, he believes he can influence others. His 2-year-old cousin now asks for bananas instead of chips at the corner store. Josh takes full credit.

School Wellness Weekly, 12.07.2012

Thousands of runners, including students, joined DOE Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott this past Saturday morning for The New York Road Runners’ (NYRR) Jingle Bell Jog.  The proceeds from the four-mile run in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, help support NYRR’s Youth Programs, serving more than 100,000 students in NYC public schools through programs such as Mighty Milers, Young Runners, and the Developmental Track and Field Series.  In addition to providing physical activity programming during and after school hours, the ongoing partnership with NYRR has helped to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, while helping students learn valuable lessons about endurance, commitment, and enthusiasm for fitness in and out of school.

Opportunities and Recognition

·         Does Your School Need Support on a Health and Wellness Project? On behalf of the Partnership for Healthier New York City, The Fund for Public Health in New York (FPHNY) seeks proposals (click here) from organizations, including schools, to work with Borough Lead Organizations to advance the work of New York City’s Community Transformation Grant. The 30 mini-grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded in February and tasks associated with grant must be completed by 9/30/2013.  The RFP deadline is 12/17 at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Liz Nguyen.
·         Employment Opportunity as a Health Education Mentor: The DOE Office of School Wellness Programs (OSWP) needs a qualified educator to join our team.  This new Teacher Assigned position will support middle and high schools in delivering medically accurate, skills-based health instruction, as well as identify and share best comprehensive health education practices. To be eligible for this position, applicants must be current licensed, appointed, and tenured NYC DOE teachers.  Interested individuals may email here.
·         2012 Updated HIV/AIDS Curriculum Available: Check out the OSWP website to learn more about medical updates to this K-12 curriculum. New parent letters and brochures are also available, or request a hard copy of the curriculum. Also, teachers can register for professional development or request an “At Your School” training for 15 or more teachers—for either a refresher for those who have attended the 101 training prior to September 2012, or an HIV 101.

• Do Your Elementary School Teachers Move-to-Improve? If your school hasn’t signed up for this structured classroom fitness break program, the MTI team just gave you more reasons to be an MTI school. Not only do participating teachers receive a stipend for participating in the MTI workshop, as well as free equipment and materials, but schools that train more than 85% of teachers and schools committing to be MTI host sites can receive additional wellness related goods. Find out more from the fact sheet here, or register here.

·         DOT's Bike to School RFP: All middle and high schools are invited to apply to the Bike to School program, a three year commitment for schools interested in working closely with DOT to designate safe Bike to School routes, implement in-class curriculum and recommend street safety improvements. Click here to apply before the 12/12 deadline.

• Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge grants: Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) announces $1,000 grants to support elementary schools, PTAs and SWCs with their wellness initiatives for 2013.  Applications are due 12/14.

Wellness in the News

• L.A. District's Student Stores Feed Appetite for Alternative Lunches (The LA Times, 11/19)
• Olympic Champion Teaches Kids Lessons For Life (Canarsie Courier, 11/22) 
• Obese kids more susceptible to food advertisements, brain scan study suggests (CBS News, 11/30)

·         Facebook and Twitter May Help Fight Obesity in Kids (ABC News, 12/7)

Additional Resources

·         Download a copy of Teens in NYC, a wallet-sized guide from NYCDOHMH about free or very low cost sexual health services and clinics that are teen friendly, also available from 311.
·         See the NASPE/AAHPERD draft document of proposed national K-12 PE standards available for comment here.
·         Check out the CDC’s strategy toolkit for involving parents in school health.
·         The CDC has announced changes to the 2012 School Health Index to include: sexual health as a new topic, updates to nutrition questions to reflect the Institute of Medicine’s Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools, and revised cross cutting questions to be more integrative.

