Human Services News

With the new GI bill going into effect Saturday (Aug. 1), the University of Maryland is seeing a spike in the number of students who are seeking to take advantage of the enhanced benefits for veterans. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 4:41 PM | TrackBack

Post-Recession Incomes Will Be Hit Hard by Health Care Spending for Middle Class Working Families, PENN Analysis Shows

From PR Newswire:

In a post-recession America, even though as a nation income levels may rise, middle class families still won't be shielded from the crushing burden of health care costs and will watch their standards of living continue to erode, according to a study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) by Daniel Polsky, Ph.D., and David Grande, M.D., M.P.A, of the University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.

Using a series of vignettes premised on typical health care budgets for a mixture of income levels, the authors found that wage growth for middle class workers will no longer be sufficient to keep pace with the rapidly escalating costs of health care. As health care swallows a larger proportion of their family budget, standards of living will decline.

Posted by Michael at 4:32 PM | TrackBack

July 30, 2009

U.S. Department of Education Employs 158 College and Graduate Students in Summer Internships

More than 150 college and graduate students have answered President Obama's call to service while interning at the U.S. Department of Education this summer. The 158 interns are from 93 different colleges and universities and are working in 21 different offices throughout the Education Department. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 3:15 PM | TrackBack

Childhood adversities have a predictive role in peptic ulcer

According to the findings of Health and Social Support Study in Finland, childhood adversities have a predictive role in peptic ulcer. The most common adversities were long-lasting financial difficulties in the family, serious conflicts in the family, and a family member seriously or chronically ill. Age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios of childhood adversities varied between 1.45 and 2.01. Adjusting for smoking, heavy drinking, stress and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use had no further influence. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:58 PM | TrackBack

Organic Foods Provide More Vitamin C and Cancer-Fighting Antioxidants Than Conventional, Plus Essential Protections Against Pesticides and Chemical Additives; New 'Study' Based on Crops No Longer Grown, Twists Its Own Results, and Fails to Analyze Other K

A report from a group of English researchers who claim to have conducted "the most extensive systematic review of the available published literature on nutrient content of organic food ever conducted," downplayed their own results that favored organic food, and failed to consider the use of toxic pesticides or chemical additives when forming their conclusions. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:52 PM | TrackBack

The health care free ride

This EPI Issue Brief looks at the phenomenon of “deadbeat industries” that provide health insurance to comparatively few of their workers and their workers’ dependents. While it has been relatively straightforward to document when workers in a given industry receive employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) coverage through a spouse, this Issue Brief is the first to document sources of ESI dependent coverage by industry.

Posted by Michael at 2:49 PM | TrackBack

Employers and health reform summary

As the largest source of health insurance for non-elderly Americans, U.S. employers have an extremely large stake in health reform. In 2007, employers provided insurance coverage to 62.9% of Americans under the age of 65. Further, the $532 billion employers contributed to health insurance premiums for their workers accounts for roughly a quarter of total national health spending.

The Economic Policy Institute has long been a leader in research on employer-sponsored insurance (ESI), making us well-placed to track current reform efforts that build on this system while addressing its failings. Two new pieces of research examine some of these failings and provide important context for assessing health reform packages currently under debate.

Posted by Michael at 2:48 PM | TrackBack

Recovery act-funded research projects aid communities across the country

In the five months since passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, thousands of research-related awards have been made, supporting important scientific efforts across the country. ARRA delivered the largest increase in basic research funding in American history -- $21.5 billion. The bulk of the money is for scientific research and education projects, while $3.5 billion is allocated for research facilities and capital equipment. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:42 PM | TrackBack

Distributional Effects of Tax Expenditures

The largest tax preferences for housing, health care, and retirement saving reduce federal revenues by about 3 percent of GDP. They raise after-tax income proportionally more for higher income groups than lower income groups, but raise income proportionately less for those at the very top. The net distributional effects depend on how these tax preferences are financed. If paid for with higher marginal tax rates, they benefit upper-middle income taxpayers at the expense of both lower-income and the highest-income taxpayers, but if paid for by lower per-capita spending, all high-income groups gain and all low-income groups lose. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:40 PM | TrackBack

Universities Should Maintain Town-Gown Collaboration Through Trying Economic Times, Lincoln Institute Report Says; Town-Gown Collaboration in Land Use and Development Identifies Successful Strategies for Campus Expansion

Despite the challenges of the economic downturn, colleges and universities should continue to integrate campus expansion with urban neighborhoods, according to a new report published by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:38 PM | TrackBack

Barbara Sard appointed Senior Advisor for Rental Assistance

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan has named Barbara Sard his Senior Advisor for Rental Assistance A leading expert on tenant-based rental assistance and welfare policy, Sard brings more than 30 years experience to HUD. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:37 PM | TrackBack

