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City Receives Culture of Health Champion Award

December 14, 2015

Originally published by The City of New Brunswick by J. Bradshaw New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids (NJPHK), a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, presented its first “Culture of Health Champion” award, in the category of “Active Living” to the City of New Brunswick during its Building a Culture of Health in New Jersey Conference on December 2 at the Pines Manor in Edison. The award acknowledges Mayor James Cahill and the City of New Brunswick for unprecedented leadership in creating a Culture of Health for residents through innovative and forward-thinking initiatives. New Brunswick is intently focused on the wellness of its residents through many successful programs and partnerships that address the varied challenges behind fostering a healthy community. New Brunswick Ciclovia opens more than three miles of City streets to residents and visitors multiple times per year, bringing this celebration of active living and open streets directly into […]

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Pediatrician concerned children are at risk for diabetes, hypertension, liver disease

December 10, 2015

Originally published in The Sentinel A local pediatrician warned parents about the dangers of children facing the same diseases adults often are diagnosed with. Sandra G. Hassink, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, spoke about “Childhood Obesity from the Perspective of a Pediatrician: Social Determinants of Health and Civil Rights Pertaining to Food Access and Physical Activity” during a program at the Pines Manor in Edison on Dec. 2. “We can’t build a culture of health without raising the value of a child in our society,” Hassink said during the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids’ (NJPHK) Building a Culture of Health in New Jersey Conference. “We need to change the framework of how we think about children. As a pediatrician, I would have never thought that I would treat children with such illnesses as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and many others that […]

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Spotlight on Campbell Soup Company, NJPHK’s Culture of Health Champion

December 3, 2015

Campbell Soup Company and Kim Fortunato received the first NJPHK “Culture of Health Champion” award in the business category during the Building a Culture of Health in New Jersey Conference in December 2015. The award acknowledges Kim Fortunato and Campbell Soup Company for the Campbell Healthy Communities initiative; leading in the business sector for addressing food access, active living and equity; and investing in a city-wide healthy corner store initiative that has engaged nearly 40 stores. “Campbell Soup Company has committed to building a Culture of Health, supporting a variety of efforts designed to help make positive changes in the lives of children and families,” said Darrin Anderson, deputy director, NJPHK. “It is an honor to present this award to Kim Fortunato for her oversight of a number of efforts that are creating opportunities for healthier living in Camden and many other areas throughout New Jersey.” “We’re proud to collaborate […]

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Newark Tackling Obesity Among Preschoolers

November 10, 2015

Newark Head Start programs welcomed a new class of preschoolers in September, many of whom are already facing serious health issues. Among this year’s class of students in Newark’s nine preschools, childhood obesity is the second greatest medical need. Only asthma ranks higher. Liana Rodriguez, Center Director at Early Childhood School-North at Gladys Hillman-Jones is determined to turn that statistic around by working with those who have the biggest influence on children’s eating habits—parents and guardians. Rodriguez turned to Courtney Price, project manager for New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Newark (NJPHK-N) for help in educating parents about healthy choices in meal preparation. Price and staff from the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity will present an hour-long interactive nutrition workshop on November 17 at the school. Price hopes that this session will be the first in a series to raise awareness about healthy eating. The workshop will feature food demonstrations, physical […]

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New Brunswick Youth Get Physical at Healthy Kids Camp

November 10, 2015

This summer 17 New Brunswick children had fun and learned valuable swim skills through the Raritan Valley YMCA. The one-week Healthy Kids Camp for children ages five to 12 taught healthy eating and physical activity concepts through various fun activities. Campers enjoyed daily swim lessons, nutrition and cooking classes, creative arts and lots of physical activity, gardening, first aid and water safety. The free program addressed a major need for New Brunswick children: increasing access to recreational facilities and programs that contribute to healthy lifestyles. The campers were referred by various social services agencies in the city and were transported to the YMCA. “Without the provision of these services most would not have access due to a lack of financial resources and transportation,” said Gina Stravic, executive director of the Raritan Valley YMCA. The YMCA has been a local and national leader in aquatics and camping for over 100 years. […]

