Childhood obesity news digest

The High Cost of Healthy Eating out of Reach for Many
Associated Press
August 4, 2011
A healthy diet is expensive and could make it difficult for Americans to meet new U.S. nutritional guidelines, according to a study published Thursday that says the government should do more to help consumers eat healthier.

Battling Childhood Obesity Should Pay Dividends (Editorial)
Athens Banner-Herald
July 22, 2011
While there may be some reason to be concerned about the new fitness initiative… there's a compelling reason for focusing on students' physical health in that it can affect their academic performance. In this time of accountability-based public education, where students' performances on standardized tests are key data, it would behoove state officials -- most especially including those Georgia legislators who express consistent concern about the performance of public schools -- to pursue any strategy that could boost student test scores.

Rural Areas' Lack of Sidewalks Fueling Obesity Problems
Daniela Velazquez for The Tampa Tribune
August 4, 2011
An emerging public health perspective links the ability of residents to easily walk or bike to a person's risk of becoming obese. And in Hillsborough County, as in many parts of the country, the streets in rural areas often don't have sidewalks or places where people can walk, jog or ride their bikes.

Researchers Study Kids at Play in Battle Against Obesity
Pam Adams for The Peoria Journal Star
August 3, 2011
[Researcher Lynn] Barnett-Morris’ subject is not child’s play. It’s how children’s playgrounds can be redesigned to promote physical activity and cooperation. Put another way, she’s looking at playground design as one part of the solution to childhood obesity and bullying, two hot-button issues she’s managed to merge with the social functions of swings and sliding boards.