Do Access Experiences Affect Parents' Decisions to Enroll Their Children in Medicaid and SCHIP? Findings from Focus Groups with Parents

For the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Covering Kids and Families evaluation (CKF), researchers conducted focus groups to explore parents' experiences accessing health care for their children, and to assess whether these experiences affected decisions to enroll their children in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). In each community, groups were conducted with parents of children insured by Medicaid or SCHIP and parents of uninsured children. Researchers concluded that even when parents encountered problems accessing care, very few indicated that this discouraged them from enrolling their children into Medicaid or SCHIP, or from renewing their children's public coverage. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:30 PM | TrackBack

U of M study identifies risk factors of disordered eating in overweight youth

University of Minnesota Project Eating Among Teens researchers have identified factors that may increase overweight adolescents' risk of engaging in extreme weight control behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, the use of diet pills, laxatives and diuretics, as well as binge eating. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:29 PM | TrackBack

Vibrant Neighborhoods, Successful Schools : What the Federal Government Can Do to Foster Both

Every parent recognizes the inextricable connections between where we live and the quality of our childrens education. Although public policies have historically contributed to disparities in both neighborhood affordability and school quality, federal programs focused on affordable housing rarely take public schools into account and school officials typically assume that they have no influence over housing patterns. This paper focuses on four principles regarding the vitality and performance of schools and communities, discussing opportunities for constructive policy interventions, summarizing what we know about their likely effectiveness, and recommending next steps for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Education. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:28 PM | TrackBack

K-State researchers study how children view and treat their peers with undesirable characteristics

A study by Kansas State University researchers is looking at how children perceive and interact with peers who have various undesirable characteristics, such as being overweight or aggressive. The researchers' study explored children's perceptions of the ability of the peer to control or change such traits. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:28 PM | TrackBack

HUD charges Atlanta Condo Association and real estate agent with discrimination for refusing to sell to families with children

Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families:

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that it is charging an Atlanta condominium association, a local real estate company, and its agent with housing discrimination for refusing to sell to families with children. HUD's charge of violating the Fair Housing Act is against Georgian Manor Condominium Association, Inc., HN Real Estate Group, Jennifer Sherrouse, and the Estate of Jean Branch. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:27 PM | TrackBack

Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders

Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders, the latest release in the Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series, is now available for viewing and download from the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.

The manual examines:

The nature of substance use disorders (SUDs), a condition that also is referred to as "substance abuse"
The impact of parental SUDs on child development
In-home examination, screening, and assessment for SUDs
Treatment goals and approaches
The role of the child protective services (CPS) caseworker when an SUD is identified
Differences and similarities between CPS and SUD treatment providers
Collaborative relationships and techniques for making systems work for families

This manual is part of the third edition of the User Manual Series, which reflects increased knowledge and the evolving state of practice. Additionally, it updates a previous version that was released in 1994. The User Manual Series was developed by the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect within the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to provide a foundation for understanding child maltreatment and the roles and responsibilities of child welfare practitioners in its prevention, identification, investigation, assessment, and treatment.

Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders is not available in print. View and download the manual at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/substanceuse

The entire User Manual Series is available at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanual.cfm

Posted by Michael at 10:18 AM | TrackBack

July 29, 2009

Secretary Sebelius Makes Recovery Act Funding Available to Expand Health Professions Training

From HHS News and Events:

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the availability of $200 million to support grants, loans, loan repayment, and scholarships to expand the training of health care professionals. The funds are expected to train approximately 8,000 students and credentialed health professionals by the end of fiscal year 2010. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:57 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Duncan Announces Five New Members of His Leadership Team

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced five new members to his leadership team. Each brings valuable skills and experience in their fields to different offices within the Department of Education. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:50 PM | TrackBack

U.S. Education Department Awards $82 Million in Charter School Grants to Five States to Increase Public School Options

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) today announced the award of five charter school grants, totaling $82 million, to state education agencies in Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee and Wisconsin to increase public school options in those states. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:49 PM | TrackBack

Organic food not nutritionally better than conventionally-produced food

There is no evidence that organically produced foods are nutritionally superior to conventionally produced foodstuffs, according to a study published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:35 PM | TrackBack

LSU Health Sciences Center Contributes to Research Revealing Targets to Reduce Racial Disparity in Prostate Cancer Deaths

The latest findings of the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project reveal potential new targets for reducing racial disparities in prostate cancer survival and highlight the importance of the health care delivery system. The study reports differences in physician trust, access to care, and continuity of care between African American and Caucasian men which result in advanced prostate cancer at the time of diagnosis and contribute to the higher death rate among African American men. The study is published in the early view issue of Cancer online July 27, 2009. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:35 PM | TrackBack

