Obesity Discussion Forums

[Obesity Discussion]

The Epidemic
57% of New York State adults are overweight or obese. (CDC BRFSS, 2002)
19% of non-Hispanic white adults, 32% of non-Hispanic black adults, and 20% of Hispanic adults in New York State are obese. (CDC BRFSS, 2002)
The obesity rate among New York State adults doubled between 1990 and 2002. (CDC BRFSS, 1990, 2002)
28% of New York high school students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. (CDC YRBSS, 2003)
33% of low-income children between two and five years of age in New York State are overweight or at risk for overweight. (CDC PedNSS, 2002)

Program Priorities
A Physical Activity and Nutrition Steering Committee (PAN) is guiding development of the Comprehensive State Obesity Prevention Plan. Work groups have been formed to focus on five different elements of the plan:

Perinatal Weight Gain and Breastfeeding
Physical Activity and TV Viewing
Fruits and Vegetables
Other Dietary Determinants
Obesity Awareness and Health Care Practices
State legislation passed in 2004 establishes a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, including the following components:

Media health promotion
School-based nutrition and physical activity programs
Community-based nutrition and physical activity programs
Obesity prevention strategies in food assistance, health, education, and recreation programs
Meetings of experts to examine societal-based solutions to obesity
Training programs for medical and other health professionals

Partners
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Cancer Society
American Dairy Council and Dairy Association, Inc.
Business Council of New York State
Child and Adult Care Food Program
Cornell U. Cooperative Extension
Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program
Medical Society of the State of New York
New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
New York City Department of Health
New York State Bureau of Women’s Health
New York State Department of Agriculture
New York State Department of Education
New York State Office of Minority Health
New York State Physical Activity Coalition
New York State WIC Program
Oral Health Surveillance Program
Partners for Children
Rochester Primary Care Network
Statewide Center for Healthy Schools
State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health
State University of New York at Stonybrook Dietetic Internship Program
United Health Services Hospital
University at Buffalo Department of Social and Preventive Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine
Westchester/Rockland/Putnam Lactation Consortium

Recent Accomplishments and Products
Began a Child Health and Fitness Study, an intervention to improve nutrition and physical activity in childcare settings.
Formed Physical Activity and Nutrition Steering Committee.
Held 15 community forums to rank priority objectives.
Formed a Department of Health leadership team to discuss activities across all DOH programs that should have a physical activity and nutrition component.
Conducted a resource inventory of organizations and agencies known to be involved in activities related to nutrition, physical activity, or obesity prevention.

Upcoming Events and Products
Completion of a comprehensive state obesity prevention plan.
A survey of over 2,000 3rd grade children in 62 schools outside the City of New York to assess weight status and brief measures of physical activity and nutrition.
Focus groups with parents/guardians of young children and child care staff of a questionnaire to assess nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes and behavior conduct Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK).
Training of Head Start staff at intervention sites.
Project Period: 2003–2008
Year First Funded: 2003
Funding Stage: Capacity Building
Contact Person: Kyle Restina
Program Coordinator
New York State Department of Health
Telephone: 518-474-6683
Fax: 518-474-3356
E-mail: krr01@health.state.ny.us


Data Sources
CDC BRFSS — CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
CDC PedNSS — CDC’s Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System
CDC YRBSS — CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obes...s/new_york.htm

[Obesity Discussion]

Pioneering Strategies To Prevent Pediatric Diabetes To Be Tested In NYC Public Schools
01 Apr 2006

Interventions To Combat Epidemic Of Obesity And Obesity-Related Diseases Will Be Tailored To 4 Different Ethnic Populations; Genetic Predispositions Also Will Be Tested.

WHAT

The Academic Medicine Development Company (AMDeC), a consortium of 33 of New York State's medical schools, academic health centers and major medical research institutions, will announce a major 5-year study to test interventions designed to delay or prevent the onset of Type II Diabetes in children. The study will involve 1,000 students recruited from public schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Nassau County.

The study is made possible with a $5 million grant from the Starr Foundation.