Bronx Health REACH e-blast

 Neighborhood Grants – Deadline December 17^th

The Fund for Public Health in New York (The Fund), on behalf of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Partnership for Healthier New York City, has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for community organizations and residents to work with Borough Lead Coalitions to advance the work of NYC’s Community Transformation Grant (CTG).  The Bronx Health REACH Coalition led by the Institute for Family Health is the Bronx Borough Lead Coalition. Bronx Health REACH, the Partnership and neighborhood contractors selected in the RFP will work together to support the development and implementation of environmental, infrastructure and systems changes around healthy eating, active living, alcohol and tobacco in the Bronx.  Details about the project and the RFP can be found online at http://fphny.org/whatsnew/rfps  The deadline for receipt of proposals is December 17th.  For more information, please contact Emma Rodgers at [email protected]

  

Bronx Health REACH Coalition meeting – December 7^th

The next Coalition meeting for Bronx Health REACH will be Friday, December 7^th from 9:30am-12:00pm, at Walker Memorial Baptist Church (120 E. 169^th St, Bronx NY 10452).  The meeting will focus on presentations from housing groups highlighting exciting community development projects that are improving the health and wellness of Bronx residents.  To RSVP, please contact Yvette Holland at [email protected] or call 212-633-0800 x 1232

Bronx Health REACH Nutrition and Fitness Workgroup meeting – December 20^th

The next Nutrition and Fitness Workgroup meeting will be Thursday, December 20^th from 10am-12pm at the Morrisania Diagnostic & Treatment Center (1225 Gerard Ave, Bronx NY 10452), room 214.  We will continue to discuss strategies and a workplan for nutrition and fitness initiatives in both school and community settings.

Office of School Wellness Council Grantees Announced

Congratulations to the schools that received grants from the NYC Department of Education Office of School Wellness.  The School Wellness Council (SWC) program is awarding 125 schools with resources, tools and incentives to create a SWC, or further develop the work of an existing council. SWCs are charged with developing practical and innovative ways to address various components of wellness for students and the school community, e.g., PE, health education, physical activity, school nutrition, staff wellness, mental health, and other wellness-related programs. Grantee schools receive funding along with technical assistance through mentoring and networking events.  Bronx Health REACH’s partner schools that received the grant include: PS 43, PS 385, Health Opportunities High School, PS 55, PS 64, JHS 145, PS 204, P/IS 218, Validus Prep, Bronx Writing Academy, and Sheridan Academy.  P/IS 218 and Sheridan Academy have been designated Mentor schools and can share best practices with other schools looking to implement school wellness initiatives.

Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School in the News!

Congratulations to Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School (BAOP) for its innovative use of technology and achieving an “A” on their school report card!  BAOP is a Bronx Health REACH partner school and participates in the Obesity Prevention Program with nutrition education for third graders.  http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/verizon-foundation-launches-app-challenge-bronx-school-article-1.1209733

The BLK Projek Veggie Bus Project

The BLK Projek has received partial funding to start a Veggie Bus project in the Bronx. In collaboration with Wassaic Community Farm, the BLK project will rehab a beautifully painted school bus that runs on veggie oil to deliver and sell pesticide free produce and added value food.  To raise the remaining funds necessary for the project, Tanya Fields will be creating a video for a fundraising platform site.  If you would like to be interviewed about why this kind of project is important, and especially if you are a Bronx-Based resident, practitioner who works in the Bronx and/or Food Justice advocates, please contact Tanya Fields ASAP at [email protected].  

Bronx River Alliance “Bridge the Gap” campaign

The Bronx River Alliance and several other organizations are asking Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo to complete the construction of Starlight Park, Phase 2.   Starlight Park, which straddles both sides of the Bronx River in the Crotona Park East and Bronx River sections of the South Bronx, is a critical link for the Bronx River Greenway.  By completing the construction of the park, over 100,000 residents in adjacent neighborhoods will could gain access to the Bronx river, the new parks along its banks, and an invaluable bike and walking trail system.  To find out more information and support this request from Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo, please visit the Bronx River Alliance website.

New York State to Hire 5000 New Yorkers for Sandy Cleanup   
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the state has secured a $27 million federal grant that will help put more than 5,000 unemployed New Yorkers to work helping clean-up communities still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.  The State Department of Labor will assist local communities to identify and hire workers. The full-time, temporary positions range from Community Relations Specialists providing outreach to the disaster-stricken communities, to administrative assistants. Individuals who are interested in applying for a job under this grant are encouraged to contact the Department of Labor at 1-888-4-NYSDOL (1-888-469-7365) or by visiting www.labor.ny.gov/sandyjobs.   All individuals must be unemployed to be eligible. Once hired, workers will earn approximately $15 per hour to work on short and long-term projects. In addition to offering benefits and on-the-job experience, each worker will be given assistance in finding their next job. Eligible youth will also be certified in the Governor's New York Youth Works program. 
 

