Background: As the obesity epidemic expands to include younger Americans, there is greater need to understand youth experiences and to identify innovative strategies to promote physical activity in children and adolescents. Connecting children and families with nature-based activities is an example of a strategy that may promote physical activity…

Background: School-based body mass index (BMI) measurement has attracted much attention across the nation from researchers, school officials, legislators, and the media as a potential approach to address obesity among youth. Methods: An expert panel, convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005, reviewed and provided…

This Michigan Kids Count data book for 1996 describes the condition of children in each of Michigan's 83 counties. The first section of the report explores the status of the children in five areas of child well-being: (1) Economic Security; (2) Child Health; (3) Child Safety; (4) Teen Transition; and (5) Education. The discussion presents an…

This Michigan Kids Count data book for 1995 describes the condition of children in each of Michigan's 83 counties. The first part of the report explores the status of the children in five areas of child well-being: (1) Economic Security; (2) Child Health; (3) Child Safety; (4) Teens at Risk; and (5) Education. The discussion presents an overview…

This Michigan Kids Count data book for 1997-98 describes the condition of children in each of Michigan's 83 counties. As in previous data books, an overview of general trends in the state and developments in each major area of child well-being are presented. This year's book also displays data for counties arranged into five groups based on…

This Kids Count data book for 2001 examines statewide and county level trends in the well-being of Michigan's children. The statistical portrait is based on over 40 indicators of well-being in the areas of: (1) economic security; (2) child health; (3) child safety; (4) adolescence; and (5) education. Introductory comments note the report's focus…

This KIDS COUNT data book for 2002 examines statewide and county level trends in the well-being of Michigan's children. The statistical portrait is based on the following: (1) demographics; (2) juvenile arrests; (3) teen births; (4) children of two working parents; (5) child care costs; (6) child care capacity; (7) children in subsidized child…