April 2007
Nutrition Update
April 2007
News from the PAN Branch
The PAN Branch Welcomes Debi Nelson
Debi Nelson has joined the Statewide Health Promotion Program team as a Community Development Specialist. She will provide technical assistance to local Health Promotion Coordinators for implementing policy and environmental changes that support healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco use cessation.
Prior to assuming her position with the PAN Branch she worked for Caldwell County Health Department as the Health Education and Health Promotion Supervisor and Public Information Officer. She was also the Executive Director for Healthy Caldwellians; a local Healthy Carolinians certified task force. Debi is a Registered Health Educator with the NC Board of Registry.
Debi holds a BA degree in Health and Physical Education and a M.A.Ed degree in Health and Physical Education. Her hobbies and interests include her two sons and husband, movies and sports of all kinds. We are very excited to have Debi on our team.
Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant
As in early 2006, President Bush has eliminated the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from his proposed fiscal year 2008 budget. This means that all 100 North Carolina counties serviced by our 85 local health departments will lose the funding that supports the Statewide Health Promotion program. The Statewide Health Promotion program supports staff in 83 health departments who conduct important work integrating multi-level healthy eating and physical activity interventions in their communities. The SHP community action plans address physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use, the top three causes of chronic disease and premature death in our state.
Partners can write letters to your respective Congressmen and women to educate them on the value of the funding North Carolina receives from CDC through this Block Grant. Contact Sharon Nelson at Sharon.boss.nelson@ncmail.net or call her at 919-707-5220 for more information.
Programs, Projects and Initiatives
Public Health Month
April is North Carolina Public Health Month! The 2007 N.C. Public Health Month website is now live at this site, with links to new logos, proclamations, a packet of information including ideas for local health departments, and more. There is also an easy link to the site from the N.C. Public Health homepage at www.ncpublichealth.com — so you don’t even have to remember a new URL. We hope you’ll find these things helpful as you plan ways to bring attention to the importance of public health in the lives of North Carolinians, every day, everywhere, and for everybody.
CDC Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity’s Rebranded Website
Please visit the CDC Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity’s rebranded website.
This rebranded site reflects the next generation of 5 A Day, the familiar brand of the National Fruit & Vegetable Program whose name is now officially changed to “Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™.”
On Monday March 19, 2007 the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation — in partnership with CDC, HHS, and others (see list of public and private partners below) rolled out the new brand with several press events across the country. Watch for the new name in a grocery store near you.
What is the National Fruit and Vegetable Program?
The answer is in the Questions and Answers section at the new site
The National Fruit & Vegetable Program is a public private partnership. It is a confederation of government, not-for-profit groups and industry groups working collaboratively and synergistically to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. Participants in the program include:
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
- American Heart Association (AHA)
- American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- California Department of Health Services (CDHS)
- Council of Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Coordinators
- National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH)
- Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
- United Fresh Fruit and Produce Association (UFFPA)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The National Fruit & Vegetable Program also includes Nutrition Coordinators in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and uniformed forces. Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Coordinators work closely with partnering organizations and are responsible for planning and conducting fruit and vegetable activities in their state.
Inquiries?
visit this link to submit questions about the site and to find contact information for your State, Territory or Uniformed Services Health Promotion Programs, and the Indian Health Service.
Success Stories
North Carolina Joins National Launch of a New Public Health Initiative, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters ™
Although research indicates that more than half of adults know they need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, fewer than 10 percent of all Americans actually do it. To encourage North Carolinians to eat more fruits and veggies, a new national public health initiative, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters, was introduced at an event held at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, NC on March 19, 2007.
Fruits & Veggies—More Matters was created to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and veggies in all forms – fresh, frozen, canned, dried and “100 percent” juice. The new initiative spotlights the taste, nutrition, abundant variety and different forms of fruits and vegetables.
Increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables appears to help prevent many chronic diseases. Replacing the former 5 A Day program, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters focuses on motivating people to simply eat more fruits and veggies at every eating occasion. .
