Healthy Children & Families Program Event: A Multi-Faith Effort to Improve Health Outcome

We had a great turnout for our Healthy Children & Families program event on January 12th. We recognized Mt.Zion C.M.E, Agape Love Christian Center, New Covenant Christian Ministries, Iglesia de Dios, St. Jerome H.A.N.D.S Community Center, Evangelical Christian Church, St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, and Word of Life International Church for participating in the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program in 2018.

On Saturday, January 12th, 28 multi-faith leaders gathered at the Church of God of Prophecy to recognize the impact of the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program, on the children, families and faith based organizations that participated. It also highlighted key aspects of the program for those interested to learn more. This health program has broad appeal across all faiths. Four masjid leaders interested in the program attended, making this Bronx Health REACH’s first multi-faith event.

Bronx Health REACH recognized the eight faith-based organizations who implemented the program in 2018. The organizations honored include: Mt.Zion C.M.E, Agape Love Christian Center, New Covenant Christian Ministries, Iglesia de Dios, St. Jerome H.A.N.D.S Community Center, Evangelical Christian Church, St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, and Word of Life International Church.

Since December 2018, eight faith based partners have run the eight week program for children (ages 8-12) and their parents/caregivers, to increase healthy eating and active living and reduce high rates of obesity in the Bronx. Loyce Godfrey, Bronx Health REACH faith and nutrition consultant, and Cheikhou Ann, Muslim Community Health Leader, spoke about the connection between faith, food and health from both Christian and Muslim perspectives. They emphasized the connection of  religious values to health.

Taleek Norman from Kids in the Game led attendees in fun, interactive fitness activities.

Evy Torres, Peer Health Coordinator who led the program at Evangelical Christian Church spoke passionately about her experience teaching healthy behaviors to children and families. She explained, “The beauty of this program is being able to empower our children and unify the family.” Two children from her church who participated in the program shared their personal experience with the audience. One child shared his deep admiration for the fitness coach; and another told the group about her nutrition lessons and the confidence she has gained by participating in the program.

To illustrate aspects of the physical activity component of the actual workshops, Maurelhena Walles and Taleek Norman from Kids in the Game led attendees in fun, interactive fitness activities. In each workshop, Kids in the Game provides fitness activities that families can integrate into their daily lives.

We congratulate all those who participated in 2018, and are excited in 2019 to welcome new faith based partners looking to improve the health of their members!


If you are part of a faith-based organization that would like to participate in Healthy Children, Healthy Families in spring 2019, contact Yolanda Benitez at (212) 633-0800 ext. 1344.

Bronx Health REACH e-blast: Feb. 3, 2011

NY Faith & Justice: Faith-Rooted Organizing training: March 4th
NY Faith and Justice is organizing a one-day introductory training on how to address social and economic injustices in our city and our world in a way that draws power from the roots of one’s faith. Faith-rooted organizing is a method of organizing based on the Civil Rights movement, bringing people together to create change. It is shaped and guided in every way by beliefs rooted in faith.
Date: Friday, March 4, 2011
Time: 9:00am to 5:30pm (with break from 11:30am-1pm)
Location: Hosted by Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012
To register, click this link or paste into your browser: http://www.nycharities.org/events/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=3154
Or contact Saralyn Jones at sjones@nyfaithjustice.org or Neise Martin at nmartin@nyfaithjustice.org or (212) 870-1254

“Ask Dr. Tommy O”
“Ask Dr. Tommy O” Health Education Show is a non-profit volunteer television program designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle, promote interest in health education, and provide empowerment through health education. It is hosted by Dr. Timothy Birkett of Church Alive Community Church and member Bronx Health REACH’s Faith-Based Outreach Initiative, and co-hosted by Thomas G. O’Brien II, M.S., D.O., a proactive, community oriented family physician. Dr. O'Brien has been honored by Cambridge Who's Who for Excellence in Healthcare, and presented with an award from United Bronx Parents, Inc. for providing exceptional medical care to the South Bronx Community. The show has reached millions of viewers and won numerous awards since it went on the air in 1987, including a Beta Award from Bronx Net Cablevision in 2004 for “Best Health Educational Show.” To learn more about “Ask Dr. Tommy O,” please visit www.communityhealtheducation.com.

