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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER
May 2005
Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Strategic Alliance. In this issue, we highlight the rescheduling of the Governor’s Summit on Obesity, a call for endorsements of our Taking Action recommendations, Strategic Alliance’s response to the new obesity numbers, the success of ENACT 2005 and much more.
Governor’s Summit on Obesity Scheduled for September 15th, 2005
The Governor’s Summit on Obesity has been rescheduled for September 15th, 2005. While there are not many details available at this time, First Lady Maria Shriver will be an important presence during the summit. Although the summit will still be by invitation-only, there are steps we can all take to send a clear message to Governor Schwarzenegger and his administration about the changes that are needed to stem the poor nutrition and physical inactivity health crisis. We encourage you to endorse Taking Action for a Healthier California: Recommendations to Improve Healthy Food and Activity Options, which presents a clear and compelling agenda for making our schools, neighborhoods, cities and state healthier places to live and work. To endorse Taking Action, please visit http://www.preventioninstitute.org/sa/takingaction.html.
In addition to seeking endorsements for Taking Action, we are also interested in receiving local examples of government, businesses, employers and schools that have instituted policies similar to those outlined in Taking Action. These examples may be emailed to Jasmine at jasmine@preventioninstitute.org.
Navigating the Obesity Confusion with Action
An article* published on April 20, 2005 in the Journal of the Medical Association examined the relationship between overweight, obesity and death. The study’s authors found that deaths due to obesity were lower than previously reported. However, promoting healthy eating and regular physical activity continues to be a priority to improve the public's health. Scientists still agree that people at all points of the weight spectrum benefit from maintaining a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating and regular physical activity. Although obesity is one outcome of poor diet and inactivity, it is far from the only one:
- Low fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with heart disease and cancer,
- High salt intake is associated with high blood pressure,
- Diets high in saturated and trans fats are associated with heart disease,
- And physical inactivity is associated with a range of outcomes, from heart disease to cancer.
We at Strategic Alliance have always promoted the importance and necessity of creating environments that make it easier to eat healthy and be physically active and we will continue to do so. Here’s what you can do:
The Bottom Line: Controversies about the number of deaths attributable to obesity shouldn't distract us from environmental changes that will help everyone at every weight.
For more information on this issue:
http://www.publichealthadvocacy.org/resources/obesityanddeath042905.pdf
* Flegal KM, Graubard BI, Williamson DF, Gail MH. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2005; 293:1861-7
ENACT 2005 a Rousing Success
April 28th marked the third annual Environmental Nutrition and Activity Day (ENACT 2005) in Sacramento. Sponsored by the Strategic Alliance, the California State PTA, the California Park & Recreation Society and the California Alliance for Transportation Choices, over one hundred excited and dedicated participants, including parents, teachers and community members, joined forces to learn about and advocate for seven bills designed to improve eating and activity environments. The day climaxed with a rabble rousing rally on the steps of the State building featuring speeches from local farmers, walking and biking advocates, and Senator Torlakson. We encourage all of you who were not able to participate this year to join us in 2006!
Bills for ENACT 2005
SB12 and 965: Escutia’s Nutrition standards for snacks & beverages in school.
SB153: Chesbro’s Authorization of a bond for better parks & recreation facilities.
SB281: Maldonado’s More fruits & vegetables for California schools.
SB523: Torlakson/Maldonado’s State transportation funds to make biking & walking safer & easier.
SB559: Torlakson’s Physical education quality improvement.
AB826: Nava’s Support farm-to-school efforts.
State Public Health Officer Dr. Richard J. Jackson Receives Presidential Award
President George W. Bush has named CA State Public Health Officer Dr. Richard J. Jackson as a recipient of the 2004 Presidential Rank Awards. The president recognized Jackson with the rank of “Distinguished Executive” for his “outstanding leadership, accomplishments and service over an extended period of time” while he worked for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We are fortunate to have an individual with Dr. Jackson’s experience, accomplishments and reputation working at CDHS,” Shewry said. “This honor is a public proclamation of what we already know here in California: Dr. Jackson’s untiring work to improve public health benefits all residents of this state and this country.” The Strategic Alliance joins in offering our congratulations to Dr. Jackson as well. Dr. Jackson has always proven himself to be a staunch advocate for improving nutrition and activity environments.
IN THE NEWS
When a Food Marketer Devises Nutrition Advice
The government's hiring of a company with a stable of food industry clients to sell the national nutrition plan has some public health advocates concerned. The long standing relationship between the Department of Agriculture and Porter Novelli, one of the world's largest and most successful public relations companies, is coming under scrutiny. While the PR giant is developing and promoting the new dietary guidelines, their clients also include a number of fast food competitors. Public Health advocates express concern that, "You have a company on one hand pushing McDonald's or almonds or whatever, and on the other providing objective advice on government nutrition programs," said Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Alliance Steering committee member Harold Goldstein also queried, "How much of a corporate message is behind the government's message?"
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Groundbreaking “Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2005” Comes Up Short in Senate Vote
Senator Harkin's bill (S 794), “Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2005,” included provisions that supported rewarding investments in pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, making complete streets a priority, setting goals for non-motorized transportation, focusing research on the safety of non-motorized travel, encouraging local action on pedestrian and bicycle safety, strengthening commitments to safe routes to schools, and demonstrating non-motorized transportation in pilot communities. Despite strong bi-partisan support, the amendment was defeated on the Senate floor, 53 to 44. However, according to the America Bikes Coalition, it is important to recognize the act for the milestone that it was, “the first time that the complete streets concept was debated and voted on in either chamber of Congress.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
Homegrown Kids: Building Farm to School Partnerships for the North Coast
May 24, 2005 9 AM-4 PM
Santa Rosa, CA
www.farmtoschool.org
Environmental Solutions to Obesity in America's Youth
June 1-2, 2005
Washington, DC
Second annual NIEHS national conference on obesity and the environment. Online registration is now open:
http://www-apps.niehs.nih.gov/conferences/drcpt/oe2005/register.cfm
Challenging the Obesity Epidemic
June 8, 7-9 PM
Santa Monica, CA
Assemblymember Fran Pavley presents a free Community Health Education Forum featuring Dr. Richard J. Jackson, State Public Health Officer and Dr. Francine Ratner Kaufman Professor of Pediatrics, The Keck School of Medicine of USC. Come discuss legislative matters pertaining to health issues and meet healthcare professionals who will provide information and answer questions. ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call 310-829-8453 to reserve a free seat or for more information.
California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families
“Social Marketing Conference”
August 11-12, 2005
Sacramento, CA
Register online at www.ca5aday.com. The conference fee is $125 / person.
For more information please visit www.ca5aday.com or call 916-608-8686.
Physical Activity and Public Health Practitioners' Course on Community Interventions
September 15-21, 2005
South Carolina
Great training opportunity for non-public health partners. Interested applicants should go to http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/seapines/index.htm for course information and instructions on how to apply.
RESOURCES
LEAF: Linking Education, Activity, and Food Fiscal Impact Report
The first in a series of reports on the evaluation of the Linking Education, Activity and Food (LEAF) program is now available on the Center for Weight and Health website. http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/cwh/activities/LEAF.shtml
"Livable Streets for Schoolchildren," by Bruce S. Appleyard
"Livable Streets for Schoolchildren" describes the world as seen through the eyes of children and powerfully illustrates how streets and communities are impacted by automobile traffic and inadequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Appleyard shows how completing our streets for walkers and cyclists can help improve livability and our children's quality of life. The article is available for download at: http://www.bikewalk.org/ncbw_forum/articles.htm
Three New Research Summaries from ALR
Active Living Research has released three new Research Summaries that each summery presents science in a format useful for policy makers, planners, developers, public health officials and others working for more active communities and reduced childhood obesity. Updated versions of Designing for Active Transportation and Designing for Active Recreation present newly published research as well as new charts and graphics. All three can be downloaded from the Active Living Research website: http://www.activelivingresearch.org/index.php/What_We_are_Learning/117
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 Parks and Recreation Society, California Project LEAN, California WIC Association, Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Prevention Institute, Samuels & Associates and YMCA of the East Bay.
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, eatbettermovemore.org, or contact Karen Khamou at 510.444.7738
or karen@preventioninstitute.org.
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.
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