“We want all North Carolinians to know about this important health initiative,” said Diane Beth, state fruit and vegetable nutrition coordinator. “While Americans seem to know about the health benefits of eating fruit and veggies, most people would need to at least double the amount they currently consume in order to meet the new dietary guidelines. The idea behind Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is that, whether a person currently eats 1, 4 or 8 servings of fruits and veggies a day, he or she will benefit from eating more because—more matters.”
Speaking in support of the new initiative at the launch event were state leaders David Smith, deputy commissioner of agriculture; Dr. Leah Devlin, state health director; and Dr. Marcus Plescia, representing the N.C. Medical Society. Local farmer Fred Miller from Hilltop Farms spoke about the importance of locally grown, nutritious produce and Peter Gilmore, VP with Dole Food Company, Inc spoke about plans that the company has for their new plant in Kannapolis featuring NC produce.
Avien Blackman, Raleigh’s first “Fruits & Veggies Star Mom,” told how she learned to keep her family healthy by using fruits and vegetables in everyday meals and snacks. Avien is a recent graduate of the Culinary Job Training Program at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Chef Mike Aquaro from Duke University Dining program demonstrated how to do attractive fruit and veggie garnishes that are eaten and not wasted.
The event also featured nutrition experts, taste testings, face painting, an interactive Germ Busters exhibit, door prizes, and activities for families. The State Farmers Market provided a great backdrop for the event as local/regional farmers sold their delicious produce.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), the N.C. Division of Public Health and the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition partnered to host the launching of Fruits & Veggies—More Matters in NC.
Sponsors from within NCDA&CS included the State Farmers Market, the State Fair Division, the Marketing Division, the Got to Be NC Big Cart and the Food and Drug Protection Division. Within the Division of Public Health sponsors included the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Section and the Physical Activity & Nutrition Branch.
Other sponsors included the Eat Smart Move More NC initiative, Food Lion, Duke University Dining Program (Farm to Fork), Inter-Faith Food Shuttle –Culinary Job Training Program, N.C. Medical Society and Wake County Human Services – Health Promotion/Chronic Disease Prevention.
Other events occurred throughout the week in Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington, and in the counties covered by the Appalachian District Health Department.
The nationwide Fruits & Veggies—More Matters ™ initiative is being led by the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with other organizations committed to achieving increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. In North Carolina, it is being led by state and local level partner organizations of the N.C. Fruits & Veggies Nutrition (formerly N.C. 5 A Day) Coalition www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com.
Featured Resources and Research
Team Nutrition E-Newsletter
The Team Nutrition E-Newsletter is published periodically to share Team Nutrition resources developed by USDA and/or by State agencies and to share ideas for promoting healthy eating and physical activity through Team Nutrition at the State and local levels. To begin receiving the Team Nutrition E-Newsletter, visit this site to sign up.
CDC Fruits and Veggies Consumer Tip Sheets Available
Three consumer tip sheets are now available from CDC for your use during any launch events or any other activities you may be planning. The first three tip sheets in a series of tip sheets have been completed and we are excited to share them with you. The tips sheets will be posted on the www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com website and can be downloaded from there. The tip sheets include:
Encourage Kids to Eat More Fruits & Veggies:
Finding creative ways to encourage fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet can be fun for the entire family. 10 ways to help kids each more fruits and veggies. Includes three “kid friendly” recipes.
Eat More Fruits and Veggies:
See how you can save time, save money, or both as you strive to eat more fruits and veggies as part of a healthy diet. Includes three recipes.
True or False? Test your fruit and veggie IQ:
Test your knowledge of the benefits of fruits and veggies. Includes three quick recipes.
North Carolina Minority Health Facts: Hispanics/Latinos Publication
The State Center for Health Statistics and the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities have worked together to produce a new publication titled North Carolina Minority Health Facts: Hispanics/Latinos. This report is available on the State Center web site at this site.
North Carolina-Nutrition and Physical Activity Surveillance System (NC-NPASS) 2006 Data/Reports
The NC-NPASS 2006 data/reports are now available on the EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com website under the data section. Please note that all the prevalence rates of overweight have slightly gone up among all subgroups when compared to 2005. Starting with 2006, another statistics to rank the counties by prevalence rates of overweight and at-risk for overweight has been added (lower ranks indicates better rates).
