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December 13, 2014
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) statistics indicate that what happens in childhood leads to medical and social outcomes as an adult. However, more research is warranted to better understand the specifics of what this means and how to best address it. To date, we know that 26 percent of adults in New Jersey are obese. Those adults with a BMI (body mass index) over 30 are considered to be obese. One in four Caucasians and one in three African Americans in New Jersey are in this category. “We have to stop accepting that, says Dr. Brito.” Programs need to address vulnerable people–those who are obese regardless of age or skin color. The state is putting time and resources into public health to stem the tide of obesity even before it begins. By providing the means to achieving a healthy lifestyle through various initiatives, the state is truly partnering for a Healthy […]
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December 13, 2014
Deputy Director of NJPHK, Dr. Darrin Anderson, welcomed over 300 teachers, health professionals, social service leaders and other advocates for healthy communities to the Building, Healthy, Equitable Communities Conference held on December 3rd at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. During his opening remarks, Dr. Anderson gave an update on the relationship of adverse childhood experiences to adult health. He indicated that the more categories of trauma experienced in childhood, the greater the likelihood of experiencing medical and/or social problems. He challenged participants to “have the audacity” that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of – ‘that all people should have access to food, education, culture, dignity equality and freedom.’ “Remember why we’re here today,” Anderson reminded the audience…”to actively ensure that all have not only equality but equity.” SHARE:
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November 11, 2014
New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Vineland (NJPHK-V) recently received an initial grant of $450,000 toward a three-year $1.35 million award from the Partnership to Improve Community Health (PICH), a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funds to help reduce chronic diseases such as obesity and address environmental factors contributing to health disparities that currently affect nearly 75 percent of all Vineland residents. Since its inception in 2009, NJPHK-V has made significant progress in ensuring Vineland families have access to healthy choices. These successes include: creating bike lanes; sponsoring monthly fun and fitness events in the business district during spring and summer months; securing commitments from five Vineland corner stores and restaurants to provide healthier product choices; assisting with the development of a wellness policy and creating a wellness council in the Vineland public school district benefiting nearly 10,000 students. “This grant allows us to expand […]
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November 11, 2014
The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey selected New Jersey Partnership of Healthy Kids-Vineland (NKPHK-V) as a targeted health investment. United Way will provide $81,000 for next three years to fund NKPHK-V in its efforts to reverse obesity rates among Vineland’s children. A particular focus will be on making it easier for children to walk and bike in Vineland. In announcing the grant, Alice Woods, United Way executive director noted that “Vineland children are more likely than other American youngsters to be overweight or obese. In fact, despite living in an agricultural community, 90 percent of kids do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables, and the majority of them don’t get enough physical activity.” “We want to send a BIG thank you to United Way,” said Lisa Scheetz, NJPHK-V project manager. “We are honored that they are supporting the partnership as we work to expand safe […]
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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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