Tobacco Use Control Annual Training Meeting

The Tobacco Use Control Project is having its Annual Training Meeting on November 5, 2009. As many have experienced, we all are having budget restraints, and printing is one area that we can reduce our expenses. Therefore, we have eliminated the cost of a slick, brochure and mailing and sending this information to you by email. The registration fee has been kept low so that it can accomodate everyone's' budget and encourage our partners, coalition members and colleagues to plan on attending this Annual Training. We are hoping that if you are not able to attend, but know someone in your organization or advocate that can benefit by attending this meeting, please share the attached information. The presenters are all outstanding and will be sharing their strategies and programs that can be implemented towards "Working Together To Create Healthy Communities".
http://www.vahealth.org/cdpc/TUCP/

If you need additional information, please contact me either by email or by phone, 804-864-7876 (direct line). We look forward to seeing you on November 5th. Thank YOU! Bunny Caro-Justin

Health Care Reform or No, Virginia Can Cover More Kids

New Report Details How and Why Virginia Should Maximize Federal Funding for FAMIS

RICHMOND -- A new law passed by Congress earlier this year provides an immediate opportunity for the state to improve the successful Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program and cover more of the 129,000 uninsured children in Virginia. But if the General Assembly and the Governor don’t take the required action, some of the funding could disappear in less than two years. A new report from The Commonwealth Institute details the changes in the law and how Virginia should leverage the maximum funding available to help protect the health of Virginia’s children......

Check out our new report:
Covering More Kids in Virginia

Full Service Community Schools

Full-service community schools can serve as hubs for low-income and distressed communities, providing vital services for families and supports for students. On September 9, 2009 House Majority Leader Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) joined forces to re-introduce the Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2009, HR 3545. Community Schools urges you to share the press release with your local, state, and national policymakers, media contacts, networks, listservs and colleagues.

Healthy Communities Action Strategies Toolkit

Leadership for Healthy Communities Action Strategies Toolkit This Leadership for Healthy Communities Action Strategies Toolkit has collected current best approaches in providing for more physical activity, improving school food options, supporting local food networks, and other ways communities and schools can change to help reduce rising rates of childhood obesity and related health risks.

Step Up for Kids Week

Step Up for Kids Week (October 5-9)
It's the second annual Step Up for Kids Day, a time to remind officials that although they can't vote, the needs of babies, kids, and teens shouldn't be left out of policy conversations.

Speaking of young people and policy, watch for the Children's Budget from First Focus, coming September 30!

Health Care Reform or No, Virginia Can Cover More Kids

A new law passed by Congress earlier this year provides an immediate opportunity for the state to improve the successful Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program and cover more of the 129,000 uninsured children in Virginia. But if the General Assembly and the Governor don’t take the required action, some of the funding could disappear in less than two years. To read more:
http://www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL VIRGINIANS coalition!

Hello Everyone!
We are planning a Richmond press conference on Wednesday, September 30th to launch the HEALTHCARE FOR ALL VIRGINIANS coalition! The event will be held in the State Capital building, around lunchtime. We’ll let you know the specific room and time when details are finalized. In the meantime – please SAVE THE DATE & PLAN TO ATTEND –and bring colleagues and friends to fill the room!
Our Coalition has grown to 46 organizations, representing a wide spectrum of interests!! If you know of any groups that ought to be involved, please invite them to sign up. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and patience as we’ve been preparing for our roll-out!
Jill
Jill A. Hanken
Staff Attorney
Virginia Poverty Law Center
700 E. Franklin St. Suite 14T1
Richmond, VA 23219
804-782-9430 x 13
804-649-0974 (fax)
jill@vplc.org

New IOM Report Affirms Local Governments’ Role in Creating Healthy Environments

This week, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity. The report identifies specific actions that local governments can take to improve healthy eating and increase physical activity in communities. For more information go to

http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3788/59845/72798.aspx

http://www.preventioninstitute.org/IOMreport.html#more

Raising the bar conference

Raising the Bar” An Early Care and Education Conference- Saturday October 17, 2009, 8:00am – 2:00pm at Granby High School in Norfolk; COST: $25 Early Bird Registration by Sept 30 ($35 Non-Member); $35 Regular Registration by October 9 ($45 Non-Member); $50 On-Site; Interested in being a Presenter, Exibitor, or Sponsor???? Contact us: (757) 399-1337.
We value your wisdom and experience and would love to afford you the opportunity to share your expertise with other area professionals in the field of early care and education. If you are interested in presenting at the upcoming conference, please complete the form and return it to us as soon as possible. Sessions are available from 9:45am-11:00am & 11:15am-12:30pm. The sessions will run for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each. Each presenter will be paid a stipend for their time.

Childhood Obesity

Friendship Influences Eating Behavior

Good company doesn't always mean healthy behavior -- at least that appears to be the case where friends and healthy eating are concerned. A study of childhood obesity in the United States found that children are far more likely to overeat in the company of friends than that of strangers. Lead author Sarah Salvy notes: "If we hope to change the growing obesity epidemic among children, friends and family need to be involved. If the environment in which children live doesn't change... any progress children may make in their eating behavior won't last."

Read the full article at:
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10314

Healthy Start Hampton Roads

The Junior League Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. and its Community Partner Network is launching this program. This event will support JLNVB Healthy Kids initiative of developing healthy diets, bodies and minds of local children. The campaign is designed to create a concentrated and passionate following of parents, educators, and children and equip them with the resources and education to promote a lifestyle centered on health and wellness. Saturday, September 12, 2009, 1:00-3:00 pm at Nauticus located at 1 Waterside Drive in Norfolk.
Fun for families:
Cooking demonstration with Young Chef's Academy, Fitness demonstrations with Jim White & Richard Harris, Healthy lifestyles with the World's Strongest Man, and FREE giveaways to all that attend.