Vote for Coqui the Chef in Online Childhood Obesity Challenge

Coqui the Chef, a Bronx-based social enterprise organization promoting healthier alternatives to traditional Latino cuisine, provides innovative cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops throughout the tri-state area.  Coqui the Chef has entered an online challenge from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, focused on seeking innovative solutions aimed at reducing obesity.  You can vote for Coqui the Chef’s proposal to reduce childhood obesity in the South Bronx, by visiting:  http://ajpmchallenge.calit2.net/submissions/entry/id/126 .  Remember to leave an inspiring comment!

Bronx Music Heritage Center Living Legends Event – December 5^th

Bronx Health REACH Coalition member, WHEDco, has established the Bronx Music Heritage Center to celebrate the rich history and creative spirit that defines Bronx music.  On Wednesday December 5^th, the Center will honor Andy Gonzalez at Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture at 450 Grand Concourse. For free tickets, call 718.518.4455. There is a $5 suggested donation to support BMHC programming.  http://www.whedco.org/images/whedco/pdf/Flyers/fall2012_livinglegendsposter_whiteband_nocropmarks.pdf

Cancer rates slightly up in NY, deaths down

Written by Jessica Bakeman Albany Bureau for ithicajournal.com

ALBANY — The number of cancer cases in New York grew slightly since last year, up 2 percent to more than 109,000 incidences.

But the number of cancer deaths in New York dropped by about 200 deaths, a less than 1 percent decline, a study from the American Cancer Society estimated.

The rise in cancer cases -- 109,440 cases in 2012, up from 107,620 the year prior -- was driven mainly by a surge in melanoma and prostate cancer, according to the study. The American Cancer Society uses data from past years to project incidence and mortality rates.

Incidences of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, increased by 25 percent from last year. There are now more than 4,700 estimated cases in New York, up from 3,750 in 2011.

Melanoma deaths increased 6.8 percent; there are an estimated 470.

“It’s not a surprise, as we’ve seen melanoma on the rise. It reflects the sun-worshipping, indoor-tanning experience culture in New York, and it’s taking its toll,” said Blair Horner, vice president for advocacy for the American Cancer Society of NY and NJ.

The “tan ban,” a law Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed earlier this year to prohibit 14- to 16-year-olds from using tanning booths, will help, Horner said, but tanners are still unaware of the serious consequences of ultra-violet radiation exposure.

“To get young people who view themselves as invulnerable to understand the potential consequences, you have to come up with very aggressive public education,” Horner said.

He added that anti-smoking campaigns, including graphic advertisements, have been effective in encouraging smokers to quit.

Lung cancer mortality rates increased 3.5 percent since last year, with an estimated 8,880 related deaths in 2012. The number of cases, though, declined. There were 13,620, about a 4.1 percent drop from last year.

Horner said the increasing mortality rates for lung cancer are consistent with a “disturbing trend.”

“No one needs to smoke, and no one needs to go to an indoor tanning facility, unless they have a prescription from their doctor,” he said. “So those are lifestyle experiences that drive up the cancer rate and the mortality rate, and the government needs to do everything they can to drive those rates down.”

The state Department of Health operates a tobacco control program, which began in 2000. The office coordinates smoking cessation media campaigns and crafts state policy. Also, the state will soon launch a federally funded Medicaid incentives program encouraging smokers to quit.

The cancer with the highest incidence in New York, prostate cancer, increased 7.2 percent since last year, bringing the number of cases to 17,090. There was a 9 percent drop in deaths, down to 1,610.

Breast cancer incidence and death rates decreased. There were 14,730 cases and 2,420 deaths in 2012.

Dismal Bronx Health Outcomes Challenged

By Patrick Rocchio for Bronx Times

A Bronx health initiative is going boroughwide.

The Bronx CAN health initiative - Changing Attitudes Now - is designed to tackle fitness, nutrition, obesity and exercise issues, and provide some access to preventative health care screenings.

It recently got a boost from The Coca-Cola Foundation, with a $75,000 grant to the year-old organization to improve health outcomes in the borough.

West Bronx state Senator Gustavo Rivera launched Bronx CAN in 2011 in response to a health study that ranked the borough as the unhealthiest county in New York State.

