July 2007

News from the PAN Branch

2007 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Symposium

The PAN Branch and the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition is pleased to announce that the 2007 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Symposium will be held on August 8, 2007, at Johnson & Wales University –Charlotte Campus. Registration information is available for download at the www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com website. The conference will feature JWU chef demonstrations, the Dole Nutrition Institute and as always state and local success stories and resources.

We will also be announcing the 2007 NC Fruits & Veggies Star Award winners.

Programs, Projects and Initiatives

Come To the Table

Come to the Table is a new, state-wide project exploring how people of faith can relieve hunger and sustain local agriculture in North Carolina. Please check out their Web site. You’ll find a discussion board, links to organizations, and news from groups around the state.

In the coming months, a committee will form to foster discussion and strategy across the state and regionally. If you are interested in participating or taking a leadership role in one of these committees, please e-mail or call Claire Hermann at Claire@rafiusa.org or (919) 542-1396.

Success Stories

No featured stories this month.

Featured Resources and Research

SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WELLNESS: A Guide for Protecting the Assets of Our Nation’s Schools

More than 6.7 million people are employed by public school systems in the United States – about 3.5 million teachers and 3.2 million other employees. This large workforce is charged with one of the nation’s most critical functions – preparing our youth to become successful and productive citizens. When school districts ignore the health of their employees, a valuable asset of the nation’s school is put at risk. Further, the conditions that affect the health of employees also influence the health and learning of students. Protecting the physical and mental health of school employees is integral to protecting the health of students and ensuring their academic success.

This resource is a comprehensive guide that provides information, practical tools and resources for school employee wellness programs. It will help schools, school districts and states develop and support the implementation of school employee wellness programs that promote employee health, improve workforce productivity and reduce the costs of employee absenteeism and healthcare.

The guide includes:

• Lessons from established school employee wellness programs, as well as other worksite wellness programs
• Steps to establish a school employee wellness program
• Tips for obtaining administrative support
• Suggestions for recruiting allies who can contribute to your program’s success
• Tools to identify the interests and needs of employees
• Tips for culturally competent planning
• Ideas for wellness program activities
• Strategies for sustaining a program
• Additional resources, including potential funding sources

It can be downloaded for FREE from the school employee wellness website at www.schoolempwell.org. In addition to the guide, the website contains success stories from school employee wellness programs; brief fact sheets about the steps for establishing a school employee wellness program; links to organizations and agencies that provide health education materials and services; and tools to support the implementation of a school employee wellness program, such as PowerPoint presentations about the benefits of school employee wellness programs, tools to survey school employees about their interest in health programs, and more.

The guide was developed by the Directors for Health Promotion and Education (DHPE) under a cooperative agreement with the Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA: Grant#: DHPE U58/CCU325029.

Expert Committee Releases Recommendations to Fight Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

On June 8, 2007, the Expert Committee on the Assessment, Prevention and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity released recommendations for the management of overweight and obese children. The committee, made up of representatives from fifteen health professional organizations*, was convened by the American Medical Association (AMA) and co-funded in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This link is to the press release. As you read the release, at the end of the 4th paragraph you find another link to the actual recommendations page. Once you get to that page, the recommendations are listed as a PDF on the right side. If you don’t want to read through all the accompanying materials, go to the PDF link.

The committee’s work is an important step forward and updates the 1998 guidelines. These new recommendations further address a critical public health issue for those who care for children and adolescents. CDC will take the expert committee’s recommendations under advisement.

You may contact Chris Reinold, Health Scientist at CDC if you have any questions. His contact information is:

Chris Reinold
770-488-5407
Creinold@cdc.gov

Assistance Available for Summer Feeding Programs

The State of North Carolina provides funds for summer food service programs for children. The Duke Endowment may be able provide guidance and financial assistance to eligible rural United Methodist Churches interested in hosting a summer feeding program. E-mail Robb Webb, rwebb@tde.org, for more information.

A Purchaser’s Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Moving Science into Coverage

A Purchaser’s Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Moving Science into Coverage was published in late 2006 and disseminated to employers who are members of the National Business Group on Health (NBGH). The Purchaser’s Guide (PG) is an information source for employers with recommended clinical preventive services for 46 selected conditions. The guide includes the scientific evidence and specific benefit language employers need to implement a comprehensive and structured clinical preventive services program within their medical benefit plan. Developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the PG translates clinical guidelines and medical evidence, providing large employers with the information they need to select, define, and implement preventive medical benefits such as healthy eating, physical activity, and obesity treatment.

• NBGH has reported that very large Fortune 500 companies will be using the PG when negotiating their health benefit contracts. This could have a significant impact on millions of employees and their dependents.
• The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, through John Robitscher their Executive Director, have endorsed the PG and have already communicated its benefits to the state chronic disease directors.

The guide can be downloaded at (http://www.businessgrouphealth.org/prevention/purchasers/.

Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective

The World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF/AICR) will distribute free copies of its Second Expert Report on diet and cancer to researchers, educators and policy makers who reserve their copy on-line. The Second Expert Report is a rigorous review and evaluation of 7,000 studies on diet, physical activity and overweight in relation to cancer risk. It is a landmark document, in which an expert panel of world-renowned scientists assesses decades of research results, draws conclusions and issues recommendations for cancer prevention.

