Monday, July 30, 2007

Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia Presents: The Art of Debt Management - FREE CLASS

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA
Presents: THE ART OF DEBT MANAGEMENT (open to the general public)

Debt Management Classes - No Cost financial training provided by Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia, a non-profit United Way Agency.

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CLASSES start: Wednesday, August 31, 2005; 6 pm - 9pm; 222 West 19th Street, Norfolk, VA23517. Note: the entire class is three hours long; the same content will be presented every Wednesday.

"All you need to know about Debt Management" includes: basic budgeting, identifying financial values and goals, understanding your credit report and the options to consider in resolving your debt concerns. This class will be interactive and fun, as well as educational. You will have the option of receiving a FREE CREDIT REPORT when you attend.

To reserve a seat in the class, call 625-2227 ext. 117 and leave your contact information. We will return your call to confirm your enrollment.

SCHIP VOTES EXPECTED THIS WEEK - ACTION ALERT

Crunch Time for Congress!
SCHIP legislation will be considered by Congress this week in the House and Senate!

WE NEED CALLS TO BOTH SENATORS AND ALL VIRGINIA MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

SENATE UPDATE: With a strong bipartisan vote, the Senate Finance Committee adopted a SCHIP bill that included a $35 billion expansion funded by a 61 cent increase in the federal tobacco tax (bringing the tax to a dollar per pack of cigarettes). Many have pointed out that cigarette taxes are regressive, but others have argued that this is the only funding mechanism that will produce anything close to bipartisan agreement in Congress. The full Senate vote will be this week!

HOUSE UPDATE: The House Ways and Means Committee worked into Thursday night and Friday morning to approve a broader bill called “CHAMPS” that would include a $50 billion SCHIP expansion and a 45 cent increase in the federal tobacco tax. The House bill also would end the federal government's practice of paying more for people using Medicare Advantage (HMOs within Medicare that tend to attract healthier people) than it does for traditional Medicare. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over SCHIP, got bogged down in political maneuvering on Friday, and the Chairman decided to send the bill to the House floor without a committee vote. The House could vote on the bill early this week!

RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT’S VETO THREAT: The President has threatened to veto this legislation, saying it represents an expansion of the government that will "crowd out" private insurance. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has pointed out that most of the children who would get health insurance under the bills are those who already meet the eligibility requirements but are not enrolled, and that the majority by far are children who would otherwise not have health insurance. 96,000 uninsured children in Virginia are eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP but are not enrolled. The SCHIP legislation would fund their insurance and allow for growth in Virginia ’s program.

ACTION NEEDED: Calls to ALL Virginia members of Congress. They all need to hear from constituents!

THE MESSAGE: “PLEASE PUT CHILDREN FIRST! SUPPORT THE SCHIP BILL! PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE TO 96,000 UNINSURED CHILDREN IN VIRGINIA !”

Phone Fax Email / Website*

Senator John Warner (R) 202-224-2023 202-224-6295 www.warner.senate.gov

Senator Jim Webb (D) 202-224-4024 202-228-6363 www.webb.senate.gov

Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-1st) 202-225-4261 202-225-4382 http://joanndavis.house.gov

Rep. Thelma Drake (R-2nd) 202-225-4215 202-225-4218 http://drake.house.gov

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd) 202-225-8351 202-225-8354 bobby.scott@mail.house.gov

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-4th) 202-225-6365 202-226-1170 www.house.gov/forbes/

Rep. Virgil Goode (I-5th) 202-225-4711 202-225-5681 www.house.gov/goode/

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) 202 225-5431 202-225-9681 www.house.gov/goodlatte

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7th) 202-225-2815 202-225-0011 http://cantor.house.gov

Rep. James Moran (D-8th) 202-225-4376 202-225-0017 http://moran.house.gov

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-9th) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442 ninthnet@mail.house.gov

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) 202-225-5136 202-225-0437 www.house.gov/wolf

Rep. Tom Davis (R-11th) 202-225-1492 202-225-3071 http://tomdavis.house.gov

DON’T DELAY! PLEASE MAKE YOUR CALLS TODAY!
Thank you!
Jill
Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center, 700 E. Franklin St . Suite 14T1, Richmond , VA 23219, 804-782-9430 ext. 13, 804-649-0974 (fax), jill@vplc.org

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program

From RWJF email news:

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program
Jul 25, 2007

Officials for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system in North Carolina are broadening their efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among children and curb rising childhood obesity rates, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Last September, school officials partnered with Forsyth County Medical Center to measure the body mass indices (BMIs) of nearly 12,500 students in first, fourth, seventh and ninth grades and found that more than 40 percent were overweight or obese. Hoping to spur lifestyle changes, the system superintendent sent letters to the parents of students with high BMIs recommending that parents consult with their child's pediatrician. Officials also are working to increase the amount of physical activity during the school day by encouraging teachers to conduct five-minute, in-class activities called "energizers" and helping teachers' integrate nutrition education or physical activity into academic lesson plans. In addition, elementary schools offer at least 30 minutes of physical education daily and abide by wellness policies established last year requiring the inclusion of healthy food options on cafeteria menus and discouraging the use of food for fundraisers and classroom parties. In tandem with the schools' efforts, Forsyth County Medical Center is encouraging local restaurants to participate in its KidSmart program, which recognizes restaurants that meet at least five of seven requirements such as offering fresh produce, skim milk and whole wheat bread as menu options, and requiring a parent's permission before refilling soft drinks for children younger than age 12. Officials hope the changes will empower students to make healthier eating decisions and maintain active lifestyles (Deaver and Giovanelli, Winston-Salem Journal, 7/25/07).