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Recent Report Card Indicates NJ Somewhat Fitter than PA, DE & NY

November 10, 2015

Nearly 27 percent (26.9%) of New Jersey residents are obese according to a recent analysis by The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That obesity percentage places New Jersey 41st out of 51 states and the District of Columbia. New Jerseyans are in slightly better shape than residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York where the obesity rankings are 17th, 20th and 39th respectively. The bad news is that the obesity rate in all four states is trending upward compared to 2010. The fact that over one in four NJ residents is obese is reflected in the rate of disease associated with obesity. The study shows that New Jersey ranks 28th in rate of diabetes (9.7%) and 30th in hypertension with a rate of 31.1 percent. Lisa Scheetz, Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA is optimistic because of efforts […]

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NJPHK-Camden Project Manager Named South Jersey Magazine’s Woman of the Year

November 10, 2015

Valeria Galarza, VP of Strategic Advancement for the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties and Project Manager for New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden (NJPHK-C) was recently named “Woman of the Year” by South Jersey Magazine. Among the hundreds of nominations received by the magazine were individuals, nurses to former business women. Galarza was chosen for her tireless efforts in helping to improve the health of South Jersey’s struggling communities and their children. As part of her NJPHK-C role, she is charged with leading initiatives around creating environmental and policy changes that help reduce childhood obesity in Camden. In partnership with Campbell Soup Company’s Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) and in combination with various other community partners, NJPHK-C has focused on providing technical assistance to Camden City Public Schools in the implementation of its wellness policy and Breakfast-in-the-Classroom program; expanded school wellness policies to non-public schools; supported food access programs by […]

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Valeria Galarza Woman of the Year

November 10, 2015

Originally posted in South Jersey Magazine by Rachel Morgan and Liz Hunter; Photo by Jeff Anderson Valeria Galarza (pictured) knows firsthand how important living a healthy lifestyle is—and she’s made it her life’s mission to impart this bit of wisdom on to South Jersey kids. This year’s Woman of the Year is the VP of Strategic Advancement for the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, which includes the NJ Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden (NJPHK-C), youth programs, public health programs, youth intervention, civic engagement and the Women’s Opportunity Center. Galarza also co-directs the NJPHK-C and helps spread the message of a healthy lifestyle for kids across the region, and is a new member of the Camden City Promise Zone Leadership Committee. In Galarza’s previous role as program director and project manager of NJPHK-C, she was responsible for daily operations, most notably, advocating for and leading local policy efforts that supported physical […]

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An Inspirational Kick Off to the Live Healthy Vineland Summit

November 10, 2015

Four years ago, Robert Dickinson smoked too much, ate too much and rarely exercised. In his words, he’d been a “rolly polly” kid whose weight continued to climb in his adult years. He managed to kick cigarettes on Valentine’s Day in 2011—his first day without a cigarette since he was 15. Two months later, his wife was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and she would die that November. Caring for his wife while holding down a demanding job, Dickinson had no time to think about what he was eating—he grabbed fast food or opened a can, whatever was easiest and most accessible. His weight climbed to 286 pounds. Last year, Dickinson was promoted to Health Officer for the Vineland Department of Health. The new position prompted him to take stock. He wanted to set an example for the community, but thought, “Who would take an obese health officer preaching obesity […]

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New Brunswick Tomorrow Welcomes New Director of Community Health

November 10, 2015

New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT) embraces ideas, partnerships and initiatives that move New Brunswick’s people forward. From supporting community development efforts to healthier living initiatives, NBT has made significant strides in changing the way residents think about and engage in a healthier lifestyle. This fall, NBT welcomes Manuel (Manny) Castaneda as its Director of Community Health. In this new role, Manny will handle the management and implementation of health and social initiatives of Healthier New Brunswick, a collective impact approach, which includes the Live Well-Vivir Bien New Brunswick campaign. The campaign is designed to unify, promote and encourage participation in community efforts that foster a culture of health and wellness. “I’ve lived and worked in New Brunswick for most of my life, so I am both proud and excited to help my fellow residents achieve better outcomes in the areas of health and wellness,” said Manny. Manny has worked at community-based […]

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