2006 Childhood Overweight Data from NC-NPASS — Reflects only North Carolina Health Dept. Clinics (WIC and Child Health)
Trends in Overweight——Charts and Graphs of NCNPASS 2006.pdf
Tables showing Overweight by age, Hispanicity, and gender—Overweight by Age Gender Race NCNPASS.pdf
NC Map Showing the geographic distribution of the prevalence of overweight children 2-4, 5-11, 12-18, and 2-20 Years
County-specific BMI for Ages 2 to 20.pdf
County-specific BMI for Ages 2 to 4.pdf
County-specific BMI for Ages 5 to 11.pdf
County-specific BMI for Ages 12 to 18.pdf
If you have any questions or if you notice any discrepancy in the data, charts, maps, and tables, please contact Najmul Chowdhury at najmul.chowdhury@ncmail.net.
Appetite for Profit - A New Book on Food Politics
The United States is currently embroiled in a national debate over the growing public health crisis caused by poor diet. Many people are starting to ask who is to blame and how can we fix the problem, especially among children? The major food companies are responding with a massive public relations campaign. These companies, including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Kraft, and General Mills are increasingly on the defensive. In response, they are pretending to sell healthier food and otherwise position themselves as “part of the solution.” All the while, they continue to lobby against commonsense nutrition policies. This book explains how to fight back by offering reliable resources. Readers will learn how to spot the PR, how to not be fooled, and how to organize, for example, to improve school food. Appetite for Profit, for the first time:
Explains why we cannot not trust food corporations to “do the right thing.”
Describes the local battles of going up against the powerful food lobbies
Offers a comprehensive guide to the public relations, front groups, and lobbying tactics that food companies employ to trick the American public
Provides an entertaining glossary that explains corporate rhetoric, including phrases like “better-for-you foods” and “frivolous lawsuit.”
About the Author
Michele Simon is a public health lawyer who has been working as a nutrition advocate since 1996, specializing in legal strategies and food industry tactics. She has published numerous articles about such issues as the National School Lunch Program, the Dietary Guidelines, banning obesity lawsuits, and corporate lobbying. She lectures extensively, and teaches Health Policy at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she also received her law degree. Michele obtained her master’s degree in public health from Yale University. Michelle is the author of, Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back.
For more information to this site
Michele Simon JD, MPH
510-465-0322
Oakland, CA
New Site for Color Me Healthy Is Now Live
Color Me Healthy is a program that teaches children ages four and five that health eating and physical activity are fun. Now their parents can join in with a new website created just for them.
This great new site, www.ColorMeHealthy.com, is filled with a wealth of resources to help families eat smart and move more. Some of the resources include information to help families prepare and eat more meals at home, tame the tube, rethink their drink, choose to move more, right-size their portions, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Also available on the site to download for free are monthly newsletters, quick and healthy recipes, and Color Me Healthy music that will allow parents to sing and dance with their children.
Legislation
Funds for Eat Smart Move More Initiative
Legislation titled “Funds for Eat Smart Move More Initiative” has been introduced in both the NC House of Representatives (H.B. 618) and the Senate (S.B.671) that would add $3 million to the Eat Smart Move More Community Grants in fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. If passed, these grant funds would be “to promote community environments that support physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and personal well-being.” This legislative effort is being promoted by the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association, whose top legislative agenda is Active Community Environments. For more information, or to track either of these bills, go to www.ncleg.net and enter the bill number.
North Carolina Statewide Health Promotion H23 and S25
Bills have been filed in both the House (H23) and the Senate (S25) supporting a $4.3 million appropriation for the Statewide Health Promotion Program. This funding will support the work of one full time public health professional in each county to work on the issues of physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco use prevention and cessation. The bills can be viewed at this site and this site.
Grants/Awards
USDA-Economic Research Service, Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program-2007 Request for Research Proposals
Proposal Submission Deadline - May 21, 2007.