“Super Size Me” Screening: February 7th
There will be a free screening of "Super Size Me" at the New York Academy of Medicine on February 7. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Judith Wylie-Rosett, EdD, RD, Professor and Division Head for Behavioral and Nutritional Research, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Date: February 7, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Registration and Reception: 5:30 – 6:00 PM; Film showing and discussion: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, New York, NY 10029
Please register at: http://www.nyam.org/events/2011/2011-02-07-01.html

Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup meeting: February 10, 2011
Please join us for our next Nutrition and Fitness workgroup meeting, where we will hold a discussion on the policies this workgroup should address at the school building, district, and citywide levels. We will also discuss our school-based obesity prevention program, have a presentation on school garden-based initiatives, and discuss next steps for our social marketing project and afterschool initiative expansion.
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Morrisania Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Room TBA
1225 Gerard Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452

Adopt A Bodega 2-Part Training
Learn how to…Adopt-A-Bodega! Participate in a 2 part training and walk away with the tools to successfully demand healthier food options at your local corner store!
Our Bronx neighborhoods are full of life and wonderful cultural resources. However, many of our neighborhoods lack access to adequate, affordable, and quality healthy foods while having great access to unhealthy, high calorie, and fattening foods. Approximately 90% of food stores in the Bronx are bodegas. Bodegas are less likely to carry healthy foods and more likely to carry unhealthy foods than supermarkets. Additionally, supermarkets typically offer more healthy choices but they are less common and accessible in the Bronx. However, as a community, we CAN demand certain items to be sold in the bodegas and we CAN change our food environment!
During the 2 part workshop, we will:
• Provide an overview of food access issues in the Bronx
• Discuss and brainstorm strategies for approaching and building relationships with store owners
• Offer suggestions on how to identify the bodega that your organization will adopt
• Decide what healthier options your organization would like the adopted store to stock
• Debrief on your first efforts to talk to your local bodega owner about carrying healthier foods
As part of the initiative, you will receive a toolkit and on-going technical support
Dates: Thursday, February 17, 2011 AND Thursday, March 24, 2011
Time: 6-8pm
Location: 1932 Arthur Ave., 2nd Floor, Newborn Conference Room
Bronx, NY 10457
RSVP by: Thursday, February 10, 2011 to aruiz@health.nyc.gov or (718) 466-8856 (please indicate number of attendees and organization)

Healthy Schools NY Leadership Institute
The Healthy Schools NY Leadership Institute application is now available at http://healthyschoolsny.ocmboces.org. Schools in NY interested in further improving the wellness of their school community are eligible to apply with teams of two staff (one administrator and one health professional). The focus of this FREE 4-year leadership development program is to increase the number of schools that effectively implement policy, systems and environmental changes related to physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free norms within the school community. The application deadline is March 4, 2011. For more information visit the website or contact Kari Shanahan, Program Manager at kshanahan@ocmboces.org.

FamilyCook Productions Food Educator Certification training Feb. 26th & 27th
FamilyCook Productions is conducting their next Food Educator Certification training on February 26th & 27th in Manhattan: training teachers, parents and volunteers to teach such programs as Teen Battle Chef and Dinner Party/Look Who’s Cooking. The training provides program sites with all the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully run a food-safe, hands-on culinary/nutrition program. For more information, please call 212-867-3929.

Public Health Law & Policy Webinars
Public Health Law & Policy (PHLP) is having a series of monthly webinars to bring you up to speed on the most effective, cutting-edge strategies for tackling obesity and making healthy changes in your community. Each training will provide you with new ideas, expert support, and real-life stories from communities tackling some of the same issues we're facing right now.
All webinars are free and begin at 10am PST (1pm EST). Learn more and register at: http://www.phlpnet.org/phlp/webinars

DASH-NY: What Can NYS Do Now to Prevent Obesity
On January 20th, the New York Academy of Medicine hosted the DASH-NY Obesity Prevention Symposium. If you were not able to make it, you can view videos and materials from the event and connect with others at http://www.nyam.org/dash-ny/Good-Ideas-Symposium.html.

Health Reform Youtoons video now available on DVD in Spanish
Bronx Health REACH has translated Kaiser Family Foundation’s Health Reform Hits Main Street: The Youtoons Explain the Health Reform Law animation found here: http://healthreform.kff.org/The-Animation.aspx. If you would like a copy of the Spanish translation for your community outreach use, please contact Ying Guo at yguo@institute2000.org or 212-633-0800 ext. 1341.