By 2025, 50 million people, nearly 1 in 6 Americans, will suffer from diabetes. Within the next 20 years diabetes threatens to overtake cardiovascular disease as the number one killer in the U.S. As children have become increasingly overweight, Type II Diabetes, once called ‘Adult-Onset Diabetes,' has become a pediatric affliction.

The Obesity and Type II Diabetes Intervention Program will be conducted under the direction of two Principal Investigators, Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Medicine at Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons, and Dr. Steven Shelov, Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Vice President of Maimonides Infants and Children's Hospital of Brooklyn.

Article

[Obesity Discussion]

Blythedale-Kohl's Announce Program To Combat Childhood Obesity
Written by Westchester.com
Monday, 09 October 2006
Valhalla, NY - Blythedale Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Department Stores have announced an innovative outreach program designed to bring health and nutrition education to public schools in Westchester and lower Putnam counties.

The Blythedale Children's Hospital and Kohl's “Eat Well, Be Well Program� offers new educational curriculum, a resource guide and take-home handouts for children. Topics include: pediatric obesity and general nutrition guidelines. Blythedale Children's Hospital will have experts in nutrition and health-education available for speaking with local parenting groups, PTA’s and school personnel.

The “Eat Well, Be Well Program� will reach hundreds of educators and school nurses for grades K-6 and thousands of children ages 5-11 at the majority of public school districts in Westchester and lower Putnam counties. The new program includes Blythedale’s Wellness Fair, its Adolescent Weight and Fitness program, and the hospital’s nutrition and health-education community outreach.

The new program, which is being funded by a $174,699 grant from Kohl’s Department Stores, was announced today at a free community children's event -- "Eat Well, Be Well Wellness Fair" -- hosted by Blythedale Children’s Hospital.

Families and children from throughout the county attended the afternoon event, which featured fun and informative activities for children, parents, caregivers and educators. Topics included weight and fitness, nutrition, health screenings (i.e. vision and blood pressure), cooking, food samples, giveaways donated by Kohl's and other local businesses, hands-on learning and healthy-lifestyle activities.

Sponge Bob Squarepants and “characters� from children’s TV shows were featured at the event. Jay Michaels, morning personality from Westchester‘s WFAS FM 103.9, broadcast from Blythedale from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Mount Pleasant Police Department offered safety and healthy activities.

Event participants included: Dr. Jo Anne Gorski and Dr. Marianne LaCroce—Blythedale psychologists; Bobby’s Balloon Works; Mead Johnson; Chef Jay Libbon from Mighty Joe Young’s White Plains; Dr. BJ Mistry--pediatric dentist in Tarrytown; Nestle Nutrition; New York Sports Clubs; Dr. Eric Small--nationally recognized expert pediatric/adolescent sports medicine; Sylvan Learning Center; Whole Foods Market; and YMCA and YWCA of White Plains.

The grant from Kohl's Department Stores was raised by net profits from sales of special items at Kohl's nine stores in New York’s Westchester and Putnam counties. Since 2000, Blythedale Children's Hospital has received approximately $1 million (including the new donation) from the Kohl's Cares for Kids Children's Hospital Program – making possible the purchase of specialized children’s medical equipment, hospital renovations, expanded clinical programs and community services.

"Kohl's and the local residents who buy items through the Kohl's Cares for Kids Program have made it possible for Blythedale Children's Hospital to expand its community outreach and education programs including our new initiatives focusing on healthy eating and wellness for children and their families," said Larry Levine, President and CEO of Blythedale Children's Hospital.

“Kohl’s introduced the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities, and is committed to playing an active role in the communities we serve,� said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing for Kohl’s Department Stores. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created with children’s hospitals across the country and are excited to join Blythedale Children's Hospital in this important community endeavor.�

Founded more than 100 years ago, Blythedale Children's Hospital has been a leader in developing innovative, multi-disciplinary inpatient and ambulatory programs with rehabilitation as its specialty. The hospital is a community resource for children with a variety of medical concerns -- its inpatient and day hospital programs treat more than 300 children daily, making it one of the largest freestanding children's hospitals in the United States. For more information about Blythedale Children’s Hospital visit www.blythedale.org

Kohl’s commitment to Blythedale Children's Hospital is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program, which raises funds for children’s health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items. Net profits from the sales go to support children’s health and educational opportunities in the market areas served by Kohl’s. Kohl’s community outreach also includes Kohl’s Kids Who Careâ, an annual youth volunteer recognition program, fundraising gift cards for local schools and non-profit youth groups, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced national, exclusive and private brand apparel, shoes, accessories, home products and beauty in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 749 stores in 43 states. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit Kohl’s Web site at kohls.com.