USDA-Economic Research Service (ERS), Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program Fiscal 2007 Competitive Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program Description and Application Process:
ERS’s Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program is now accepting proposals for grants and cooperative agreements for Fiscal 2007. The three priority research areas are (1) Food Choices: Economic Determinants and Consequences, (2) Economic Incentives in Food Assistance Programs, and (3) Food Assistance as an Economic Safety Net. This publication describes the research areas and application requirements. Funding for competitive awards in fiscal 2007 is approximately $2 million. The deadline for proposal submission is May 21, 2007.
You may download the full announcement and application package.
Local Initiative Funding Partners Program
Deadline for Applications: July 10, 2007.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Local Initiative Funding Partners Program. The program is a partnership between the foundation and local grantmakers to fund promising, original projects to significantly improve the health of vulnerable people in their communities. Projects must be new, innovative, collaborative, and community-based.
Significant program expansions—such as a major expansion into new regions or to new populations—may also be considered. Projects must be nominated by a local grantmaker interested in participating as one of the funding partners, and willing to work with the grantee to obtain local dollar-for-dollar matching funds throughout the grant period.
Local funders may include independent and private foundations, family and community foundations, corporate giving programs, and other philanthropies.
Up to $5.8 million in matching funds is available for the 2008 grant cycle, with up to 14 matching grants of $200,000 to $500,000 awarded. For information and application guidelines go to this site. (From AFHK March 2007 Funding Alert)
Training and Professional Development
Nutrition and Physical Activity Teleconferences
Every month, the CDC Division of Nutrition & Physical Activity (DNPA) sponsors a monthly teleconference on a variety of topics, but mostly dealing with nutrition &/or physical activity. The calls are scheduled the 2nd Thursday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The topics for the April 12, 2007, are:
Association of State and Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors (ASTPHND) update, presented by ASTPHND President, Miriam Gaines, and President-Elect, John Frassinelli; and National Society of Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health (NSPAPPH) update, presented by NSPAPPH Chair, Chris Kimber.
Anyone who would like the handouts or participate in future calls please send an email to NC5ADAY@ncmail.net.
Hear Our Voices: Communities United to Eliminate Health Disparities Conference
April 11-13, 2007
North Raleigh Hilton
Raleigh, North Carolina
The Minority Health Advisory Council and the NC Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities are proud to present a statewide community focused conference: Hear Our Voices: Communities United to Eliminate Health Disparities. The goals for this three day conference are: (1) to highlight promising models and programs implemented in NC and (2) to unite agencies and communities in NC to strengthen efforts and partnerships around health disparities.
Target audiences: grassroots community members and leaders, peer counselors/outreach workers (i.e. lay health advisors/Promoters), community health ambassadors, disparity gap coordinators, minority community based organizations, faith leaders/faith community, advocacy groups, grass roots social justice, civil rights and civic organizations, nontraditional community clinics (i.e. community health centers), governmental agencies (local, state, tribal), historically minority serving colleges and universities and other academic institutions, legislators, public/private funders, school health personnel, hospital personnel, healthcare providers, health directors and health and human service agency teams, health educators, case managers, researchers, educators, nutritionists, etc.
For more information contact Conference Coordinator, Denise Cooper: denise.cooper@ncmail.net.
A Shared Vision: The North Carolina Integrated Chronic Disease Conference
May 8, 2007
The Friday Center
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Save the Date for this one-day program, sponsored by Wake AHEC (Area Health Education Center) and North Carolina Public Health, which will provide practical information demonstrating the value and importance of working together in the prevention and control of chronic disease. In addition to primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce risk factors related to chronic disease will be discussed. The latest evidence-based and practice-based information on, and tools for, program integration/chronic diseases will also be disseminated.
Keynote Speaker:
Larry Cohen, MSW
Executive Director, Prevention Institute
Oakland, California
Who should attend?:
*Healthcare providers
*Public health professionals
*Non-profit organization professionals
*Other community group professionals working in the area of chronic disease prevention
Registration: 7:30 am
Program: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Applications for professional credits have been submitted.