The Second Expert Report will be available in a 500-page, soft-cover edition with 200 charts and graphs. Included with it will be a CD containing the most complete bibliography and presentation of the data ever compiled. Entitled Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, the Second Expert Report will be an indispensable tool for researchers, educators and practitioners working in the field of cancer prevention.

Those who received free copies of the First Expert Report in 1997 used it so often and intensely that the soft-cover and binding are often in tatters. For that reason WCRF/AICR is also producing a limited number of deluxe, hard-cover copies of the Second Expert Report. Only enough hard-cover copies will be printed to fulfill pre-paid advance orders. So order now to ensure you receive a copy of the deluxe, hard-cover edition.

To reserve your complimentary, soft-cover copy of the Second Expert Report, or to order your limited-edition, hard-cover copy at the special pre-publication price, click here.

For more information contact:

Refilwe Moeti, M.A.
Public Health Advisor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA)
Mail Stop K-46
4770 Buford Highway, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3717
770-488-5519 (phone #)
770-488-5473 (fax #)
RMoeti@cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa

Legislation

No updates this month

Grants/Awards

National Institutes of Health Grant: Title: School-Based Interventions to Prevent Obesity (R21)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement encourages the formation of partnerships between academic institutions and school systems in order to develop and implement controlled, school-based intervention strategies designed to reduce the prevalence of obesity in childhood. This initiative also encourages evaluative comparisons of different intervention strategies, as well as the use of methods to detect synergistic interactions between different types of interventions.

Deadline Date:
This is a recurring program with three grant cycles:

• February 16
• June 16
• October 16

Expiration Date:
November 2, 2007, unless reissued

Eligible organizations:
For-profit or non-profit, organizations, public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, units of State and local governments, eligible agencies of the Federal government, domestic or foreign institutions/organizations, faith-based or community-based organizations, Indian/Native American Tribal Government

For details, click on this link.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Health Care Application Information Session

Effective July 1, 2007, the Trust is changing its grant application to more closely align with its new strategic direction. In June and July, they will conduct application information sessions around the state to explain the application in detail and to answer questions face-to-face.

The dates and locations of the sessions are below:

• All sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Seating is limited, so we can only accommodate one individual per organization.

• Reservations will be accepted on a first come/first served basis.

• July 13 Boone Watauga Hospital (NW AHEC) RSVP By July 6

• July 17 Concord Cabarrus Family Medicine Building RSVP By July 10
• July 23 Chapel Hill Friday Center RSVP By July 16

For more information go to this site.

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 topic for the July 12, 2007, call is “Disseminating Evidence-Based Public Health Interventions: Lessons from the Diffusion of Innovations and Social Marketing”. Anyone who would like the handouts or participate in future calls please send an email to NC5ADAY@ncmail.net.

2007 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Symposium

The PAN Branch and the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition is pleased to announce that the 2007 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Symposium will be held on August 8, 2007 at Johnson & Wales University –Charlotte Campus. Registration information will be available by mid June at the www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com website. The conference will feature JWU chef demonstrations, the Dole Nutrition Institute and as always state and local success stories and resources.

4th Annual NC AHEC Latino Health Symposium

July 19-20, 2007
Asheville, North Carolina

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual NC AHEC Latino Health Symposium @ MAHEC!! Partnership = a cooperative relationship between people or groups who agree to share responsibility for achieving some specific goal. Knowing who your potential partners are in meeting the health related needs of Latinos in North Carolina and in your community may be your key to greater effectiveness. This conference has been designed to inform and educate you about the people you can team with and the resources you can use to address the Latino healthcare challenges and disparities. From governmental partners to Latino community care providers, interpreters to learning resources, you will gain a broader view of who you can partner with and what you both, working together, can achieve.

Target Audience: Providers of healthcare and health related services for Latinos, including nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, health educators and others.

To view program details or to register please download this pdf (3.5mb)

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: The conference website.

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.

Center for Women’s Health and Wellness

Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposium: Focus on Reproductive Rights, Health and Justice
September 24-25, 2007
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at UNCG is pleased to announce the 3rd annual Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposium to be held this year in collaboration with the Center for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Care at UNC Chapel Hill. The focus this year is on breastfeeding as an issue of women’s reproductive rights, health and justice. It will be held September 24th and 25th in Chapel Hill, NC at the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education.

Keynote addresses will be given by Dr. Barbara Katz-Rothman, Professor of Sociology at Baruch College, CUNY and Judy Norsigian, Director of Our Bodies Our Selves.

For more information contact: Paige Hall Smith, at: phsmith@uncg.edu

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 the conference website.

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 the APHA website

22nd Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference

November 9 - 11, 2007

Join 600+ farmers, educators, extension agents, consumers, and agriculture professionals for a weekend of workshops, wonderful meals, inspiring keynote address, and loads of fun! More info to come - mark your calendars and stay tuned! For more information visit www.carolinafarmstewards.org.