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HPRC News & Events

Jan 7 2015

Outsmarting the Smart Screens!

New tools and resources from the PRC to help limit children’s screen time.

We frequently hear from parents about the challenges of limiting the amount of time children spend in front of the television, computers, video games, smartphones, and tablets. Technology can be educational and fun. But, children are spending more and more time in front of all these different screens. Too much exposure can have a negative effect on their eating habits, schoolwork, and sleep. Healthy kids need healthy limits on their screen time. Continue reading →

Jan 5 2015

STUDY: OSNAP increases children’s water consumption during afterschool snack time and identifies contextual factors important for success.

An HPRC study increases children’s water intake during snack time with stronger effects for programs with kitchens, low child-to-staff ratios, experienced directors, and improved school support. Continue reading →

Dec 12 2014

STUDY: A validated tool to effectively assess nutrition and physical activity environments and behaviors in after school settings.

An HPRC study found that the Out-of-School Nutrition and Physical Activity Observational Practice Assessment Tool (OSNAP-OPAT) can assist researchers and practitioners in validly assessing nutrition and physical activity environments and behaviors in afterschool settings. Continue reading →

Nov 21 2014

STUDY: Children eat more junk food and nearly twice as many calories when bringing their own snacks to after-school programs.

An HPRC study found that children consumed more salty and sugary foods and nearly twice as many calories when they brought their own after-school snack, as compared to when they consumed only program-provided snacks. Continue reading →

Nov 18 2014

OSNAP Launches New Interactive Online Learning Community

The OSNAP Online Learning Community brings together afterschool staff to work through the process of making practice, policy, and environmental changes in their programs.

Join afterschool and out-of-school time programs from across the country to improve children’s physical activity, nutrition, and screen time habits in your program!

Continue reading →

Oct 29 2014

HPRC at APHA’s 2014 Meeting

This year’s November APHA meeting, “Healthography,” explores how health challenges are dictated by place.

Be sure to look for HPRC researchers at the following presentations on Monday, November 17th and Tuesday, November 18th. Continue reading →

Sep 24 2014

Keep it Flowing: A Practical Guide to School Drinking Water Planning, Maintenance & Repair

Keep it Flowing: A Practical Guide to School Drinking Water Planning, Maintenance & Repair, addresses the practical side of drinking water in schools by outlining the steps needed to provide adequate numbers of properly maintained drinking fountains and tap water dispensers in school buildings.

It is designed for the people who make our nation’s schools run day-in and day-out, including those within state and tribal agencies and organizations, districts, school boards and local education authorities and schools. Continue reading →

Sep 12 2014

HPRC study demonstrates sustainable approach to addressing overweight risk among children

Primary care is an opportune setting to contribute to obesity prevention and treatment. However, there is limited evidence for effective and sustainable interventions in primary care. The Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative (MYOC) successfully affected office systems, provider behavior, and patient experience, back in 2009.

This follow-up study by HPRC’s Dr. Steven Gortmaker and Dr. Michele Polacsek found myoc sustainable improvements in clinical decision support and family management of risk behaviors within a primary-care-based approach to addressing overweight risk among children and youth. Continue reading →