Recent Stories
November 11, 2014
Convincing kids and parents to change not only their eating habits, but also their purchasing behavior can be a challenge — but it’s one that Rutgers Health Communications students took on last fall. Rutgers Assistant Professor of Health Communication, Dr. Jennifer Warren’s undergraduate Health Communication class partnered with the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Trenton last fall to create a healthy eating initiative at corner stores and bodegas in Trenton. Student winners for coming up with the most unique initiatives were recently announced by the Partnership. The winning projects included: Buy one healthy food item, get a stamp; after five stamps get one heathy food item free incentive cards (Healthy Corner Store Initiative group) Healthy recipes fridge calendar/aisle cards (Healthy Hero’s group) Healthy pamphlets initiative (Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice group) The first two marketing strategies have been implemented by NJPHK-Trenton and the Healthy Corner Store Network. “This […]
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November 11, 2014
Urban areas across America are often described as food deserts because they lack ready access to affordable, healthy food. Irvington, New Jersey and parts of Newark could make the case that healthy food has often been more of a mirage — they say it’s out there, but it’s difficult to obtain, particularly for those lacking personal transportation. But healthy food options are now, or soon will be, right around the corner for many Irvington and Newark residents. Six neighborhood stores in Irvington are now offering — and promoting — fresh fruit to their customers, particularly children who often stop in on their way to and from nearby schools. The stores are part of an initiative by the city’s health department to create incentives for store owners to stock and sell healthy food options. In Newark, four corner stores (one in each ward) have signed on to be part of the […]
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November 11, 2014
Jaymie Santiago lives in New Brunswick, works in New Brunswick, and says New Brunswick is a big part of who he is. He has been working with and for New Brunswick’s communities and their residents for the past 12 years. Santiago has a Master of Public Affairs and Policy from Rutgers. He was drawn to issues of food security while working with NJ SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). “Being young and enthusiastic and wanting to teach, I landed in the field of nutrition education, facilitating classes to underserved populations,” he says. “When I learned the stories of why a person eats unhealthily or overeats, I saw the need went beyond nutrition education. For some, it was about the inability to afford healthy food, while others experienced issues around obesity and overeating because it was their way of coping with domestic violence at home. So, there’s a theme of wellness outside […]
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November 3, 2014
For the third year, the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids (NJPHK) and its community partners will host a statewide conference on Wednesday, December 3rd at Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey from 9:45 am to 3:30 pm. This year’s theme is “Building Healthy, Equitable Communities” and will focus on providing individuals with tools and best practices to help incorporate health equity into policies and practices to build healthier communities. Dr. William H. Dietz from Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, Milken Institute of Public Health, George Washington University will serve as this year’s keynote speaker and will highlight the myths and misconceptions of obesity and prevention in urban and rural areas, as well as communities of color. Dr. Dwayne C. Proctor, director of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Eliminating Healthy Disparities Portfolio will also be a featured speaker. Additional conference highlights include a panel discussion moderated by […]
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October 25, 2014
Participants in the October 25th Halloween Bone Run & Walk got a great workout on a beautiful day and benefited the work of New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Vineland (NJPHK-V). United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s sponsored the run held at Parvin State Park. Proceeds support United Way’s targeted health investments in Cumberland County, one of which is NJPHK-V. United Way regards the Bone Run as its signature fundraising event. From all accounts, the race/walk was “Spooktacular!” A record number of runners and walkers participated. Cash prizes were awarded to the top five male and top five female finishers. In conjunction with the race, participants and observers enjoyed an interactive health fair, music provided by a DJ and a bounce house. SHARE:
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October 23, 2014
Originally published in The Daily Journal OPINION Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential. In Vineland, the well-being of our residents is threatened every day due to chronic diseases such as epidemic diabetes and poor disease management, accompanied by an increased burden of cardiovascular disease. Vineland children are also more likely to be overweight or obese compared to other children around the country. The rate of overweight or obesity is highest among our children ages 6 to 11 (40 percent vs. 21 percent nationally). The solution is not to control or dictate what people eat but rather to expand the wealth of options available. As a community, we can improve access to fresh food and recreation so it’s easier for families to make healthy choices. Studies have proved that expanded opportunities can lead to a healthier community. Thanks to […]
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October 12, 2014
Over 4,000 people took advantage of New Brunswick’s open streets on Sunday, October 12. They biked, walked, played ball, talked with friends, skated and climbed a rock wall, among other activities. During Ciclovia, cars are banished; streets are closed to motor traffic but open to fun, games, movement and fellowship. The New Brunswick Ciclovia area is a 3.4 mile route—6.8 miles round trip. This was the third Ciclovia since October 2013, and the response from the community was universally positive, guaranteeing that Ciclovia will become a New Brunswick mainstay. The October Ciclovia saw a slightly altered route, more activity stations, including a bike rodeo and bike exchange, and greater engagement from community organizations. These enhancements resulted in more smiles than ever before, according to Jaymie Santiago, project manager of New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-New Brunswick. Santiago has been involved in the planning and execution of Ciclovia in New Brunswick […]
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October 8, 2014
When is walking to school a cause for celebration? When it’s Walk-to-School Wednesday in Asbury Park. Asbury Park is a walking school district which means that all children that attend one of the three elementary schools walk to school every day. But once a month, on a Wednesday, that ordinary walk to school becomes a celebration and a time to recognize the value and importance of walking and biking as a lifelong way to stay fit. “We begin to develop lifelong habits as children,” said Lisa Lee, school health council coordinator for the Monmouth County Health Department. “Walk-to School Wednesday is a way to create excitement about walking and biking so kids can start forming healthy habits now that will have an impact for the rest of their lives.” This is the first year for Walk-to-School Wednesday in Asbury Park, but based on the success of the first month, they […]
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October 3, 2014
New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids recently received the prestigious New Jersey Black Issues Convention’s (NJBIC) Community Change Award. The award recognized NJPHK’s outstanding efforts in Health and Human Services and was presented during NJBIC’s 32nd Annual Black Leadership Conference held on October 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. “This award is a tribute to the collective impact that NJPHK and its partners have had in helping to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic through environmental policy changes that support healthy eating and increase opportunities for physical activity,” said Darrin Anderson, deputy director of the NJPHK State Program Office. The annual NJBIC conference gathers New Jersey thought leaders to discuss critical issues affecting the Black community and generates mobilization tactics for resolutions. This year’s theme was “Moving the Community Forward: Equipping (Tools), Edifying (Awareness) and Elevating (Aspirations).” “Since its inception, NJBIC’s member organizations have provided information and […]
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October 1, 2014
What does it take to sustain a healthy lifestyle? That’s the question some Trenton families had the chance to answer this summer through Rx for Health, an initiative that encouraged them to “eat green, get active, and start their family on the road to a healthier life!” Part food fair, part mini-exercise class and garden experience, Rx for Health was created by New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Trenton (NJPHK-T), America’s Grow-A-Row from Hunterdon County, the Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC), Isles Inc. and Rutgers Cooperative Extension SNAP-ED program. The goal was to provide skills and resources so families could sustain healthy habits. Through the Trenton Green Team, a grant from Sustainable Jersey underwrote the 2014 pilot program. Each Thursday for four weeks in August, children and their families visited HJAHC. Once there, they were greeted by interns dressed like vegetables. They received produce from a local farmers’ market, sampled […]
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