May 2008
The PAN Branch Welcomes Jamie Cousins and Bids Farewell to Denise Brewster
The Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch welcomes Jamie Cousins as the Acting Coordinator of the North Carolina Arthritis Program. Jamie comes to the PAN Branch from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where she completed the Presidential Management Fellowship and served as a Public Health Analyst. Her responsibilities at CDC included budget, grant monitoring, and coordinating a national conference for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention team. Jamie has a Master of Public Administration degree and a strong interest in promoting healthy living. She has worked as a trainer for the YMCA, and enjoys running, playing ultimate Frisbee, and spending time with family and friends.
Jamie will be transitioning into this role, taking the helm from Denise Brewster who has served in the role of Acting Coordinator since August 2007. Denise is returning to her passion, living on her sailboat with her best friend and husband, Dennis.
The PAN Branch thanks Denise for all of her wonderful work and welcomes Jamie to its staff.
Dr. Marcus Plescia Appointed President of NCADD Board of Directors
Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, chief of the Chronic Disease and Injury Section in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, has been appointed president of the board of directors of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), a public health association providing a national forum for chronic disease prevention and control efforts. Prior to his appointment to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in 2003, Dr. Plescia was associate clinical professor of Family Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center. He currently holds an academic appointment as an adjunct associate professor in the University of North Carolina Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Plescia oversees more than $15 million in grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the prevention and control of chronic disease and injury. He served as the principal investigator for the CDC-sponsored Charlotte REACH 2010 project from 1999-2007. As a family physician, Dr. Plescia has practiced medicine in a variety of settings, serving homeless, urban poor and medically underserved populations. He has published his work widely in the family medicine and public health literature.
In addition to his widespread interest in the prevention and control of chronic disease and injury, Dr. Plescia has specific interests in health disparities, public health surveillance systems, the interface between clinical medicine and public health and the role of the built environment in health promotion. He is interested in international health models and has received fellowships to study the health care systems in Great Britain and Kenya.
Dr. Plescia received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1990 and his Master’s of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989. As a medical student, he was awarded the Cecil Sheps Award in Social Medicine for outstanding scholarship and commitment in the field of social medicine. He trained in Family Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY.
About NACDD
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors is a national public health association, founded in 1988, to link the chronic disease program directors of each state and U.S. territory to provide a national forum for chronic disease prevention and control efforts. NACDD provides state-based leadership and expertise for chronic disease prevention and control at the state and national level. Further information about NACDD is available at www.chronicdisease.org.
News from the Eat Smart, Move More NC
Correct way to write Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina
In the early days of Eat Smart, Move More NC you may have seen it written several ways including Eat Smart Move More…NC. Well, it’s time to banish the ellipses and be sure we are all writing it correctly. There is also a comma between Eat Smart and Move More – but not between Move More and North Carolina or NC. Hope this clarification helps. Contact Sheree Vodicka (Sheree.Vodicka@ncmail.net) with any questions.
Programs, Projects and Initiatives
Students Succeed with School Meals: The Healthy, Low-Cost Choice
This promotional tool kit is designed for use by Child Nutrition professionals in North Carolina. The items are intended to promote the school meals program to families, teachers and principals. The tool kit was developed after conducting focus groups with these three audiences and getting input from managers, supervisors and directors. Materials and messages reflect the needs of all the groups. The kit contains the following:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Powerpoint Presentations
- Fact Sheets in English En Español
- Brochures (in English and Spanish)
- Families Eating Smart & Moving More Monthly Newsletters
- Eat Smart and Move More Messages for Kids
- Menu Ideas
- Media Packet
- Sample Display
- Building Community Partnerships
Visit www.nutritionnc.com to download all of the materials and for other great school nutrition materials.
Success Stories
North Carolina Dietetic Association Presents Awards to Registered Dietitians from Across the State
On April 21, 2008, the North Carolina Dietetic Association (NCDA) announced its Member of the Year, Emerging Dietetic Leader and Registered Young Dietitian of the Year award winners for 2007-08.