Childhood Obesity Fight

[Obesity Discussion]

Towanda Elementary Students Walk to Fight Obesity

Last Update: 12/13/2006 5:24:16 PM
Posted By: Rachel Rose

It's 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Rather than sitting at their desks in the classroom, scores of students from kindergarten through the 6th grade are out walking a half-mile or more.



"We run around the track a couple times and then we go back to our classrooms," said Elizabeth Schultz, a 2nd Grader at Towanda's Elementary School. "I think it's fun because you ca get out and get energy."

Five to ten minutes is all it takes.

It's all part of a brand new health and wellness program in the Towanda School District. The goal is to get a head-start on the fight against childhood obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 16-percent of the nation's children between ages 6 and 9 are obese.

But, because that number is a startling 52-percent in Towanda's elementary school, district officials call it an epidemic.

"I think the walking program helps to keep them active physically and to make them realize that it feels good to feel good," said Elementary Principal Pamela Hosterman. "It feels good to exercise."

School officials hope that walking will also clear students' minds so they can do better on their schoolwork. And so far, teachers say it's working: as soon as they're finished doing their laps outside, the kids come back inside and hit the books.

"They open the books, they get right into it, they're quiet," said Shawna Wygrala, a 5th grade teacher. "They're calmer, it seems like. Because it gives them a routine in the morning."

Students agree.

"I feel more focused," said 5th-grader Carly Chaffee. "It's fun and I like it and I hope we do it for the rest of the year."

School leaders say they do, in fact, plan to continue the program through the new year. In fact, come January, they'll offer a 15-minute "walk with the principal" at the end of the week to students who've exhibited outstanding school performance.

Moreover, the health kick at Towanda has gotten so big that the district will launch an indoor walking program for the entire community! School Superintendent Diane Cantellops says the goal is to get parents, grandparents, and even those without children to get smart about exercise while getting the chance to view the work of the children on display in the halls.

The adult indoor walking program will run Jan. 2 through April 30 from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and again from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. every school day. To participate, you must register at the main entrance of the elementary school. Walkers may follow a mapped-out three-mile walking route, or take a route of their own. No pets are permitted.

For more information, e-mail the school superintendent at dcantellops@tsd.k12.pa.us.

Childhood Obesity in New York

[Obesity Discussion]

$6M in health aid includes child obesity fight

Lauren Stanforth
Staff writer



(January 17, 2007) — The newest and largest health foundation in the Rochester area kicked off its goal to reduce childhood obesity Tuesday by awarding $6 million in community grants — one of which will track exactly how overweight Rochester-area children are.
The grants from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation will go to 26 organizations and will address community health concerns, including wellness in African Americans, rheumatology training for primary care physicians and support for a deaf community home health aide program.
One award complements what the foundation will be doing over the next several years. Researchers at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong and the University of Rochester Medical Center received one of the largest grants, $272,335, to determine how overweight Rochester-area children are, where they live and even what might have happened in early childhood that caused them to develop weight problems.
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation was formed last year after $200 million in assets were gleaned from the merger of local insurer Preferred Care and MVP Health Care of Schenectady. The foundation is not connected to Preferred Care or MVP. The money for the foundation's works will be taken from interest generated from the $200 million.
Dr. Stephen Cook, assistant professor of pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital, said its grant would be used to analyze medical records of 8,000 children ages 2 to 18 to gather data on weight, height, residence, and any medical conditions.
Researchers will collate the medical data and information provided by Rochester parents about children entering kindergarten in the City School District, an annual survey that asks parents to reveal other facts about their children, such as exposure to domestic violence or other traumas early in childhoods. There might be a correlation between weight gain and life experience, Cook said.
"There might be certain pockets in our community that have high rates of obesity. (Children) are very much a product of their environments. They might be unable to be (physically active), they might not have reasonable access to fresh produce. Of all the chronic diseases affecting children, (obesity) is the most common one."
Cook said earlier research, from an immunization study in 1999, showed that up to 20 percent of children in the city were overweight, compared with up to 12 percent in the suburbs.
He said it was essential to provide current statistics about the obesity problem in local children so that other grants can be sought to attack the problem.
Despite the awards Tuesday, the Greater Rochester Health Foundation will focus more in the future on funding its initiatives, stopping obesity and improving the health of one or two neighborhoods.
The foundation is bringing in an expert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today to talk privately to the people who will help shape the local plan to target obesity.
John Urban, president of the foundation, said a plan to develop community obesity reduction programs should be released by this summer. The plan to address the overall health of one or two neighborhoods, likely city neighborhoods, will be released perhaps next year. Urban said the foundation was committed to providing $8 million in 2008 and $9 million to $10 million in 2009 toward its own initiatives.

