From the Field
highlights recent articles and publications compiled by Champion Provider Fellowship project team members.
We invite Champion Provider Fellows and partners to submit articles and publications for consideration in future e-newsletters.
Note:
Articles and publications included on this list are for reference and information purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the federal government, California Department of Public Health, or the University of California, San Francisco.
Diabetes hits hard as California spends billions on treatment, little on prevention
Aguilera, Elizabeth. CALmatters. November 27, 2017
California has been lagging behind when it comes to state-level spending on diabetes prevention efforts. Beginning July 2018, $5 million will go towards Medi-Cal recipients enrolled in a program modeled off of the CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program. It is estimated that 25,000 people will be able to participate in the program each year. Over the next 5-years the state projects saving $45 million in treatment expenses. Access the article
here .
Food Swamps Predict Obesity Rates Better Than Food Deserts in the United States.
Cooksey-Stowers, Schwartz & Brownell. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017
This paper studied the impact of food environments on adult obesity rates. Food swamps were a greater predictor of adult obesity rates than the absence of full-service grocery stores. The authors suggest that zoning laws should simultaneously restrict access to unhealthy food outlets while providing incentives for healthy food retailers to settle in high need areas. Access the article
here
.
Healthy Food Policy Project.
The Healthy Food Policy Project is a partnership between the Vermont Law School's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. The project contains a searchable database of local healthy food policies and case studies showcasing the policy development process around healthy food initiatives. Access the databases and case studies
here
.
Advancing Obesity Solutions Through Investment in the Built Environment: Proceedings of a Workshop-- In Brief
National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. December 2017.
This brief outlines key points made by workshop participants about ways in which healthful and equitable built environments can be created. The panel highlighted four key actions steps to move this work forward: 1) understanding and meeting the needs of the community, 2) evaluating impact, 3) communicating with stakeholders, and 4) building partnerships. Workshop attendees included real estate developers, local and state government representatives and non-profit organizations. The brief can be accessed
here.