The Member of the Year award is the highest recognition the NCDA bestows on its members. The award is made annually based on professional achievement and participation in national, state and regional dietetic association activities during the past year or years. The winner must demonstrate significant contributions to the profession through employment and voluntary work.
The Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award recognizes dietitians under age 35 who have demonstrated leadership in the profession through active participation in the Association or through their employment and demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population they serve.
The NCDA recognized the award winners Monday with a reception during the NCDA annual meeting at the Sheraton Imperial in Research Triangle Park.
Tracey Bates, MPH, RD, LDN of Raleigh was named Member of the Year.
Virginia Collins, MS, RD, LDN, CCP of Charlotte was named Emerging Dietetic Leader.
Three members were awarded the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
- Sarah Monje, MPH, MS, RD, LDN of Durham
- Ashley Miles, RD, LDN of Raleigh
- Sarah Colby, PhD, RD of Greenville
NCDA also announced other award winners including:
- Outstanding Dietetics Educator, awarded to Nancy G. Harris, MS, RD, LDN, FADA of Greenville
- Outstanding Dietetics Student, awarded to both LaCrystal A. Strong and Emily Ann Miller both of Chapel Hill
and the Circle Award, created to recognize an individual outside the profession of dietetics who contributes to the profession, awarded to both
- Andrea Reusing of Chapel Hill
- Thomas A. Barringer, MD of Charlotte
The North Carolina Dietetic Association is one of 50 state associations affiliated with the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association. NCDA’s more than 1,600 members advocate for the nutrition profession and serve the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well being. View a more detailed press release.
You may also visit NCDA online at www.eatrightnc.org.
Featured Resources and Research
Call for County Best Practices in Childhood Obesity Prevention
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is building a database of policies, programs, and initiatives that county governments have put into place to help promote healthy living and prevent obesity. NACo is building the database because there is growing interest among county leaders for replicable strategies on this topic.
If you know of any such policies, programs or initiatives in counties in your area, please contact Casey Dillon at cdillon@naco.org or (202) 942-4243.
Shortchanging America’s Health – A State-by-State Look at How Federal Dollars are Spent—NC Ranks 24th
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) released a new study on April 2nd that finds Midwestern states receive less funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) than other states.
Midwestern states receive less funding from the CDC than other states, at an average of $16.24 per person. Western states receive the second least, with an average of $19.74 per person. Northeastern states receive an average of $23.37 per person. Southern states receive the most CDC funding, with an average of $29.40 per person. Access individual state profiles.
The new analysis, Shortchanging America’s Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars Are Spent — 2008, reviews key health statistics and federal funding for public health on a state-by-state level.
Federal funding for disease and injury prevention programs in states averages out to be $17.23 per person for fiscal year (FY) 2007. However, CDC funding for individual states can vary by more than $56 per person, according to the analysis. Alaska receives more than any other state from the CDC at $69.76 per person. Kansas receives the least at $13.61 per person.
“Every American should have the opportunity to be as healthy as he or she can be. Every community should be safe from threats to its health,” said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. “If we’re serious about improving the health of Americans, we need to make a much bigger investment in disease prevention efforts in every state and every region.”
States and local communities use CDC funds for a range of public health programs, including cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention and health promotion, diabetes control, environmental health, HIV prevention, immunizations, infectious disease prevention, and bioterrorism preparedness.
“For too long the country has focused on caring for people after they become sick instead of trying to prevent disease,” said James S. Marks, M.D., M.P.H., senior vice president and director of the health group at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Investing more in public health and prevention will help end skyrocketing medical care costs and ensure that all Americans live longer and healthier lives.”
Approximately 80 percent of CDC funds are distributed to state and local health agencies through grants or cooperative agreement programs. CDC is the lead federal agency devoted to disease prevention and control. The agency distributes funds in 2 ways: 1) through formulas based on burden of disease or population, and 2) through competitive processes where states and communities apply for limited funds.
Regions are based on the U.S. Census Bureau definitions. Midwestern states include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Northeastern states include: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Western states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Southern states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Washington, D.C. was not included in the analysis.