The new grant will help expand the program beyond Rivera’s 33rd Senate District to the entire borough.

It will help Bronxites make healthier lifestyle decisions, said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who was on hand for the Oct. 22 funding announcement at Macombs Dam Park, along with representatives from the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the East Side Settlement House which also receives funding for nutrition education programs serving 1,200 south Bronx residents.

“This grant will have a large, positive impact on countless residents in this great borough and shows how we can all work together to help members of our community, young and old, start making healthier decisions,” said Diaz while thanking the Coca-Cola Foundation.

“Issues of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease start with bad health habits at a young age. The Bronx CAN Health Initiative will continue to inspire Bronxites to take responsibility over their own health and make changes to their habits.”

Dr. Victor Soriano of Lincoln Medical Center said state Department of Health statistics show about 68% of Bronxites are either overweight or obese, and 11.8% have been diagnosed with diabetes.

The number of Bronxites with diabetes or its early stages might actually be much higher, Soriano said, citing federal Centers for Disease Control reports that a third of all people in the United States may not know they have diabetes or could be pre-diabetic.

Patrick Rocchio can be reach via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 742-3393

A fitness CAN-do with new grant from Coca-Cola

Story and photos by Robin Elisabeth Kilmer

Bronx Borough President Ruben Díaz Jr. works out four times a week.

His workouts even include pick-up basketball games on the weekends.

While not everyone has to practice their jump shot as often as the Borough President, for residents of the county that has long been ranked as one of the unhealthiest in the state, and with the highest obesity rate in the city, increasing exercise levels and physical activity could well be life-saving moves.

Now a grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation might make it a little easier to get the wellness word out.

As announced this past Mon., Oct. 22nd at Macomb’s Dam Park and Joseph Yancey Track, The Bronx Change Attitudes Now (C.A.N.) initiative, launched last June by President Díaz and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, will receive a $75,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation.

“We can’t do this without resources. Now we can amplify our efforts,” said President Díaz.

The grant is good news for the CAN Health Initiative and its partners, which include the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), the East Side House Settlement, Lincoln Hospital and several Bronx hospitals and not-for-profit organizations.

“Only through collaborative efforts can workable solutions to today’s health challenges be achieved,” said Donna Cirolia, Region Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola Refreshments.

Present at the grant presentation was Marlene Cintron, President of BOEDC; John L. Sanchez, Executive Director of the East Side House Settlement; and representatives of Blink Gym and Lincoln Hospital—representing just a few of the dozens of community partners involved in the CAN Health Initiative.

For Cintron, the connection between physical health and the economic vitality of the borough was an obvious one.

“Economic development is all for naught if there are not enough healthy Bronxites to work at new jobs,” explained Cintron.

The East Side House Settlement serves 1,200 children, families and seniors who stand to benefit from joining the CAN Health Initiative.

“It will allow us to build on our obesity prevention efforts and provide nutrition education to program participants in a hands-on way,” said Sanchez.

The efforts of the CAN Health Initiative have best been substantiated by one of its co-founders, State Senator Gustavo Rivera. During CAN’s first five months, the Senator trimmed away 14 pounds by reducing portion sizes, salt, sugar and fat from his diet.

While Senator Rivera was not present on Monday, President Díaz was happy to report that his colleague had now trimmed 10 percent of his weight since last summer. He noted that even just a 20-minute workout three days a week could result in positive changes.

“We’re the most obese borough, but we’re also the hungriest borough, which is a conundrum to me,” said President Díaz, noting too that food scarcity afflicts many Bronxites.

Eric García, a general manager of Blink Fitness, a new 15830-square-foot gym at St. Anns Avenue, was excited about the new partnership.

For Blink Fitness, which bills itself a “friendly, affordable gym,” the Coca-Cola grant will allow it to offer greater access to residents.

“Everybody blinks,” said a smiling García. “That’s why we want fitness to be available for everybody.”

For more information on the Bronx CAN Health Initiative, please visit www.bronxcan.com.

