Posts From May 2012 - Prevention Research Center at Tulane University

Urban farm Good Food celebrates first year in business

Food Environment Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs) , Education & Engagement

Published: May 29, 2012

Good Food LLC., an urban farm nestled in the heart of New Orleans, celebrated its first year in business this April with a diverse group of supporters – chefs, small business owners, people working for sustainable food systems, community activists and residents from the Treme neighborhood. "I'm happy about the turnout and the diverse group of people," said Cory Ashby, founder of Good Food and a member of the Tulane Prevention Research Center's Community Advisory…

Tulane PRC intern focuses on bridge safety for practicum

Physical Activity Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 29, 2012

One four-lane bridge that connects residents in the Lower 9th Ward neighborhood to the rest of New Orleans is in dire need of safety upgrades, according to a new report from a coalition of residents, local universities and transportation planners. Poor street lighting, unsafe stairs and rails, lack of signs, and narrow lanes and sidewalks on and around the St. Claude Bridge are dangerous for people riding bicycles, walking or taking public buses, said Shaila…

Legislative Briefs: Government actions on obesity

Food Environment Research , Physical Activity Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 29, 2012

Landscaping, other street improvements on tap in New Orleans New Orleans streets will see more than $8 million in improvements, such as lighting, landscaping, walking paths, bike lanes, ramps for people with disabilities, park benches and areas for public art. In May, the city announced six streetscape projects that will improve roads throughout the city. Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes encourage people to walk or bike rather than drive and provide numerous health benefits from both activities, according…

Eat Local Challenge 2012

Special Interest Projects (SIPs) , Education & Engagement

Published: May 29, 2012

Can you go 30 days on an all-local diet? The Prevention Research Center (PRC) at Tulane University is joining other local organizations, businesses and food growers in challenging New Orleans residents to only eat foods grown, raised or caught within 200 miles of the city. The second annual Eat Local Challenge runs through June and is expected to have hundreds of participants. New to this year's challenge is a scavenger hunt, in which participants will…

The First Lady Cultivates 'American Grown' Gardening - NPR

Food Environment Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 29, 2012

One of the first things Michelle Obama did as first lady was to dig up part of the beautifully manicured South Lawn of the White House and plant a vegetable garden. The garden was just one of Obama’s many efforts to encourage Americans to eat nutritious food and live healthier lives. Her latest project, a book called American Grown, is a diary of that garden through the seasons and a portrait of gardening in America,…

St. Claude Bridge a hindrance to improving Lower 9th Ward

Physical Activity Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs) , Education & Engagement

Published: May 11, 2012

Residents of the Lower 9th Ward say they're cut off from the rest of the city - from job opportunities, hospitals and daily needs such as supermarkets and drug stores. The only way to access those services without owning a car is to walk or bike across the St. Claude Bridge. Those aren't optimal choices for Anneka Olson, who lives in the Lower 9th Ward and bikes across the St. Claude Avenue Bridge to go…

HBO documentary on obesity includes study from Bogalusa - The Advocate

Food Environment Research , Physical Activity Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 11, 2012

HBO documentary on obesity includes study from Bogalusa The Advocate BY ELLYN COUVILLION A landmark Louisiana health study will be at the heart of an HBO documentary series that begins Monday and takes on the issue of obesity. “The Weight of the Nation” is a four-part series, with footage shot in Bogalusa, …

Reader: HB 1088 would improve health, education statewide - Tri Parish Times

Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 09, 2012

Reader: HB 1088 would improve health, education statewide Tri Parish Times Here are the facts: One in four Louisiana children are obese or overweight and at greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and health problems. Louisiana children will spend roughly 180 days in school in the average year and nearly 19000 …

Obesity Report Proposes Sweeping Changes In Schools, Communities, Workplaces - Kaiser Health News

Food Environment Research , Physical Activity Research , Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 09, 2012

CTV.ca Obesity Report Proposes Sweeping Changes In Schools, Communities, Workplaces Kaiser Health News The Institute of Medicine panel recommended five critical areas to focus on to lower obesity: physical activity, food and beverage, marketing, work and schools. Boston Globe: Do We Finally Have A Solution To The Obesity Epidemic? Obesity vs. ‘nanny state’? Recommendations lead to backlashLos Angeles Times Obesity epidemic stems from environment, panel saysmsnbc.com Schools key to fighting US obesity, report saysColumbus Dispatch…

Dollar General to expand into grocery business

Food Environment Research

Published: May 08, 2012

Dollar General announces plans to expand further into the grocery business. The Wall Street Journal reports the discount chain will stock more fresh foods and refrigerated products to lure in customers. The company expects to open 40 new “Dollar General Market” stores over the next year, mostly in areas with a lack of local grocery stores. Currently, there are more than 60 “Dollar General Markets” spread among several states. For the full story, click here.

New Orleans strives to be a healthier city: Karen DeSalvo

Special Interest Projects (SIPs)

Published: May 04, 2012

Guest Column by Dr. Karen DeSalvo, New Orleans Health Commissioner. The city of New Orleans joins cities, towns, villages and communities across our nation to observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. This annual campaign calls upon all of us to do what we can to adopt healthy habits and to live a healthy life style. The city of New Orleans is doing just that. The New Orleans Health Department has undergone a dramatic transformation…