The full report with state-by-state pages of health indicators and funding information is available on TFAH’s Web site. The report was supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Rankings of CDC Funds for States (Based on Fiscal Year 2007)
1=Most funds; 50=Least funds. Funds are listed on a per person basis. The national average CDC funding is $17.23 per person.
1. Alaska ($69.76); 2. Georgia ($52.56); 3. Maryland ($49.35); 4. Virginia ($45.20); 5. Vermont ($39.02); 6. Rhode Island ($33.60); 7. North Dakota ($32.76); 8. New Mexico ($32.75); 9. Wyoming ($31.64); 10. South Dakota ($30.80); 11. New York ($26.95); 12. New Hampshire ($26.61); 13. Hawaii ($26.45); 14. Massachusetts ($25.42); 15. West Virginia ($25.40); 16. Tennessee ($25.34); 17. Delaware ($25.23); 18. Montana ($25.22); 19. Louisiana ($24.50); 20. Maine ($23.89); 21. New Jersey ($23.71); 22. Kentucky ($23.18); 23. Oklahoma ($23.01); 24. North Carolina ($22.53); 25. Nevada ($22.43); 26. Alabama ($22.20); 27. Washington ($21.21); 28. Idaho ($21.12); 29. Colorado ($20.47); 30. Connecticut ($20.42); 31. Iowa ($20.41); 32. South Carolina ($19.84); 33. Mississippi ($19.77); 34. Nebraska ($19.72); 35. Texas ($19.67); 36. Arizona ($19.38); 37. Arkansas ($18.54); 38. Michigan ($18.40); 39. California ($17.68); 40. Oregon ($16.78); 41. Missouri ($16.20); 42. Illinois ($15.46); 43. Pennsylvania ($15.30); 44. Ohio ($15.08); 45. Wisconsin ($14.94); 46. Utah ($14.81); 47. Minnesota ($14.61); 48. Florida ($14.06); 49. Indiana ($13.69); 50. Kansas ($13.61).
For more information contact: Laura Segal at (202) 223-9870 x 27 or via email at: lsegal@tfah.org.
New Interactive Games Available on CDC Fruit and Vegetable Website
Two new interactive fruit and vegetable games, Analyze My Plate and Recipe Remix are now live on the CDC fruit and vegetable website. Click “interactive” on the left tool bar to view the interactive tools.
Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment in Child Care (NAP SACC) Web-based Training
The University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Training and Translation (Center TRT) is funded by CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity to review and disseminate practice-based interventions. The NAP SACC intervention has been reviewed by a Center TRT expert panel and identified as an effective intervention with high potential for public health impact. The intervention template, all of the updated and redesigned materials, and web-based training on implementation of the intervention are now posted on the Center of Excellence for Training and Research Translation website.
The Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment in Child Care (NAP SACC) web-based training is designed for those interested in adopting the NAP SACC intervention in their state or community. The training provides step-by-step instructions on implementing NAP SACC, including a review of toolkit components, development exercises and quizzes. It is composed of 3 core modules with supplemental modules covering nutrition, physical activity, and possible NAP SACC adaptations and modifications. This training and the associated materials will allow individuals to fully implement the NAP SACC program.
The NAP SACC training is accessed from the home page of the Center TRT website. The home page includes a “What’s New” ad for NAP SACC; click on the ad to access the intervention template for NAP SACC. The navigation bar on the right side of the template is an outline of what you can find on the site. Click on “Training and Technical Assistance” to access the web-based training.
Legislation
North Carolina General Assembly Members Recognized for Support of Nutrition Policy
On April 21, 2008, legislators from both the Senate and House of the North Carolina General Assembly received recognition from North Carolina’s nutrition experts. The North Carolina Dietetic Association (NCDA) recognized Senator William R. Purcell, Representative Nelson Dollar, Representative Pricey Harrison and Representative Jennifer Weiss for their roles in supporting important nutrition policy.
The NCDA Public Policy Leadership Award is given to an individual or group of individuals who have exhibited support for efforts to change, improve, or strengthen public policy particularly in, but not limited to the areas of nutrition, food, health care and public health.