For more information visit this site
2007 National Health Education Conference & SOPHE’s 2007 Midyear Scientific Conference
“The Changing Face of Health Education and Health Promotion”
June 7-9, 2007
Seattle, Washington
You are invited to be part of a premier national health education and health promotion conference cosponsored by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE), Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the 2007 National Health Education Conference & SOPHE’s 2007 Midyear Scientific Conference, June 7-9, 2007, in Seattle, WA.
The conference theme, “Changing Face of Health Education and Health Promotion” speaks to breaking down sub-categories within the profession such as infectious vs. chronic, global health vs. domestic health that serve as barriers to progress. This conference will encourage re-conceptualizing health education and health promotion programs, research and practice to cross over professional boundaries and seek an integrated approach to solving health education challenges. Abstract proposals from all professionals and public health partners involved in health education, health promotion, health communication, community health, and behavioral research are encouraged to respond to this invitation.
For more information visit www.sophe.org.
2007 CDC - Division of Cancer Prevention and Control’s (DCPC) Cancer Conference: “Meeting Future Challenges”
August 13-16, 2007
Atlanta Hyatt Regency
Atlanta, Georgia
The biannual meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Cancer Conference: “Meeting Future Challenges” will be held on August 13-16, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference theme of Meeting Future Challenges will be addressed by four days of presentations and discussions on key issues related to CDC’s vital mission of cancer prevention and early detection. The opening plenary session on August 13th will be followed by Day Sessions on Building Partnerships (August 14th), Workforce Development and Policy (August 15th), and Emerging Technologies (August 16th).
By attending this conference, you will learn how you can help:
* Expand the public health role in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation.
* Develop a coordinated approach to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.
* Build partnerships and use research findings to support comprehensive cancer control objectives.
* Implement interventions recommended by The Guide to Community Preventive Services.
* Prepare for changes in public health workforce needs.
* Plan for the integration of emerging tools and technologies in cancer prevention and control programs.
For more information visit this site.
Join us as we discuss new ways to meet future challenges in cancer prevention and control by building partnerships, anticipating workforce and policy needs, and integrating emerging technologies.
2007 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FCNE)
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Excellence!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 29-October 2, 2007
Be simultaneously exposed to an impressive past and an exciting future by attending the FNCE in Philadelphia, September 29 to October 2, 2007. Learn about new product releases, educational resources and cutting edge technology that will fortify the vision of your profession. Earn CPEs while experiencing culinary demonstrations, specialty exhibitor pavilions, over 300 leading food and nutrition exhibits, Meet the author book signings and much more!
In the “City of Neighborhoods” you will find yourself a part of your own special community with colleagues and industry experts passionately dedicated to a health and nutrition revolution for today and tomorrow.
Important Dates:
Registration: Open June 1, 2007
Early bird Deadline: August 22, 1007
Program Preview: Available May 1, 2007
For more information visit this site
Society for Public Health Education’s (SOPHE) 58th Annual Meeting
Partnerships to Achieve Health Equity
October 31 – November 3, 2007
Alexandria, VA
SOPHE is pleased to be partnering with CDC’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH 2010) program and Eta Sigma Gamma for its 40th Annual Meeting.
Sub-themes include health systems change; social determinants of health and transdisciplinary approaches to health education; health communications, health literacy and technology; cultural competence in bridging differences, and; evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based approaches.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Cynthia Crocker at ccrocker@cdc.gov.
2007 American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Annual Meeting
Washington, D.C.
November 3-7, 2007
The American Public Health Association’s (APHA)Annual Meeting & Exposition is the premier Public Health Educational Forum! Learn from the experts in the field, hear about cutting edge research and exceptional best practices, discover the latest public health products and services, and share your public health experience with your peers. The world of public health is in continual motion, and there is no better time to stay abreast of the research and learn about emerging issues.
The APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition is the oldest and largest gathering of public health professionals in the world, attracting more than 13,000 national and international physicians, administrators, nurses, educators, researchers, epidemiologists, and related health specialists. APHA’s meeting program addresses current and emerging health science, policy, and practice issues in an effort to prevent disease and promote health. APHA has a world of public health in store for you. For more information go to: www.apha.org/meetings