Health Disparity Updates
Please join us in our fight to end segregated care! You are welcome to attend our next health disparity workgroup meeting, which will be held at 1:30pm on February 9th at Cosmopolitan Church of the Lord Jesus, 39 West 190th Street. We are supporting passage of legislation that will guarantee equal access to quality outpatient specialty care for patients of academic medical centers regardless of source of payment. In addition, we offer workshops on health disparities. Please contact Bernice McFarline at bmcfarline@institute2000.org or 212-633-0800 ext.1344 if you are interested in having us hold a health disparity workshop at your organization.

The Institute for Family Health’s Chronic Disease Self Management Program
The Institute for Family Health is starting a new Chronic Disease Self Management Program and is looking for new sites to hold the sessions. The program is six weeks long, 2 ½ hours per week, for 10-18 people. If you are interested in bringing this program to your organization, please contact Bernice McFarline at bmcfarline@institute2000.org.

Bronx Perinatal Forum: March 9, 2011
You are invited to the Bronx Perinatal annual forum, "Patients as Partners in Health Care,” which will begin a dialogue between consumers and providers on how to address the sobering issue of the borough's poor rates of infant mortality, maternal mortality, prematurity, low birth weight, teen pregnancy as well as the increasing incidence of chronic illness among women of childbearing age. The forum will begin to create a partnership between patients and providers to inform and engage all on improving the status of women and babies in the borough. The annual forum is free. For more information, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1114279841, call Melissa Vega at (718)904-4105 or email her at mevega@montefiore.org

Reminder: Upcoming Bronx Health REACH Coalition Meeting
Date: February 18, 2011
Time: 9:30am-12:00pm
Location: Walker Memorial Baptist Church
120 East 169th Street, Bronx, New York 10452
Please RSVP to Yvette Holland at yholland@institute2000.org or (212) 633-0800 ext 1232.

e-blast: December 9, 2010

Let’s Move Faith and Communities

Last week, First Lady Michelle Obama released the “Let’s Move Faith and Communities” toolkit for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations.  Michelle Obama started off the call by thanking the faith-based community for their leadership in empowering people “to take charge of their lives and make positive changes for themselves and their families.”  She challenges us to join her initiative to increase physical activity, start more community gardens and farmers markets at congregations or neighborhood organizations, and host new summer feeding sites for youth.  More information and the toolkit can be found on the Let’s Move blog.  

FoodWorks New York

On November 22, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced her plan for improving every step of NYC’s food system: from agricultural production, to processing, distribution, consumption and post-consumption.  Her speech, videos, and the entire FoodWorks plan with all 59 proposals can be found at: http://www.council.nyc.gov/html/action_center/food.shtml

PlaNYC (Community Conversations December 9^th and 16^th!)

We need to let the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability know what we want included in PlaNYC in regards to the food system.  PlaNYC is the Mayor’s plan for improving sustainability in NYC, and the current version covers land, water, transportation, energy, air quality, and climate change issues, but not the food system. The Food Systems Network of NYC has developed a proposed Food Chapter which you can read here. Please submit your ideas for PlaNYC and/or vote on other ideas you like at www.allourideas.org/PlaNYC, and consider emailing your ideas to CounMeIn@cityhall.nyc.gov with the subject line "food."  You can also attend one of the two remaining Community Conversations happening over the next week:

Eastern Queens:

Thursday, December 9th, 2010 (today!)

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Bayside High School

32-24 Corporal Kennedy Street

South Brooklyn:

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

St. Michael’s RC Church,

352 42nd Street

Enter through auditorium on

43rd Street

Child Nutrition Reauthorization Passes Congress

On December 2, 2010, the House passed the Senate’s “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010” which will provide an additional $4.5 billion to child nutrition programs over the next 10 years, and the first increase to school meal funding since 1973 that exceeds the inflation rate.  This bill now only awaits President Obama’s signature.  More information about the provisions of the bill can be found at the Food Research and Action Center website.  

School Wellness Updates & Next Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup meeting: January 13^th, 2011

Our next Bronx Health REACH Nutrition and Fitness Workgroup / Advisory Committee meeting will be held on January 13^th from 1:00-3:00pm.  During the first hour we will discuss updates on our Obesity Prevention Program, including the goals and objectives for our classroom-based nutrition education and involvement of main caregivers, in addition to wellness committee activities of our HEA+LTHY Schools NY schools (PS 218, PS 18, PS 43, PS 64, Sheridan Academy for Young Leaders (PS 457), JHS 145, and Bronx Writing Academy).  During the second hour, we will discuss other agenda items such as our social marketing campaign.

