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EVENTS
  
August
Safe Routes to Schools National Conference
August 16-18th Minneapolis, Minnesota
Transportation professionals, SRTS advocates, program representatives, elected officials and community members will connect with colleagues to discuss ideas, resources, projects and noteworthy practices to enhance work that is creating healthier kids and communities. More

 

 

September 

Making the Connection:Effective Approaches to Preventing Childhood Obesity

September 8,9

Washington, D.C

This summit will focus on the significant social and economic benefits of preventing and reducing childhood obesity, and the importance of making it a policy priority, particularly in challenging economic times. Workshops and plenary sessions will demonstrate how policy-makers can champion "win-win" policies that support other policy areas, including economic development, job market expansion and academic achievement while helping to improve children's health. The summit will provide policy-makers with tools, information, and opportunities to collaborate within and across sectors-public

 

More  

 

October

Obesity 2011 Conference

October 1-5- Orlando, Fl

 

Obesity 2011 brings together the most prestigious players in the field of obesity, from world-renowned basic and clinical researchers and clinicians to educators, advocates and practitioners. Providing scientific, educational and networking opportunities, this is the event of the year for all obesity professionals, increasing knowledge, stimulating research, and promoting prevention and better treatment for those affected by obesity. 

More 

 

 

Joint Conference on Health- Washington State Public Health Association

October 17-18, Vancouver, Wa

The theme for the conference is "Building Community Together - Creating Opportunities for Better Health." The Plenary program includes Jeff Selberg, COO of Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a panel led by State Secretary of Health Mary Selecky, Dr. Howard Frumkin, Dean of University of Washington School of Public Health, and a legislative panel. Register

 

July/August 2011


Welcome to the King County Schools Health and Wellness newsletter. Each month, we bring you updates, news and announcements to support the health and wellness of your schools. If you have something to submit, please email it to Treeswing's new Program Director Carly Kaufman. Miss a newsletter? Click here to see past newsletters.

 

If have not done so already, be sure to also subscribe to

Healthy King County- an interactive site and posting board for all CPPW grantees. If you have not received an invitation to join, please email Donna Oberg.

In This Issue
New regulations for food, beverage advertising toward children
Shade: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity
Global burden of disease in young people aged 10-24 years: a systematic analysis
Kids find their fit in sports, not competition
Focus on early childhood to prevent weight gain, IOM report says
New Report: F as in Fat: A report from Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
Washington is 28th Most Obese State in the Nation
Changes will Engage Local Communities to Promote Healthier Lifestyles for Children
Resources, Grants and Tools

New regulations for food, beverage advertising toward children

 

LA TIMES- July 15, 2011: New regulations for food, beverage advertising toward children, Some of the nation's largest food and beverage companies proposed new self-imposed regulations Thursday to drastically restrict the kinds of products they advertise and market toward children.
The uniform nutrition criteria comes after a handful of federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, were directed by Congress to establish guidelines for such advertising.
The industry plan targets a number of food types, including juices, dairy products, grains, soups and meals. It holds companies to limits on the amount of calories, sugar, sodium and saturated fat allowed in foods promoted to children. More

Shade: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity

 

USA TODAY-June 30, 2011: Shade: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity,  On sunny days, the climbing domes quickly got hotter than a frying pan. Kids scalded their hands, prompting park officials to install a tent over the dome in Union Square and to remove the domes in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The uproar highlights an issue that makes many parents as hot as a metal slide: a lack of shade at most of the places that children spend their summers.

At stake is far more than playtime comfort. Though children have always dealt with the summer sun, research now shows a growing risk of the most serious form of skin cancer. And sun exposure is greatest during childhood.

Shade does more than protect children's skin. A growing number of advocates say it also may help kids stay more active.  More



Global burden of disease in young people aged 10-24 years: a systematic analysis

 
THE LANCET- June 18, 2011: Global burden of disease in young people aged 10-24 years: a systematic analysis,Young people aged 10-24 years represent 27% of the world's population. Although important health problems and risk factors for disease in later life emerge in these years, the contribution to the global burden of disease is unknown. The global burden of disease arising in young people and the contribution of risk factors to that burden is described. More

 

 

 

 

Kids find their fit in sports, not competition

 

SEATTLE TIMES, June 18, 2011: Kids find their fit in sports, not competition, It used to be that kids accustomed to playing video games or hanging out on street corners after school had few enticements to get involved in physical activities. But that is changing around Seattle as a number of programs concentrate on sports that are more inclusive and less competitive.More

Focus on early childhood to prevent weight gain, IOM report says

 

LA TIMES: Focus on early childhood to prevent weight gain, IOM report says, Childhood obesity may be a hot-button health issue, but weight-related problems may begin before children start preschool. A new report, "Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies," from the Institute of Medicine released Thursday puts the spotlight on infancy and the toddler years, suggesting that child care providers, government programs and physicians be vigilant, noticing when kids are too large for their size, and promoting more activity and healthful behaviors to stop very young kids from gaining too much weight. More

 

New Report: F as in Fat: A report from Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)

New Report: F as in Fat: A report from Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future," highlights current obesity trends. For the first time, the report tracks adult obesity rates in each state over the last two decades. In addition to startling obesity statistics, the report also includes policy recommendations on how to reverse the growing obesity epidemic. Click  here  to read more

Washington is 28th Most Obese State in the Nation


TRUST FOR AMERICA'S HEALTH: New Report:

 Washington is 28th Most Obese State in the Nation,Washington, D.C. July 7, 2011 - Washington was named the 28th most obese state in the country, according to the eighth annual F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2011, a report from the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Washington's adult obesity rate is 26.4 percent. Adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any state. Twelve states now have obesity rates over 30 percent. Four years ago, only one state was above 30 percent. Obesity rates exceed 25 percent in more than two-thirds of states (38 states). Click here to read more.