The foundation had to award a certain percentage of its assets by the end of 2007 to fulfill IRS requirements, hence the 26 grants announced Tuesday. "Very few other (communities) have foundations of this size focusing specifically on health," said Urban, former leader of Preferred Care. "We think we're at the beginning of what will be a very exciting decade of positive change for health care in Rochester."


Childhood Obesity

[Irving]

good to see some good money going to where it needs to be going! did i mention this was good?

glad they are joining the childhood obesity fight

[William Wallace]

That's great, and I especially like how they are increasing the amounts to fight obesity every single year! I wonder if that is an extra $1M each year in 2008, 2009, 2010, or an additional 8M in 2008, 9M in 2009, 10M in 2010, etc

Regardless, more organizations need to take on the obesity fight like this!!

[Obesity Discussion]

Program hopes to make exercise fun for teens


Nicole Thornton understands exercise is not the most exciting thing in the world, especially for kids. This is why Thornton, an exercise physiologist at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, has teamed up with Roufia Payman, a nutrition specialist, to start "Fun, Food and Fitness," a nutrition and exercise program for 10- to 14-year-olds.
The main purpose of the program, which starts this month, is to make kids aware of healthy lifestyle choices and offer them an alternative to sitting in front of the computer.
The fitness program changes day to day, from basic cardio-vascular workouts, pilates and stretching to obstacle courses or "boot camp."
"We try to be creative with it, make it fun," Thornton said.
While the nutrition aspect of the program is occasionally classroom-based, it often becomes part of the game.
"We have them on the treadmill and then -OK, what are the major food groups?" This approach has double benefits, since it also serves "to kind of distract them from the treadmill."
Parents are encouraged to attend and get the chance to go through the entire program with their children. "If the kid has to watch their diet, has to exercise, it's no fun," Thornton said, but notes turning it into a family affair makes the process more pleasant.

Childhood Obesity

[Obesity Discussion]

Spitzer targets obesity in kids

BY JAMES T. MADORE
james.madore@newsday.com

April 29, 2007

ALBANY -- Alarmed by the explosion in the number of obese children, Gov. Eliot Spitzer unveiled legislation Saturday to inject nutritious food and exercise into public schools.

The bill, which prohibits soda, candy and other junk food, seeks to combat the rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses among youngsters. It also includes recess requirements.

If the bill were adopted by the legislature, Spitzer said it would mark the first time in state history that nutrition was required to "be a crucial element of education" in state-funded schools. "Childhood obesity has reached crisis levels," he added.

The school-food initiative is the latest in a raft of proposals Spitzer recently introduced, including legislation to legalize gay marriage, overhaul the court system, change how legislative districts are determined and ease voter registration.

To instill healthy eating habits in kids, Spitzer would require that school meals paid for by the U.S. government be free of trans-fats and low in salt and cholesterol. Snacks would be limited to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.

Soda would be banned, leaving only water, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices and low-fat or nonfat milk. In high schools, students could have decaffeinated coffee and tea for breakfast.

High school students would be limited to sugar-free, noncarbonated beverages after classes end, and sports drinks would be available only to athletes.

Many of these restrictions are contained in a separate bill sponsored by state Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Assemb. Sandra Galef (D-Ossining).

