Legislative Summary – August 2005
Childhood Obesity
Number of Overweight Kids in California on the Rise
New report finds that 28% of all school children in California were overweight in 2004, up 6% from 2001. The increase
occurred among all race, gender, and age groups. Report includes recommendations to address this disturbing trend.
For full report, go to: http://www.publichealthadvocacy.org/policy_briefs/docs/fullpolicyreport.pdf
School Junk Food Bill Passes Legislature
The California Assembly passed SB 965, banning the sale of soda and other unhealthy beverages in high schools, as well as SB 12, banning junk food sales in California K-12 schools. Passage of these bills, which the Governor is expected to sign, signifies some of the most impressive changes in school nutrition since the school lunch program was introduced after World War II. For more information, go to: http://www.publichealthadvocacy.org/limits/index.html
Schools to Implement Local Wellness Policies
In keeping with the Federal wellness policy mandate, California school districts, offices of education and direct-funded charter schools are invited to apply for the third annual Superintendents’ Challenge – an award that recognizes districts that have developed and are implementing policies to improve nutrition and physical activity for their students. For more information, go to: http://www.wellnesstaskforce.org/fitschools-04app.html
Adult Obesity & Worksite Wellness
Economic Costs of Obesity
2005 report outlines the $28 billion a year cost to California, in medical costs, workers’ compensation and lost productivity, attributable to physical inactivity, obesity and overweight in California adults. For full report, go to: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/cpns/press/downloads/CostofObesityToplineReport.pdf
More than Half of Californians in HMOs Overweight or Obese
More than 5 million Californians enrolled in HMOs are overweight or obese, according to a new policy brief. HMOs’ role in addressing this growing problem is highlighted. For complete brief, go to: http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/Obesity_HMO_PB.071905.pdf
California Honors “Healthiest Employers” with Fit Business Award
Six California employers recognized by the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness for their commitment to employee health and wellness with the Fit Business Award. Winners serve as important models for other employers. For more information, go to: http://www.wellnesstaskforce.org/fitbusiness-0405winners.html
Working-Age Californians Have One of the Fastest Rates of Increase in Obesity
Well over half of Californian adults are overweight or obese. Report highlights the health statistics and workplace consequences of obesity. For full report, go to: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/cpns//worksite/download/worksitehealthstats1.pdf
Fit Business Kit Announced
In an effort to support California employers in promoting healthy eating and physical activity at their worksites, the California 5 a Day--Be Active! Worksite Program has created the Fit Business Kit. The Kit contains a variety of tools that employers can customize. To learn more, go to: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/cpns/worksite
Events
Governor’s Summit
The Governor’s Summit on Health, Nutrition and Obesity will be held on September 15, 2005 in Sacramento. Leaders and experts from business, transportation, education, government, and public health are expected to announce reforms to help improve California’s health and well-being. Update to follow.