California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters

You might want to visit the California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters at http://www.caphysicalactivity.org/w2s-headquarters.html.

They have a lot of materials, in lots of languages, and helpful toolkits for starting a walking program.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

CDC Vaccine Update Satellite Broadcast - Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Dept of Public Health will be hosting the
CDC Vaccine Update Satellite Broadcast
Thursday, August 9,2007
The broadcast will be shown twice that day. Please choose either:
9:00 am-11:30 am or 12:30 pm- 3:00pm

Topics include influenza, rotavirus, varicella and zoster vaccine. This educational program is provided free but registration is requested at http://www2a.cdc.gov/TCEOnline/ This ensures that adequate materials are available, and appropriate continuing edcation units can be obtained.

For information or questions please call Vicki Roberts at (757) 518-2716 or email Vicki.Roberts@vdh.virginia.gov

Monday, July 23, 2007

Kids in Cars - August Purple Ribbon Month

August is Purple Ribbon Month for reminding parents and caregivers on the dangers of leaving children unattended in and around vehicles.

Kids IN Cars' partner, 4RKidssake, heads up this incredible life saving technique. Hang a purple ribbon on a tree in your front yard, on your personal vehicle or even your work vehicle, on your mailbox and many other places. Wear a lapel pin every day of August and share our life saving message.

You will be amazed on how many people will ask you what the purple ribbon stands for.
What a great way to ensure the safety of our children nationwide.

So how do you get these ribbons? Simply reply to my email and provide an address.

Together we will save lives!

Becky Ball
Director of Virginia
Kids In Cars
703-304-1375
becky.ball@kidsincars.org
www.kidsincars.org

Friday, July 20, 2007

Health Care Listening Tour - Virginia Interfaith Center

Virginia Interfaith Center - Health Care Listening Tour

The Virginia Interfaith Center wants to hear what you have to say about Health Care in VA. Join us and help us construct a Health Care Bill of Rights for the Commonwealth.

Thursday, August 16th, 12:00pm- 1:00pm,
Norfolk YWCA - 5215 Colley Avenue – Norfolk 23508
(Please RSVP to 757-622-1429 for this meeting because light refreshments will be served.)

Thursday, August 16th, 6:00pm-7:00pm,
St. Mary’s Basilica - 232 Chapel Street – Norfolk 23504

Sunday, August 19th, 9:00am- 10:15am, Unitarian Universalist Church - 739 Yarmouth St. – Norfolk 23510

For More Information Contact Ryan Rinn: ryan@virginiainterfaithcenter.org or (804)643-2474.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Article: Overweight kids face early stigma, long-term problems

Article: Overweight kids face early stigma, long-term problems

From: CNN.com/health online news

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/07/12/diet.fatchildren.ap/index.html

Story Highlights
Kids as young as three more likely to think overweight kids are mean, stupid
Study finds overweight kids also face bias from parents, teachers and doctors
More efforts needed to protect obese kids from abuse, researcher says
Almost 50 percent of U.S. kids will be overweight by 2010, she says

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Choosing Child Care for a Special Needs Child

Here is some good information for Special Needs Children:

Choosing Child Care for a Special Needs Child

Finding quality, affordable child care can be difficult for any parent. For those with a special needs child, it can also be a very confusing and emotional experience. Rebecca Freshour looks at what the law says, and what parents need to know to find care for their children.
http://www.connectforkids.org/node/5339

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Drug treatment for Pediatric Obesity??

A study in the June 18 Early Release issue of Pediatrics found that sibutramine is effective for weight loss in adolescents aged 12-16 years. While sibutramine is investigational in adolescents, pediatric dosing has been approved for orlistat, a competitor drug.

Do you favor or oppose pharmacologic treatment of obesity in this age group? Please respond using the comments function.

Monday, July 2, 2007

SIGN'EM UP! FREE TRAINING

FAMILY ACCESS TO MEDICAL INSURANCE SECURITY (FAMIS)
FREE TRAINING

Please see the information below listing upcoming dates for Family Access To Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) training. The training is FREE but you do need to register on SurveyMonkey to ensure we have enough materials.

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
10:00 A.M.—12:00 P.M.
Workforce Development Center
201 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23505
Link to register for Norfolk

MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Virginia Beach Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA
Link to register for Virginia Beach

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Peninsula Health Center
416 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
Link to register for Newport News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007
10:00 A.M.—12:00 P.M.
Social Services Building(Ph: 923-3000)
440 Market Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
Link to register for Suffolk

MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
10:30 A.M.—12:30 P.M.
Churchland Branch Public Library(Ph: 686-2538)
3215 Academy Avenue
Portsmouth, VA
Link to register for Portsmouth

This workshop will provide detailed information on Virginia’s
Health Insurance Programs for Children (FAMIS, FAMIS Plus and
FAMIS Select) and Pregnant Women (Medicaid for Pregnant Women
and FAMIS Moms).

This workshop is for people who work with families who want to
know more about FAMIS or who need an update on recent changes.

If you have any questions or if you are having trouble with online registration, please contact Carol Jones, Sustainability Specialist, Consortium for Infant and Child Health at
(757) 668-6472.