- Home
- >
- Community News and Media
Community News and Media
September 21, 2014
Nearly one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids encourages families and communities to make healthy changes together. NJPHK and its partner organizations are focused on reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. We have developed strategies to change public policies and improve local environments to make all communities healthier—especially those in New Jersey that have the highest rates of obesity. Our priorities include: Making the healthy choice the easy choice Working with policy leaders and community members to enagact changes that create healthier communities Developing a sustainable food and physical activity system that provides local counties, municipalities […]
READ MORE
September 1, 2014
Camden’s UrbanPromise Wellness Center garden is a true oasis. The 17 raised beds, forming the shape of a labyrinth, provide a restful retreat, a bounty of fresh vegetables, and a source of wonder for the Urban Promise school children who plant seeds in the garden and watch them grow. “The overall goal of the UrbanPromise Wellness Center is to reduce the impact of toxic stress on everyone in the UrbanPromise community,” explained Rebecca Bryan, the Wellness Center Director. “We’re always trying to help kids get through adverse times in a healthier way. A labyrinth is a sacred space, a quiet, reflective space but at same time ours is a source for good nutrition and heathy eating.” An early rudimentary garden took root in 2013. A mini-grant from New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden (NJPHK-C) helped to expand the garden program this year. Bryan said that many families and children are […]
READ MORE
July 16, 2014
This summer, children in East Camden will be able to play and engage in structured activities at four Camden parks, thanks to the addition of Stockton Park to the summertime programs run by the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties from June 30 through August 29. “We are thrilled to extend this popular program to another neighborhood park,” says Valeria Galarza, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden (NJPHK-Camden) project manager. “The partnership has always advocated for the use of city parks, and working closely with the city of Camden, the YMCA was able to lead this program to continue its growth within the community.” NJPHK-Camden is also working with other organizations to present structured activities in city parks. Activities offered may include arts and crafts; clinics to teach and enhance skills in soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball and field hockey; and CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health), a YMCA program designed […]
READ MORE
July 16, 2014
The beginnings of what would become an obesity “tsunami” in the U.S. tracks back to 1982 according to Dr. Nwando Anyaoku, MD, FAAP, director of General Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, and co-chair of New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Newark (NJPHK-Newark). By 2010, 44 percent of children ages 3 to 19 in Newark, NJ had a body mass index (BMI) of 44.2 percent, putting them at risk for obesity and in grave danger of developing serious illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes and pulmonary disease, normally associated with older adults. Dr. Anyaoku has dedicated her career to helping families address childhood obesity through healthy lifestyle choices. In 2013, she was an early champion of “Let’s Move in the Clinic and Community!”, a healthy lifestyle toolkit designed to help health care providers talk with patients and families about setting small, achievable nutrition and physical activity goals. The New Jersey […]
READ MORE
July 12, 2014
When 4,000+ residents took to the streets during the first New Brunswick Ciclovia on October 6, 2013 they likely did not realize that opening a seven-mile loop of city streets to meet neighbors, bike, skateboard, dance, enjoy music, and play took nine months of concerted planning and organizing on the part of a diverse partnership of committed leaders representing 30 community organizations and the city of New Brunswick. What was learned from New Brunswick’s successful first Ciclovia was incorporated into the planning for Ciclovia events scheduled throughout 2014, and also provided a framework for other cities and towns that want to give their streets back to the residents for physical activities and promote social cohesion and integration. The first of three 2014 Ciclovia’s took place on May 4th, with even more participants than the initial one. “We also expanded to 12 activity stations throughout the route and greater and more […]
READ MORE
July 8, 2014
The NJ Department of Health (DOH) Chronic Disease unit and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program recently collaborated to increase access to healthier foods in small stores throughout New Jersey. Supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the organizations worked with The Food Trust to create and execute a series of 20 bilingual training sessions that reached all WIC authorized vendors in the state. The trainings took place from April to June 2014 as part of an interactive training session that takes place once every three years in conjunction with NJ WIC programming. Beginning June 1, 2014, New Jersey WIC instituted a new policy requiring all WIC-authorized stores to stock more fresh fruits and vegetables. “With this new policy going into effect, the training provided us a great opportunity to state the business case for the promotion of healthy […]
READ MORE
June 24, 2014
When it comes to building healthy communities, we’ve all heard the phrase “It takes a village” many times before. It certainly is true when it comes to the nutritional needs of the children of many cities throughout New Jersey. This summer, the YMCA of Newark hosted a press conference for the release of a special Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) nutrition report entitled “Heading off Hunger: A Snapshot of Child Nutrition in Newark.” Advocates for Children in New Jersey received financial and technical support from New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to collect and analyze data to complete the special report. As part of the research, ACNJ representatives met with groups and individuals to gather data to assess the nutritional status of children in Newark and identify ways to help meet those needs. The report recommendations are outlined below: Recommended Solutions: Increase […]
READ MORE
June 18, 2014
Originally published in The Grapevine Newspaper, June 18, 2014 Local experts weigh in on ways to succeed By: Mary Jane Kinkade Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series on the Vineland area’s fitness and health landscape – the challenges, local options and exciting new developments. Part one will focus on mind and body fitness – why it’s important, local programs and resources, and tips for success. As James Leigh Hunt, a 19th century writer and poet, so eloquently said, “The groundwork of all happiness is health.” If you’re thinking it’s easier said than done, you’re probably correct, but with the right mindset and support, it doesn’t have to be hard — and may even be fun. While gym memberships may swell at the beginning of the year and during bathing suit season, it’s not always indicative of people being ready to make the commitment to getting healthy. […]
READ MORE
June 11, 2014
The Vineland Board of Education passed the “new and improved” Vineland School District Wellness Policy on June 11. “We commend the Vineland Health Department for working with the school district on this critical commitment that focuses on nutrition quality of foods and beverages sold and served in schools, education about and promotion of nutrition and physical activity with students, parents and staff,” said Lisa Scheetz, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Vineland (NJPHK-Vineland) project manager. As a result of the policy, schools will provide healthy and nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grains. Opportunities for physical activity will be incorporated into other subject lessons and teachers will provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, as appropriate. The board is committed to promoting the School Wellness Policy to all food service personnel, teachers, nurses and other school administrative staff to ensure that they have the […]
READ MORE
May 17, 2014
A medevac helicopter from Cooper University Hospital landing on the Elwyn grounds in Vineland was just one fun aspect of the Safety Awareness Bicycle and Scooter Rodeo held on Founder’s Day in Vineland on May 17. The helicopter was filled with bike helmets which were provided for free to the 300 children attending the rodeo. Representatives from the Vineland Police Department, Safe Routes to School and Kids Safe of Southern New Jersey then instructed children and adults in the proper way to strap on the helmets and buckle up for safety. With their helmets on, children were able to navigate a bike course and learn safe techniques for riding bikes and scooters. “It was a fun day that emphasized safe exercise and active outdoor activities,” said Lisa Scheetz, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Vineland (NJPHK-Vineland) project manager. Scheetz and NJPHK-Vineland partners worked with various organizations to plan and execute the […]
READ MORE
Contact Us: 609-278-9622
Follow Us On: