A new mixed-methods study evaluates implementation strategies for state-level childcare licensing regulations focused on healthy eating, physical activity, or screen time to assess their potential for improving young children’s health. Abstract Policies requiring childcare settings to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and limited screentime have the potential to improve young children’s health. However, policies may … Continue reading “STUDY: A Nationwide Evaluation of State Implementation Strategies in Childcare”
This series highlights state and local strategies in the US for equitable home drinking water access and quality for families with children 0-5 years old with low income. Water security means having stable access to available, acceptable, and safe drinking water, and it is key to supporting good nutrition and health. Families with low income, … Continue reading “Safe Home Drinking Water: A Series of Six Case Study Briefs”
A new study describes the evaluation process and outcomes of intervention strategies to reduce sodium in foods and sugar in beverages as part of a collaborative partnership between state public health, academic, community, and healthcare partners in Massachusetts, US. Lower sodium diets and lower levels of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption are linked to better health outcomes. However, … Continue reading “STUDY: Evaluation of efforts to reduce sodium & ensure access to healthier beverages in four healthcare settings in Massachusetts”
A new commentary focuses on water insecurity in communities where residents live with persistent problems such as lead in the water system or unreliable water treatment. Water security refers to having stable access to available, acceptable, and safe drinking water, which is key for supporting good nutrition. One way to address water insecurity for families … Continue reading “COMMENTARY: Drinking Water & SNAP: Current Policy & Opportunities for Improvement”
A new study aimed to develop a research instrument to evaluate healthy kids’ meal laws and assess their alignment with expert and industry nutritional standards. Among kids, fast food consumption is associated with excess weight gain and poorer diet quality due to unhealthy items on kids’ menus. To improve the nutritional quality of fast food … Continue reading “STUDY: Review & Content Analysis of State and Local Healthy Kids’ Meal Laws in the U.S.”
A new study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the risk factors for the development and progression of childhood obesity. An international team of researchers has found that the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the risk factors for the development and progression of childhood obesity. As societies build back from … Continue reading “STUDY: The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Worsened Risk Factors for Development & Progression of Childhood Obesity”
A new study from researchers at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Stanford Medicine Division of General Pediatrics, University of California Nutrition Policy Institute, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University was published today in the Annual Review of Nutrition. Plain water is recommended to replace sugar-sweetened beverages to support health yet concerns about … Continue reading “STUDY: Drinking Water in the United States: Implications of Water Safety, Access, & Consumption”
A new Scientific Advisory and Policy Statement on the built environment and active transportation from the American Heart Association was published today in Circulation. Dr. Angie Cradock of the Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health contributed specifically to “Creating Built Environments That Expand Active Transportation … Continue reading “Scientific Advisory & Policy Statement on Built Environment & Active Transportation from AHA”
A new study from the CHOICES Project, “Impact Of The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act On Obesity Trends,” was published today in Health Affairs. The study’s research team, led by Erica Kenney, examined the impact of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 on child obesity risk. The legislation strengthened nutritional standards for meals and beverages provided … Continue reading “STUDY: Impact of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act on Obesity Trends”
A new study from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health studied the implementation of the Child and Adult Care Food Program’s new nutrition standards in Boston Family Child Care Homes, and found that the majority of these providers did not receive training or technical assistance regarding these updated standards, and few had knowledge … Continue reading “STUDY: Implementing the New Child and Adult Care Food Program’s Nutrition Standards in Boston”