These four legislators championed the Dietetics Practice Act Amendment in the 2007 session of the N.C. General Assembly. The purpose of this law is to protect the citizens of North Carolina from harmful nutrition practice by providing for the licensure and regulation of persons practicing dietetics/nutrition. Having current language in the law in keeping with changes in healthcare and the dietetics profession ensures that North Carolina citizens have access to quality care for optimal quality of life.
Senator Purcell, Representative Dollar and Representative Weiss were on hand to accept their award at a reception in honor of NCDA’s award recipients.
The NCDA represents more than 1,600 registered dietitians and dietetic technicians from across the state. The NCDA is a state affiliate of the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association. NCDA and the ADA serve the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. For more information, visit NCDA’s Web site at www.eatrightnc.org.
Grants/Awards
Garden Crusader Awards Nominations Sought
The Garden Crusader Awards were created by Gardener’s Supply to honor individuals who are improving the world through gardening. Garden Crusaders are men and women who are planting trees and flowers, growing food, creating new green spaces, and teaching their friends and neighbors about the rewards of gardening.
The awards honor individuals in the United States who are improving their communities through gardening. Nominations of organizations will not be accepted. However, many organizations apply and choose one person to represent the group, with the entire group sharing the prize. There is no age requirement. Nominees may be volunteers or may be paid for their garden work. Self-nominations are accepted.
Award categories for 2008 are Education; Feeding the Hungry; Urban Renewal; and Restoration. There are five winners for each category: first, second, third, plus two honorable mentions and one grand-prize winner, for a total of twenty-one winners overall. The grand-prize winner will receive $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 gift certificate from Gardener’s Supply. First-place winners will receive a $1,000 gift certificate each; second-place winners a $750 gift certificate; third-place winners a $500 gift certificate; and honorable mentions a $200 gift certificate. All prizes will be awarded to the winner’s organization in his/her name. Deadline for nominations is June 15, 2008.
Visit the program’s Web site for complete guidelines and nomination forms.
RFP
Additional RFPs in Environment
Information about Community Gardening
Training and Professional Development
Nutrition and Physical Activity Teleconferences
Every month, the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity & Obesity (DNPAO) sponsors a monthly teleconference on a variety of topics, but mostly dealing with nutrition and/or physical activity. The calls are scheduled the 2nd Thursday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The next call will take place on May 8, 2008. The topic will be “Physical Activity and Nutrition Policies and Programs in the Nation’s Schools: Are We Making Progress?” presented by Terry O’Toole, PhD, Health Scientist, Division of Adolescent and School Health. Anyone who would like to participate in future calls is encouraged to send an email to nc5aday@ncmail.net.
Weight Management Certificate Programs
Various Dates and Cities
The Commission on Dietetic Registration will be offering Certificate of Training programs in Adult and Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management as noted below.
Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management:
- May 16-18, 2008 - Dover, Delaware
- June 26-28, 2008 - Bellevue, Washington
- September 18-20, 2008 - San Francisco, California
Information and to view the certificate requirements, timeline, registration deadlines and agenda.
Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management:
- May 18-20, 2008 - Dover, Delaware
- June 5-7, 2008 - Austin, Texas
- September 4-6, 2008 - Cincinnati, Ohio
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) Southeast Regional Farm-to-School Gathering
July 17, 2008
Asheville, North Carolina
SAVE THE DATE –- Thursday, July 17th!!! The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is hosting a Southeast Regional Farm-to-School gathering. This event will be a full day of planning, learning and inspiration. The event will be held at Isaac Dickson Elementary School in Asheville, NC.
If you are currently engaged in farm-to-school (or would like to be) and you live in NC, FL, GA, KY, SC or TN, this invitation is for you!
More details will be forthcoming soon!
For more information contact:
Emily Jackson
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
Southeast Regional Lead for the National Farm to School Network
729 Haywood Rd. #3
Asheville, NC 28806
828-236-1282 office
emily@asapconnections.org
2008 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition Annual Symposium
“Fruits and Veggies: Reaching and Teaching North Carolinians”
Charlotte, North Carolina
July 30, 2008
Save the date of Wednesday, July 30, 2008 for the 2008 NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition Annual Symposium. The conference will be held again at Johnson & Wales University—Charlotte campus. Registration information will be forthcoming.