"We are on the same page as the governor, and I'm excited about this," LaValle said yesterday, explaining Spitzer's interest increases the likelihood of a bill passing. Still, more regulation is likely to raise the ire of school districts and vending and beverage companies. The state's dairy farmers have derailed some past bills.

LaValle, a former grade-school teacher, acknowledged the obstacles but said action was required to help ill children, particularly those with poor dietary habits stemming from poverty.
Childhood Obesity

[Obesity Discussion]

In relation to the above post:


NYSUT backs Spitzer's plan to combat childhood obesity

NYSUT Media Relations - May 8, 2007

ALBANY, N.Y. May 8, 2007 - New York State United Teachers today enthusiastically backed Gov. Eliot Spitzer's legislative proposal to help combat childhood obesity by establishing nutritional standards for food and beverages served in schools, requiring more physical education and by stopping the sale of junk food during the school day.
"Students who eat right and exercise stay healthier and do better in school. The governor's proposed legislation would give teachers and their schools needed tools to help children lead healthier, more successful lives," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "At a time when childhood obesity has unfortunately become epidemic, this is the right proposal at the right time."
Iannuzzi, an elementary school teacher in Central Islip for 34 years, noted that a ban on the sale of junk food and soda during the school day is likely to "help students to maintain their focus on what is most important - learning the curriculum and meeting higher standards - while helping them to avoid weight problems and the accompanying health problems."
NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin said the union also supports the Spitzer administration's plan to require some needier school districts to provide free and reduced-price breakfast programs to go along with subsidized lunch programs. "Providing children with a healthy breakfast will increase children's focus and give them a better start on the school day," Lubin said.
NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue noted that the 585,000-plus member union is already at the forefront of efforts to combat childhood obesity. In 2005, NYSUT launched its 24/7 Let's Go! program, which provides "rewards" - in the form of colorful stickers that can be pasted in a special book - for younger students who eat nutritiously and exercise regularly. Developed by NYSUT's Health Care Professionals Council, the program has been distributed to more than 100,000 children in school districts in every corner of the state, Donahue said. 24/7 Let's Go! has been endorsed by the American Cancer Society. More information is available on the NYSUT Web site at www.nysut.org.

• LINK: 24/7 Let's Go! wellness kits

NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 585,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; faculty and other professionals at the state's community colleges; State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.

[Obesity Discussion]

Share data on childhood obesity to design recipe for weight loss


Dr. Carol Podgorski and Dr. Andrew Doniger
Guest essayists

Post Comment

(July 24, 2007) — Obesity has become a national epidemic, one that has made a significant impact on our country's health. Nationally, surveys indicate that about 38 percent of children are overweight or obese, and the estimated national cost of treating obesity-related conditions exceeds $117 billion yearly.
To assess trends in childhood obesity, New York state will require that a child's Body Mass Index and weight status category be reported on school health certificates provided on physicals conducted before children enter school in grades two, four, seven and 10. Additionally, a sample of schools will be required to report on obesity patterns in their particular school to the state Department of Health.
Such aggregated — and anonymous — data will help school officials, health care providers, community agencies and health officials better understand the obesity severity and trends.
In our community, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has encouraged healthy living habits among county employees and their families through the successful implementation of the county's Wellness Initiative.
However, while health care providers play a primary role in the early recognition of childhood obesity, schools are also an integral partner. Besides the family, there is no other institution in our society that has the same level of responsibility for supervising and influencing our children's behavior.
Tracking the rise and fall of major health problems is a critical responsibility of public health officials. We believe that the best way to track the childhood obesity epidemic is for information already being collected by health care providers to be reported to the state. This would allow optimal analysis of data in a systematic and confidential manner.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has required schools to develop and implement wellness policies that address issues related to physical activity and foods available in schools. The availability of BMI data would not only help school districts target interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of their policies, but it also would help groups such as the Greater Rochester Health Foundation as they design targeted interventions to impact obesity.
These reports would be important to schools and the array of community agencies, including the Monroe County Board of Health, that are working to improve the health of our community by reducing obesity. Podgorski is president, Monroe County Board of Health; Doniger is director, Monroe County Department of Public Health.



Childhood Obesity