Childhood obesity rates in America have tripled in the last three decades. Almost one in three children are considered overweight or obese. Pediatricians are now treating children for adult diseases like type II diabetes and hypertension. All parents want the best for their children. They want children to succeed in school, fulfill their dreams,…

Joel Klein, chancellor of the New York City public school system, and Michelle Rhee, who resigned October 13 as Washington, DC, chancellor, published a "manifesto" in the "Washington Post" claiming that the difficulty of removing incompetent teachers "has left school districts impotent and, worse, has robbed millions of children of a real future."…

"What about Health Educators? Nutrition Education for Allied Health Professionals" describes an important issue in health care that is the provision of nutrition education. Obesity and chronic disease rates are rapidly increasing. Due to increase in the prevalence rates of obesity and nutrition-related chronic diseases, there is a growing need for…

Research in education finance and policy has flourished over the past twenty years as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and a wide range of school reform efforts spurred demand for scientific evidence identifying "what works." Research funding has been generous, buoyed by both favorable economic conditions and the sense that research will…

For more than 20 years, the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) has been a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) research organization committed to improving public policies and private practices to better the economic and social conditions of low- and moderate-income Texans. CPPP believes the upcoming reauthorization of the child nutrition…

Dr. Greene answers the following question in this brief article focusing on fitness: Everyone knows that children need plenty of exercise to stay healthy--But what does "fitness" really involve for young children? Following this discussion, the topics presented include: snack of the month; nutrition fact; and activities, "Move to the Music" and…

This book contains the statements made by heads of state or government, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the executive director of UNICEF during proceedings at the World Summit for Children in New York in September, 1990. Among the 159 delegations participating, 71 were led by heads of state or government. Deliberations focused on…

Describes how infant formula became an "icon of modernity" separating mothers from babies and causing health and social problems. Gives a 300-year social history of the rise in popularity of infant formula, covering aspects including the body as machine, rise of science and industrialization, formula and public health, the clean milk…

Recent research revealed that most school lunches exceed the dietary guidelines for fat content. After explaining the resulting Healthy Kids School Meals Initiative which will overhaul the National School Lunch Program meal pattern, the article makes suggestions of how parents can help their school food service sell more nutritious food. (SM)

This study, which was conducted by a national consumer advocacy organization, examined the nutritional adequacy of the diets of elementary school children. The study also examined the nutritional adequacy of meals served in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The study determined that: (1) children consume too much fat, cholesterol, and…

Details the 1990 meeting of the World Council of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) in Lagos, Nigeria. OMEP's Statement to the World Summit for Children is provided. The conditions of Nigerian children and female children in India are considered. (BG)

Explores pediatric and child psychiatric research covering five areas of potential biological and social risk to infants and children in orphanage care, specifically, infectious morbidity, nutrition, growth, cognitive and socioaffective development, and physical and sexual abuse. Results showed that institutionalization in early childhood…

Asserts that children have the ability to control their caloric intake when they are permitted to follow their internal hunger cues. Recognizes the great variability of opinions concerning food intake and the important role teachers play. Advises serving a variety of foods and encouraging outdoor physical activity to avoid childhood obesity. (SD)

Describes past and present federal programs to prevent hunger, poor nutrition, and poor health. Presents evidence suggesting a link between nutrition and cognitive functioning, later ability to earn a living, and mortality. Maintains that nutrition is a vital component of any welfare reform and economic development strategy. Presents evidence of…

This article focuses on the change of student health and nutrition issues in education policy deliberations. The policies that contribute to much-needed strategies to keep health needs in check are described in this article. As the costs of medical care continue to increase and affect the economies of all states, the author suggests politicians…