Important Dates from School Wellness Weekly

School Wellness Weekly, 10.12.2012

Application Closes October 22 for $2,500 School Wellness Council (SWC) Grant

Thank you to the schools that applied last week and received tickets for the Fun and Fit in the City event. To continue the momentum, the next 50 schools to submit a completed SWC grant application (by October 19) will receive a copy of HBO’s The Weight of the Nation, a four-part documentary series about the obesity epidemic.  The third episode, Children in Crisis, examines how schools can become the centerpiece of public efforts to ensure that kids participate in physical education and develop healthier lifestyles that can last a lifetime. Host a screening and use the documentary as a tool to bring together your SWC, staff, educators, students, parents, and community to generate new strategies to improve wellness in your school. We look forward to receiving your applications and hearing about how you will use the documentary.     

Also, for any schools that have questions about the grant, or require technical assistance on filling out the application, email [email protected] so a member of our team can assist you.

Opportunities and Recognition

·         October 15-19 is National School Lunch Week:  Use this week as an opportunity to discuss with your students, staff, parents, and community the change in menu options and the importance of the new nutrition standards implemented by SchoolFood. Also, share this link with families for more information on school meals applications, instructions, and how to apply online. Application submitted by 10/19 will be entered automatically into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii and other great prizes provided by the New York Jets.

·         October is National Farm to School Month: Learn how your SWC could start a farm to school program here. This is a great opportunity to connect your school to a local farm and provide health education opportunities about nutrition and food origins – from farm to plate.

·         Parents are the Strongest Partners, in our schools, especially on SWCs. Check out the NYC DOE Parents as Partners Week starting 10/15, and join events which will engage parents around various topics throughout the City. Also, log in to the Action For Healthy Kids Parent Leadership Series on how to work with school wellness policies 11/9 at 2:00 p.m.

·         Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Part of wellness is creating the best environment possible for learning, free of intolerance and prejudice. Check out Tanenbaum’s array of offerings for teachers, including an upcoming P-credited course, Cultivating Global Citizenship starting 10/20, and World Olympics, a multicultural curriculum promoting team building and collaboration. For more information, contact Marcie Denber-Serra.

·         The Partnership for a Healthier New York City, charged with reducing chronic disease in NYC, has launched a new website with events, fact sheets, updates, and links specific to your neighborhood. Browse or sign up for as a partner today.

·         Free Health Education Professional Development: Check out additional HealthTeacher and HealthSmart training opportunities added from the Office of School Wellness Program here.

Wellness in the News

·         Local Coach Becomes “Champion of Change” (NBC 4 New York, 10/11)

·         Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott Runs Staten Island Half Marathon (Staten Island Advance, 10/8)

·         Program to Promote Socialization Among Students – PE Partners pairs students with disabilities with those without (Bridgewater Patch, 10/2)

Additional Resources

·         2012 We’re Walking Here:  K-12 students are invited to track the blocks they walk in a two-week period.  Click here to register (grand prize of $1,000).  Entries are due by 11/16.

·         Want Healthier Foods in The Bronx (or Your Neighborhood)? NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene works with city schools to provide fun, simple ways SWCs can support local stores to stock and promote healthier foods. Contact the Shop Healthy team for more information.

·         Check out the Active Living Research’s resource sheet on increasing physical activity before, during, and after school, especially the infographic.

·         NASPE Monthly Teachers Toolbox provides opportunities, ideas, and resources for PE teachers and schools.

·         New York Road Runners invites DTFS schools, grades 3-8, to register for free October meets, or request more information by emailing here. Also, don’t forget to register for the 10/21 Youth Jamboree.

·         Green and Healthy: Grow to Learn mini grants (due 11/1) and planning workshops, and Greenmarket Youth Education Project opportunities are available. Plan and plant now!

Just In the Bronx September 22nd Event

Bronx Health REACH e-blast September 17, 2012 – Please share with others who may be interested!

Just in the Bronx:  Our Voice, Our Choice Summit – September 22^nd

The Bronx Health REACH Coalition invites you to participate in an exciting day-long summit focused on highlighting innovative ways to improve opportunities for healthy eating and active living in the Bronx. The Summit will be held on Saturday, September 22^nd from 9am-4pm at the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10456). Breakfast, lunch, and metro cards will be provided at this free event. Please register at www.tinyurl.com/bronxhealthsummit.  More information can be found at www.justinthebronx.wikispaces.com

Bronx Health REACH Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup Meeting – September 20^th

Bronx Health REACH’s next monthly Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup meeting will take place on Thursday, September 20^th from 10am-12pm at the Morrisania Diagnostic & Treatment Center (1225 Gerard Ave, Bronx NY 10452).  We will be discussing strategies to expand nutrition education in NYC schools.  