 

 

Changes will Engage Local Communities to Promote Healthier Lifestyles for Children

 
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 - USDA announced today improvements included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that will enhance local wellness policies in schools in order to promote healthier lifestyles for children. Local wellness policies are an important tool for parents, local educational agencies and school districts to promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and provide assurance that school meal nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards. Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program were required to have local wellness policies in place beginning in the 2006-2007 School Year. More

 

Resources, Grants and Tools

Grants:

 

The SPARK Grant-Finder Tool is your best resource for locating national and state-specific grants for your Physical Education, After school, Early childhood or Coordinated School Health program. Grants can be used for curriculum, teacher training, or equipment. Click here to access the tool.

 

 Bikes Belong Coalition Community Partnership Grants
Application Deadline: August 26, 2011
 
These grants are designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to improve the environment for bicycling in the community.  Grants will primarily fund the construction or expansion of bicycle facilities such as bike lanes, trails, and paths.  The grants committee  will also consider advocacy projects that promote bicycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation.

 

 

 Community Impact Grants from Home Depot

Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community.  Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. Community Impact Grants Program. Amount: $5,000. Deadline: October 31, 2011

 

 

 NIH Community-Based Partnerships for Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control
Application Deadline: May 7, 2012
Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, this funding opportunity will enhance childhood obesity research by fostering local, state, or regional teams consisting of researchers, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. Teams will identify research questions and hypotheses, design and implement the relevant research, and translate the research into evidence directly relevant to potential policy efforts.

 

The Office Depot Foundation

 

The Office Depot Foundation focuses on making a difference in children's lives by supporting activities that serve, teach and inspire children, youth and families. The Foundation strives to enhance communities by supporting civic organizations and activities that address community needs. Applications are retrieved on a monthly basis and are reviewed by a committee. Allow at least 12 weeks after you submit your completed application before you receive a response. Grant amounts will be a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $3,000

 Saucony Run For Good Grants

 

Deadlines for Applications:  June 13, 2011, December 13, 2011

The Saucony Run For Good Foundation, established to help end childhood obesity by providing financial support to nonprofits across the United States that support children's running and fitness programs, is accepting applications for its grant program. The grants are open to nonprofit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids. Eligible applicants are programs whose participants are 18 years of age or less, have 501(c)(3) status, and can demonstrate their program positively impacts the lives of participants through their increased participation in running. The foundation has two grant cycles per year, with up to seven awards granted each cycle. Click here to read more.

 

 Resources:

 

 Miss any of the CPPW Schools workshops?

 

Workshop #1: Understanding and Applying National Standards for Nutrition and Physical Education

Workshop #2: Engaging Youth in Health and Wellness Projects

Workshop #3: Effective Engagement of Stakeholders for Health & Wellness Team/Advisory Committee

Workshop #4: Creating Sustainable Physical Activity & Nutrition Programs in Schools

Click here to access all of the course materials.

 

 

USDA has released their implementation plan for the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.  Click here to find USDA's implementation chart which lists the program requirements, deadlines, and a timeline for the implementation of the act. 

 

 "Child Nutrition Reauthorization: Putting the Act into Action"

 

FRAC is hosting a series of webinars that examine the provisions of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act and steps to make the provisions of the Act a success. Click here to see and hear the previous Webinars in our series.

 

 

Online Video Workshop Series: Successful Students Through Healthy Food and Fitness Policies 

Learn how you can have an even greater impact on the health, wellness, and success of all students. This dynamic series of videos will inform and educate you about opportunities for improving physical activity and increasing the consumption of healthier beverages in schools. The videos were produced in partnership with California Project LEAN, the California School Boards Association, California Active Communities, and The California Endowment. 

 

A panels of experts discuss the following important topics in a series of video workshops:

·       Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Physical Education: James Sallis, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University; Kenneth Dyar, Coordinator of Physical Education at Delano Union School District; and Jane Russo, Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified District.

·       Physical Activity During the School Day: Shelly Masur, School Board Member, Redwood City School District; and Matt Diskin, Physical Education Specialist and Special Education Teacher in Shasta County's Gateway Unified School District.  

 ·       Safe Routes to School: Lisa Cirill, Acting Chief of California Active Communities; Ted Link-Oberstar, a Safe Routes to School Parent Advocate; and Melissa Minas, Program Manager for the Chula Vista Elementary School District.  

 

·       Joint Use of School Facilities: Robert Ogilvie, Director of the Planning for Healthy Places program at Public Health Law and Policy; Patti Cummings, Director of Facilities at Paramount Unified School District; and Vince Torres, Recreation Director for the City of Paramount

Click here to access these videos.

 

Working on Joint Use policies? Visit this comprehensive site for more information on joint use policies and examples of schools and communities successfully sharing facilities to benefit the community. Joint Use Policies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Treeswing is a Seattle-based non profit dedicated to helping children develop lifelong healthy habits through innovative programs and partnerships. Our vision is to fight childhood obesity for healthy kids and healthy futures.Through physical activity and better nutrition, Treeswing believes we can improve the overall health of children in the Puget Sound area, particularly low-income or at-risk youth who are most susceptible to obesity. 

 

Treeswing and UW Center for Public Health Nutrition are partnering through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant (CPPW) to provide technical support to school districts in King County to improve specific nutrition and physical education policies, resulting in increased access to healthier foods and physical activity. 

 

This e-newsletter is made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and Public Health - Seattle & King County.

See you next month!
Carolyn Kramer and Carly Kaufman, Treeswing