Cancers set to 'explode' in Latino/a populations, UI researcher says

The Latino/a population in the United States is expected to triple by 2050. And with that growth, says University of Illinois professor Lydia Buki, will come a rise in the number of individuals from that population who are diagnosed with cancer. To better serve the needs of this population, with respect to cancer prevention, detection and treatment, Buki said, improvements must be made in two areas: knowledge and access. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:32 PM | TrackBack

Jemine Bryon named HUD's Chief Procurement Officer

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that Jemine Bryon has been appointed as HUD's new Chief Procurement Officer. Bryon brings 20 years experience to the agency in the areas of public housing planning, management, development, resident services, and procurement. She will be responsible for the oversight and management of all Departmental procurement activities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:20 PM | TrackBack

Administration, Servicers Commit to Faster Relief for Struggling Homeowners through Loan Modifications

Washington, D.C. - Senior Obama Administration officials met today with top executives from servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable loan modification program to discuss ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the program. The meeting - led by Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions Michael S. Barr, Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Herb Allison, FHA Commissioner David Stevens and HUD Senior Advisor to the Secretary William Apgar - addressed challenges to modifications, strategies for improvement, and collective goals that the servicers and Administration are committed to reaching. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:19 PM | TrackBack

Donovan announces $2.25 billion in Recovery Act funds now at work to jumpstart affordable housing construction

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that HUD is approving the final round of plans submitted by state housing finance agencies totaling over a billion dollars to jumpstart affordable housing programs in 26 states throughout the country that are currently stalled due to the economic recession. This brings the total amount of funding now at work under this program to $2.25 billion dollars in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:18 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan announces $100 million in Recovery Act funds to improve native american housing, spur economic development

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that HUD is awarding 50 grants, totaling $100 million, to Native American communities across the country to improve housing and stimulate community development. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:17 PM | TrackBack

HUD and the city of El Paso agree to increase accessible housing

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP), Texas, signed an agreement that will create at least 289 accessible housing units for persons with disabilities. The voluntary agreement will make at least five percent of the El Paso Housing Authority's housing stock fully accessible. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:16 PM | TrackBack

Research shows rates of severe childhood obesity have tripled

Rates of severe childhood obesity have tripled in the last 25 years, putting many children at risk for diabetes and heart disease, according to a report in Academic Pediatrics by an obesity expert at Brenner Children's Hospital, part of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:15 PM | TrackBack

Overconfidence among teenage students can stunt crucial reading skills

Too much confidence among teenage students can be harmful. In a study that reinforces the danger of indiscriminately bolstering a child's self esteem -- whether the child earns that distinction or not -- the results show a clear connection between overconfident students and low reading comprehension, and suggest recommendations for parents and teachers. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:13 PM | TrackBack

Mental, emotional and behavioral disorders can be prevented in young people

A new article published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing assesses the recently released government report on preventing these disorders among young people. Dr. Evans' paper concludes that using certain interventional programs in schools, communities and health-care settings, risk for mental illness can be better identified and treated. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:12 PM | TrackBack

Costly COBRA: For the jobless, health care costs may exceed unemployment benefits

The lack of affordable health care in the United States is especially acute among the country’s growing ranks of unemployed. Thanks to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1986, workers who are laid off from their jobs may keep their employer-sponsored insurance — at their own expense — for up to 18 months. Without additional federal supports, these COBRA costs would easily consume the bulk of an individual’s unemployment benefits.

Posted by Michael at 6:11 PM | TrackBack

Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Sends Team to Represent U.S. at China's Girls Math Olympiad; Exceptional Young Women From Throughout the USA - From San Jose, Calif., to Boston - Go to China to Compete in International Math Contest for Girls Only

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) announced today that it will send a team of high school girls from throughout the United States to participate in the 2009 China Girls Mathematical Olympiad (CGMO). The international competition will be held in the southern coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian Province, China, from Tuesday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 16. This is the third year that MSRI has sponsored a U.S. team to compete at the international contest. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:08 PM | TrackBack

Study finds significant number of kids experience family homelessness

A new multisite study by UCLA and RAND Corp. researchers and colleagues has found that 7 percent of fifth-graders and their families have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives and that the occurrence is even higher — 11 percent — for African American children and those from the poorest households.

The study also found that children who had experienced homelessness at some point during their lives were significantly more likely to have an emotional, behavioral or developmental problem; were more likely to have witnessed serious violence with a knife or a gun; and were more likely to have received mental health care.

The research is the first population-based study to describe the lifetime prevalence of family homelessness among children and its association with health and health care.

The findings will be published in the August issue of the American Journal of Public Health and are currently available online by subscription.

Posted by Michael at 1:51 AM | TrackBack

Marin Community Foundation Announces Initiative to Help Low-Income Families in Marin Break the Cycle of Poverty; Five-Year, $15 Million Effort Focuses on Savings Plans, Increased Wages, Business Development, Financial Services

Hundreds of low-income families in Marin County will save money for education, housing, and starting new businesses under a Marin Community Foundation (MCF) initiative to help them become more financially stable.