Active Design Workshop – September 27^th

Bronx Health REACH, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Partnership for a Healthier NYC will be hosting an Active Design Workshop to Re-Envision Our Neighborhoods in the Bronx on September 27^th from 6 PM – 8:30PM at Mid Bronx Senior Citizens Council (900 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY10451). Come share your ideas about how to create safe and pleasant spaces for all Bronx residents to be healthy and active.  To RSVP, please contact Emma Rodgers at [email protected] or (212) 633-0800 x1249.

Everyday Democracy Facilitators Training – September 29^th

Do you want to see more Bronx residents speak out for safer, healthier, and cleaner Bronx parks and outdoor spaces?  Do you want to see more opportunities for promoting exercise, health, and well-being in your community? Bronx Health REACH is partnering with Everyday Democracy to help community partners organize action-oriented dialogue circle conversations in your neighborhood.  We are looking to train individuals to help facilitate a series of these conversations.  The training is free and will be held  Saturday, September 29^th, 8:30am-4:30pm at Walker Memorial Baptist Church, 120 E. 169th St. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information and to RSVP, please contact:  Kelly Moltzen at [email protected] or 212-633-0800 x 1328.

Partnership for a Healthier NYC - Upcoming Trainings for Coalition Members

The Partnership for a Healthier NYC and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be hosting a series of trainings for Bronx Health REACH coalition members in September at Public Health Solutions (40 Worth Street, 5th Floor Conference Room). Please see below for more information.  To RSVP, please contact Rick Greene at [email protected] or (646) 619-6481.

§  Healthy Eating: September 18^th from 3 PM – 5:30 PM in Room 5.2/5.3. The NYC Department of Health will provide information about obesity rates in NYC and across the country and describe programs that aim to increase the affordability, accessibility, and affordability of healthy foods in NYC.

§  Tobacco: September 21^st from 2 PM – 5 PM. Room TBD. Tobacco Free Kids and the NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City will provide information about the dangers of tobacco use, smoking rates in NYC and across the country, as well as systems and environmental change strategies to reduce tobacco use.

§  Media: September 26^th from 5 PM – 7:30 PM. Room TBD. Qorvis Communications will provide information about how to work with reporters and develop effective messages for the media.

“No More Lies” Town Hall – September 20^th

The Alliance for a Greater NY (ALIGN) and workers, faith leaders, and activists from across the country invite you to join their “No More Lies” town hall to learn about Walmart’s plans for NYC and their history of poverty wages, workplace discrimination, and devastation of local economies.  The event will be held on Thursday, September 20^th at 6pm at Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South). 

2013 Play Streets Informational Meeting – September 24^th
Come find out more about what it takes to bring a Play Street to your community!  Transportation Alternatives helps communities secure street closure permits, find community partners and obtain mini-grants so that Play Streets can thrive across New York City.  The information meeting will be held Monday, September 24, from 4-6pm at Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse Conference Room, South Wing Bronx, NY 10456).  Light refreshments will be served.  To RSVP, please contact Catarina Rivera at [email protected] and include "Bronx Play Streets Meeting RSVP" in the subject line.  More information available at: transalt.org/playstreets 

Partnerships for Parks Academy Workshop – September 27^th
Supporting neighborhood parks involves getting to know the Parks Department employees who care for them. Learn more about the structure of the Parks Department and find out how community groups can best collaborate with NYC Parks to support our parks and neighborhoods in all five boroughs. The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 27^th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Arsenal Building in Central Park, 830 Fifth Ave., 3rd Floor Gallery, New York, NY 10065. To register for this FREE workshop, visit the Partnerships Academy web page. To submit questions to be considered for our panel of NYC Parks employees, please go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/85WLFHV

Partnerships Academy is a training program for leaders of community groups who support NYC parks and green spaces. For more information on the Partnerships Academy, please contact Leah Worrell, at lworrell@cityparksfoundation.org, or (212) 676-6054.

Vote for the Excellence in School Wellness Award until September 30^th

Please help the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health and its community partners win the Popular Choice for the Excellence in School Wellness Award in the Childhood Obesity Challenge. The Childhood Obesity Challenge, sponsored by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, aims to discover new and innovative ideas and approaches that will accelerate the development of effective strategies to reduce or prevent childhood obesity. The entry with the most votes will win $2,500. Voting period ends on September 30, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.  Click here to vote for the Wellness Award as your favorite project!