Goal: The goal of this year’s exciting Symposium is for participants to leave with ideas, resources and new partners to make fruits and vegetables more accessible within their communities and use fun and teachable strategies to help North Carolinians eat smart and enjoy more.
Objectives - By attending the Symposium, participants will:
- Learn about innovative programs that are both reaching (creating greater access to) and teaching North Carolinians how to enjoy more locally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Identify ways and resources to bring these new programs into their communities or settings.
Who Should Attend:
- Any fruit and veggie passionate person or organization.
Interested in getting the registration materials when they are available? Join the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition today. Membership is free and applications can be downloaded from www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com.
Environmental Leadership Program Food Tour Conference: “The Politics of Food”
Raleigh, North Carolina
September 22-24, 2008
How can we promote a food system that is environmentally sustainable, socially just, and economically viable? The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) invites you to “The Politics of Food,” a national conference on how America grows, distributes, buys, and eats its food. ELP’s Politics of Food national conference will engage participants in a challenging exploration of how and why our food system works as it does, whether it is secure, just, and sustainable, and how it might be reshaped for the future. The conference will provide an interactive forum that enables attendees to make new connections and share information around the common goal of developing visionary, yet practical, solutions to local and national food-related challenges.
North Carolina State University Park Scholarships and Department of Food Science will co-host the “Politics of Food” conference. North Carolina’s rich and diverse agricultural heritage has put it at the crux of the challenges facing modern agriculture, and this setting provides a terrific opportunity to explore strategies that North Carolina communities and businesses are using to build a more sustainable food system from the ground up.
Full conference abstract.
To register.
7th Annual North Carolina Conference on Aging
“Healthy? Wealthy? and Wise? – Growing Older in North Carolina”
Greenville, NC
October, 28-30, 2008
The North Carolina Conference on Aging is a collaborative effort to develop a professional conference to provide educational and networking opportunities for anyone interested in long-term care, vital aging, family issues, work and retirement, leadership, and professional development. Realizing the diverse nature of this task, we have made a deliberate effort to include local, regional and state-level service providers, educators, students, consumers, volunteers, clients, caregivers, policymakers, and administrators.
Conference Tracks will include:
- Livable, Senior Friendly Communities
- Economy of Aging
- Healthy Aging
- Family, Intergenerational Relations and Caregiving
- Gender, Race, and Class
- Elder Rights, Consumer Protection and Legal Issues
- Health and the Continuum of Care
More information is available on the conference web site.
Piedmont Interfaith Network of Gardens (PING) Workshops
PING is a new network of church-based community gardens in central North Carolina, under the Come to the Table Project. PING helps churches celebrate their work, share information and resources, and provide healthy, fresh food to their communities. Workshops are planned for February through November of this year.
Healthy Schools Institute
June 17 – 20
Hickory, NC
The 2008 Healthy Schools Institute, “North Carolina Healthy Schools: From Vision to Reality,” will take place June 17-20 at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC. This year’s Institute will offer a variety of sessions presented by recognized leaders in many areas, including Staff/Personal Wellness, Obesity Prevention, Mental Health, Sexual Health, Injury/Violence Prevention and School Environment (social, built and natural), as well as skills building and all eight components of Coordinated School Health Programs (CSHP)!
Educators, School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) members, public health professionals, school nurses, school nutrition professionals, school mental health and human service professionals, family members and others interested in healthy successful students are invited to attend. Participants will be able to collaborate effectively through their local SHAC to support the CSHP model; gain skills in needs assessment and planning, grant writing, advocacy and evaluation; complete a local strategic action plan to enhance the health and well-being of school-aged children and youth and contribute to a 2008-2013 statewide strategic action plan to better support local SHAC and school-level efforts. Certificates of Attendance will be awarded for 2.4 contact hours. For more information go the NC Healthy Schools Website. (From the NC Healthy Schools Web site)