2011 Play Streets application due December 15

Play Streets are a great way to engage the public in fun physical activity and nutrition education activities. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) recently released the Play Streets application for summer 2011.  If you would like to see a PlayStreets event in your area, please complete the application (both the Expression of Interest Application and the Evaluation Worksheet) by December 15.  If you have any questions about the application or the similar School Play Streets application, please contact Helen Ho (hho@health.nyc.gov; 212-361-2197) or Emma Miller (emiller4@health.nyc.gov; 212-361-2196) at DOHMH, or Julia De Martini (julia@transalt.org; 646-873-6026) at Transportation Alternatives about community Play Streets.

Legislation Updates

Bronx Health REACH Coalition and its legal partner, New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI) recently met with New York City Council member Annabel Palma and Carmen Arroyo to get support for a City Council resolution to eliminated segregated specialty care from academic medical institutions in New York.  We have also been updating Community Boards about our current efforts to educate elected officials.  Most recently, we have met with and updated Community Boards 1 and 8.  To aid us in our efforts to educate fellow community residents and elected officials, we recently created a Frequently Asked Questions sheet to address some of the points of our campaign.  If you are interested in attending the meetings with elected officials and Community Boards we will be holding trainings to familiarize you with the issues. Please note that you do not need to have previous experience, just an interest in representing your community. Please contact Ying Guo at 212-633-0800 ext. 1341 or at yguo@institute2000.org if you are interested.

Health Disparity Workgroup

Every 2^nd Wednesday of the month, the health disparity workgroup meets to discuss future community based action to end health disparities and segregated care in our campaign. We meet at Cosmopolitan Church of Lord Jesus at

39 W 190^th St., Bronx, NY 10468

at 1:30pm – 3:30 pm.  Our next meeting will be January 12^th, 2011. Please join us as we discuss next steps for our community outreach and education efforts on behalf of our eliminating segregated specialty care campaign.

News on Healthcare Reform:

California First State to Sign Legislation Establishing the Health Insurance Exchanges
September marked the start of healthcare reform. The American Public Health Association recently noted that California became the first state to implement one of the key provisions of federal health reform, a web-based insurance exchange which will allow consumers to comparison shop for health insurance coverage.  The California Health Benefit Exchange will provide a place for small businesses and people without employer-based insurance to come together to buy health insurance at lower rates, aided by federal subsidies to low- and middle-income consumers.  Created as an independent government agency, the California Health Benefit Exchange will be led by a five-member board that will be appointed by the governor and legislature in 2011.
  
Pennsylvania’s “High-Risk” Insurance Plan Sees Success
The American Public Health Association is reporting that Pennsylvania's new "high-risk" insurance plan, which was created to provide health insurance coverage for the uninsured with pre-existing health conditions, is showing early signs of success, with enrollment significantly higher than comparable plans in other states. So far, more than 1,650 people have enrolled in the PA Fair Care program at a cost $283 a month. To be eligible for the program, individuals must have at least a six month gap in health insurance coverage and must be unable to obtain coverage because of medical conditions. According to the state Insurance Department, the program can cover up to 3,500 total enrollees. Similar programs in other states average about 10 percent capacity or less, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nationwide, only 8,011 individuals have enrolled in high-risk pools as of Nov. 1.

MARC Academy on News 12 in the Bronx

On Wednesday, November 24, 2010, the children from MARC Academy, a REACH Coalition Partner, were featured on News 12 as they proudly walked to Engine Company 75, Ladder33 located at

2175 Walton Avenue

to present a trove of canned goods collected by them during this special time of the year. 

Rosa Rosen recognized by the American Diabetes Association

Bronx Health REACH Coalition member Rosa Rosen has been recognized in an American Diabetes Association article “Doing Well and Doing Good” for her work launching the “Diabetes y Nutrición” bilingual newspaper.  The newspaper is published 10 times a year and reaches 70,000 people in New York City, offering culturally appropriate diabetes-specific nutrition information and recipe ideas for its readers.  Congratulations Rosa!

RECURSOS EN ESPANOL

Cuidado de Salud (ciudadodesalud.gov)

MiPirámide

MiPirámide para niños en edad preescolar

Detectives de la nutrición (para niños)

Diabetes

Prevención de las enfermedades de los riñones

Buscador de Recetas

Fruits and Vegetables from the Hispanic Shopping Cart (Frutas y verduras hispanas)

Salud Comunitaria - blog