Open Position – Iris House

Iris House, a Center for Women Living with HIV, is looking for a Community Nutrition Educator.  Please see attached job description for more information; interested parties should send a cover letter and resume to Shirley Alves, Director Food and Nutrition Services [email protected].

Please remember to send information about your upcoming programs, initiatives, or events that you would like to include in future e-blasts.

Thank you,

the Bronx Health REACH staff

(212) 633-0800 x 1232

www.bronxhealthreach.org

Blog http://bronxhealthreach.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BronxHealthREACH

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BxHealthREACH

Bronx Health REACH is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is a program of the Institute for Family Health.

Bronx Health REACH e-blast

From the Bronx Health REACH e-blast August 10, 2012 – Please share with others who may be interested!

Call for Presenters for Sept. 22^nd Bronx Health Summit – Due August 20^th

Just in the Bronx:  Our Voice, Our Choice: It’s Time to Improve the Health of the Bronx

The Bronx Health REACH Coalition invites you to participate in an exciting day-long summit focused on highlighting innovative ways to improve opportunities for healthy eating and active living in the Bronx. Proposals are currently being accepted for presentation and are due no later than Monday, August 20^th, 2012.  The Summit will be held on Saturday, September 22^nd at the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10456).  If you would like to participate in the Summit as a speaker, make a recommendation for a topic you would like to see addressed during the Summit, or sign up to have a table at the Summit, please fill out the application at www.tinyurl.com/bronxhealthparticipation.   General registration is at www.tinyurl.com/bronxhealthsummit.

Bronx Conversations for Change Dialogue Circles with Everyday Democracy – August 25^th

Bronx Health REACH is partnering with Everyday Democracy to organize dialogue circles to discuss how we can work together with community partners and city agencies to improve Bronx parks and create neighborhoods that support healthy lifestyles.  Dialogue circles are meant to build relationships in the community and will result in actionable next steps to improve our neighborhoods.  Individuals who are interested in organizing a dialogue circle in the community are invited to attend an Organizing Training on August 25^th, 2012.  For more information, contact Kelly Moltzen at [email protected] or 212-633-0800 x 1328. 

Partnership for a Healthier NYC Trainings about Alcohol and Tobacco – September 11^th and 21^st

The Partnership for a Healthier NYC, funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Transformation Grant received by the New York City Health Department, will be hosting a series of trainings about healthy eating, active living, tobacco, and reduced alcohol consumption this fall. The first two trainings will be around alcohol and tobacco. The alcohol training will take place on September 11^th from 3pm to 5:30pm at Public Health Solutions (40 Worth Street, 5^th Floor Conference Room). Presenters include the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association. The tobacco training will take place on September 21^st from 2pm to 5pm at Public Health Solutions (40 Worth Street, 5^th Floor Conference Room). Please RSVP by Friday September 5th to Emma Rodgers at[email protected] or (212) 633-0800 x1249.

Farmers Markets

There are 138 farmers markets across NYC, sponsored by GrowNYC and Harvest Home.   Most farmers markets accept food stamps (EBT), and for every $5 spent with EBT at the farmers market, customers receive a $2 Health Buck which can be redeemed for additional fruits and vegetables.  Many markets also host cooking demonstrations and nutrition education workshops.  If your organization would like to organize a walking tour of a farmers market, a limited number of Health Bucks are still available. Attached is a map of farmers markets in NYC; more information can be found at www.nyc.gov/health/farmersmarkets. 

Health Awareness Through Music - August 11^th

Church Alive Development Corporation presents Health Awareness Through Music,“Music To Enjoy During Troubled Times” on Saturday, August 11^th from 5:00-8:00pm at 281 East Burnside Ave, Bronx NY 10456. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, please contact William Mitchell at [email protected] or 718-588-5609.

