STRATEGIC ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER

May 2003

Welcome to the monthly update from the Strategic Alliance. In this issue, we highlight an upcoming talk on June 11 on marketing to children that promises to be informative and stimulating. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues.

DON'T MISS IT!

Schools, Marketing, and Children's Health
Presented by Alex Molnar, Ph.D., Professor of Education Policy and Director of the Education Policy Studies Laboratory at Arizona State University

Wednesday, June 11, 3:30-5 PM
114 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley
Street parking only. Close to downtown Berkeley BART station.
Campus map: www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/AB23.html

Join the Strategic Alliance and the Center for Weight and Health for a stimulating and timely presentation and discussion. Professor Molnar will offer insights into how to devise strategies to improve school environments, with particular emphasis on food and nutrition for children's health. Following his presentation, we will invite participation from audience members for a lively discussion and sharing of ideas.

NEWS WE CAN USE

Walking More in the Right Environment

"People who live in walkable neighborhoods walk one hour per week more than those who live in less walkable neighborhoods. By doing so they meet forty per cent of their physical activity target and halve their risk of being overweight. Developing neighborhoods where people can walk must be a key component of public policy."

Source: Conference conclusion from the Fourth International Conference on Walking in the 21st Century, Portland Oregon, May 1-3, 2003.

Health Costs of Obesity Near Those of Smoking

The treatment of illnesses related to obesity costs America $93 billion a year, rivaling the financial toll of smoking-related disease, according to an analysis underwritten by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare for overweight and obese individuals costs an average of 37 percent more than for people of normal weight, affirming that obesity is a major factor in America's rising health care costs. For the full story, visit: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51654-2003May13.html.

And did you know... A can of Pepsi has 41 grams of sugar, about seven teaspoons!
Source: Organic Consumers Association

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

ENACT 2003: Nutrition & Activity Lobby Day a Big Success!

May 1, 2003, was a significant milestone in building a movement in support of healthy food and fitness opportunities in California. Cosponsored by the California State PTA and the Strategic Alliance, the event brought together more than 100 parents, nutritionists, physical activity advocates, students, and other community members to urge their legislators to ENACT policies that will help California address the epidemic of obesity and overweight. For more information about ENACT, including fact sheets and other educational materials, please visit www.cfpa.net/ENACT/ENACT2003.htm. Many thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the day's success.

RESOURCES

Tools from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Leadership for Active Living is a national initiative developed to support government leaders as they create and promote policies, programs, and places that enable active living to improve the health, well-being and vitality of communities. Active living is defined as a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines, such as walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or pleasure, taking the stairs, and using recreational facilities. Tools available at leadershipforactiveliving.org include "A Primer on Active Living" and "Active Living Action Strategies."

"The Shape We're In" is a five-part newspaper series on physical activity and obesity written by professional journalists and distributed free by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services, beginning on May 27, 2003. The series is intended to build public awareness and spark action across the country. The companion Web site, ShapeNews.com, shows how you can leverage this opportunity to build awareness and support for your efforts to increase physical activity and reduce obesity.

New P.H.A.T. Video from CANFit

As part of its Promoting Healthy Activities Together (P.H.A.T.) project, California Adolescents Nutrition and Fitness Program has just released a video that takes a unique look at nutrition and physical activity from the perspective of youth, local hip-hop talent, and sport celebrities. To order the complete multi-media package, visit: www.canfit.org/phat/Multi-Media_Package/multi-media_package.html.

And a hearty congratulations to Arnell Hinkle, CANfit's executive director (and member of the Strategic Alliance Steering Committee), who was just named a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson's Community Health Leadership Award. Each year, RWJ honors ten outstanding individuals who overcome daunting odds to expand access to health care and social services to underserved and isolated populations in communities across the United States. Way to go, Arnell!

UPCOMING CONFERENCE

Keeping All of California Moving
Thursday, June 5, 2003, 8:30am-4:30pm
Sierra Health Foundation: 1321 Garden Highway, Sacramento, California.

The California Alliance for Transportation Choices invites you to attend an educational forum exploring the links between social equity, public health, and transportation. Workshops include, "Promoting Biking & Walking: Successes and Lessons Learned from Recent Projects" and "Environmental Justice & Transportation: Proactive Strategies for Creating a More Equitable Transportation System." For more information, please email Kerry Brown at kerry@odyssey.org.

WALKING THE TALK

In April, the California WIC Association kicked off its "WIC Walks the Talk" campaign to encourage all WIC employees in California to increase their physical activity. Participants keep track of their steps or distance traveled with step counters and receive awards. For more information, visit: www.calwic.org/wic_walk_talk.htm.

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE?

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity, away from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle, towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility. Current Steering Committee members are: California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit), California Center for Public Health Advocacy, California Food Policy Advocates, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Project LEAN, California WIC Association, Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Prevention Institute, and Samuels & Associates.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Strategic Alliance is currently engaged in building a broad and diverse statewide membership. To join or for more information, please visit us on the Web, or contact Michele Simon at Michele@preventioninstitute.org or call 510.444.7738.

And even if you're already a member, please forward this message on to your colleagues so we can continue to strengthen our coalition. Thank you!

The Strategic Alliance is supported by funding from The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation.

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