Peddle the Point – August 16^th

Do you know what a greenway is? Hunts Point Landing Park? Join the POINT Community Development Corporation’s Summer Youth Employment ACTION program for a tour of the parks and green spaces in Hunts Point on Thursday, August 16^th from 9am – 10:30am to learn more about opportunities for physical activity and recreation at the parks and green spaces in Hunts Point. The tour will start promptly at 9am at the POINT (940 Garrison Avenue). Limited bikes will be available, so please bring your own bike, skateboard, scooters, and rollerblades if you have one. For more information, please contact Emma Rodgers at [email protected] or (212) 633-0800 x1249.

Bike Paddle Picnic – August 18^th

Join South Bronx Unite! for a free unique tour of the South Bronx and Randell’s Island. The ride will promote environmental awareness through site visits to the waterfront, community gardens, public artwork and historic places, as well as power plants and waste transfer facilities that pollute our river’s shores.  The bike tour leaves at 11am from Brook Park (141^stSt and Brook Ave); canoeing & picnic will start at 1pm at the northwest corner of Randell’s Island.  For more information or to RSVP, email [email protected] or visitwww.southbronxunite.com

VeloCity Bikesplorers Final Presentation and Bike Tour – August 18^th

Student who participated in VeloCity’s Bikesplorers program will take guests on a bike tour of the neighborhoods around Soundview and Concrete Plant Park. The theme for this year's summer program was exploring the relationship between active design, health outcomes in the community and the built environment.   Students have designed art projects that incorporate active design solutions throughout the neighborhood and beyond.  The event will begin at 11am at the Soundview Field House (Lafayette Avenue between Colgate Avenue & Boynton Avenues)
2 -Bronx River Houses NYCHA Community Garden (between Rosedale and Randall Avenues)
3 -View of NCYHA's Classon Point Gardens (Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues)
4 -View of the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center (along Bronx River)
5 -Hunts Point River Side Park (between Lafayette and Edgewater Road)
6 -Concrete Plant Park (between Westchester Avenue and Bruckner Blvd)
7 -View of YMPJ Change Mural (corner of 174th Street and Bronx River Avenue)
8 -Starlight Park (174th Street between West Farms Road and Bronx River Avenue along the Bronx River)
9 -View of the Sheridan Expressway across from our location at Starlight Park
10 -Bronx Graffiti Wall of Fame (between Boone Avenue and 172 through 174th Street)

NOTE: The bike tour stops may be subject to change.

Directions:
It is located on Lafayette Avenue between Colgate Avenue & Boynton Avenues.

Train:
You can take 6 train to Hunts Point Avenue/Southern Blvd stop, get off the train, and walk to take the Bx5 bus to the intersection of Story Avenue and Colgate. From the bus stop it's a 5 minute walk to get to the Fieldhouse which is located along Lafayette Avenues between Colgate and Boynton Avenues.SSSoundview Field House (Lafayette Avenue between Colgate Avenue & Boynton Avenues) and the bike tour will go until 4pm. Please RSVP to[email protected]. For more information about VeloCity, visit www.velocity-rides.org

Paradise Baptist Church “Strive for Healthy Living” Health Fair – August 18^th

Paradise Baptist Church will be having a church wide and community health fair on Saturday, August 18^th from 10am-4pm.  There will be free screenings, counseling, and information about diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking cessation, and more.   The church is located at 23 Ft. Washington Ave.  Please see attached flyer for more information.

Mt Pisgah Baptist Church Health Fair – August 18^th

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church’s Dance Ministry will present their first praise & worship dance concert on August 18^th at 4pm.   The church is located at 1156 Southern Blvd (between Home Street & 167 Street).  Tickets are $10.00; if you would like to purchase tickets please call 646-509-5974 or email [email protected]. 

Morrisania D&TC and WIC Program Healthy Lifestyles Fair – August 29^th

The Morrisania D&TC and WIC Program will be hosting their annual Healthy Lifestyles Fair on August 29^th from 11:00-3:30 on Gerard Ave between 167^th and 168^th Streets.  There will be music, face painting, prizes, dancing, Cookshop, games, and more.  If you would like to volunteer or sponsor a healthy eating or fitness activity at the fair, please contact Theresa Landau at [email protected].

Please remember to send information about your upcoming programs, initiatives, or events that you would like to include in future e-blasts.

Thank you,

the Bronx Health REACH staff

(212) 633-0800 x 1232

www.bronxhealthreach.org

Blog http://bronxhealthreach.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BronxHealthREACH

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BxHealthREACH

Bronx Health REACH is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is a program of the Institute for Family Health.