"We want to help break the cycle of poverty in Marin," said Thomas Peters, the Foundation's president, in announcing the plan. "Through this new initiative, we'll fund efforts to help people learn new job skills, understand personal finances, benefit from financial services that meet their needs, receive support to start their own business, and avoid economic crises."

As one of the central approaches in the initiative, MCF is partnering with EARN (Earned Assets Resource Network), a nationally recognized California nonprofit, to help families establish savings accounts, called Individual Development Accounts. The families' personal contributions are matched with Foundation dollars, support from individual donors, and contributions from designated federal funds.

Already, according to Ben Mangan, president and CEO of EARN, the first families with new savings accounts are contributing higher than expected amounts each month. EARN expects to enroll 500 Marin households in this effort over the next five years.

The program, which also offers training on such topics as budgeting and credit, requires that savings be used for educational purposes, purchasing a home, or starting a business. "These are the kinds of efforts that help families become more stable and economically secure for the long term," said Peters.

Posted by Michael at 12:02 AM | TrackBack

July 28, 2009

Study: Cigarette packaging still misleading consumers over health hazards

New research suggests that current regulations have failed to remove misleading information from cigarette packaging, revealing that a substantial majority of consumers believe cigarettes are less hazardous when the packs display words such as "silver" or "smooth," lower numbers incorporated into the brand name, lighter colors or pictures of filters. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:42 PM | TrackBack

Rush University Medical Center studies program to help older adults transition from hospital to home

Rush University Medical Center has launched a study of its program to help older adults transition from hospital to home. The goal of the study is to determine whether the program, first implemented two years ago, succeeds in reducing readmissions within 30 days for seniors. If it does, it could serve as a model for hospitals across the country that are seeking ways to lower their rates of readmission. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:29 PM | TrackBack

Educational Scholar and Policy Advisor Linda Darling-Hammond Named to The Wallace Foundation Board of Directors

The Wallace Foundation has announced that Stanford University Professor Linda Darling-Hammond, one of the nation's leading scholars in education and leader of President Obama's education policy transition team, has joined the Foundation's Board of Directors. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:01 PM | TrackBack

Study: Being active as a preschooler pays off later in childhood

Being active at age 5 helps kids stay lean as they age even if they don't remain as active later in childhood, an effect University of Iowa researchers call "banking." The study appears in this month's issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:47 PM | TrackBack

University of Maryland Summer Youth Slam Takes Sight-Impaired Students to New Heights

Blind high schoolers from across the country this week will build an environmentally friendly model home, launch weather balloons or create robots. And some will even drive a car! Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:44 PM | TrackBack

Over 74,000 Participate in President Obama Teleforum on Healthcare Reform

From PR Newswire:

Broadnet, the leader in connecting audiences with live, real-time experiences via Web integrated products, today announced a milestone in audience participation on a live Teleforum hosted by President Obama on healthcare reform. Over 74,000 participated in the Teleforum, often referred to as a telephone town hall.

Based on the popular town hall format, Broadnet events engage live audiences who share key interests and concerns. Teleforums invite people to join an event by phone or online, participants may comment at any time during the Teleforum session.

Today's Teleforum focused on healthcare reform and President Barack Obama answered caller questions. Questions surrounded controversial topics such as changes in Medicare and the Government's role in keeping their relationships with their doctors.

"Issues like healthcare reform have pent-up demand for public education. We've used new media to redefine the town hall, which was created to let people hear a voice, not an echo. Technologies just make this easier for everyone," said Mike Davis, executive vice president of Broadnet.

Posted by Michael at 7:44 PM | TrackBack

More Than $2 Billion in Recovery Funds Now Available for Texas to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $2 billion is now available for Texas under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Texas will be eligible to apply for another $1 billion this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Texas's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:00 AM | TrackBack

$52 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Vermont to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $52 million is now available for Vermont under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Vermont will be eligible to apply for another $25 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Vermont's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:59 AM | TrackBack

More Than $74 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Delaware to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $74 million is now available for Delaware under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Delaware will be eligible to apply for another $36 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Delaware's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:58 AM | TrackBack

$357 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Kentucky to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $357 million is now available for Kentucky under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Kentucky will be eligible to apply for another $176 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Kentucky's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:57 AM | TrackBack

More Than $45 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Wyoming to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $45 million is now available for Wyoming under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Wyoming will be eligible to apply for another $22 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Wyoming's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:55 AM | TrackBack

More Than $505 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Missouri to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $505 million is now available for Missouri under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Missouri will be eligible to apply for another $249 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Missouri's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:54 AM | TrackBack

Seeing the big picture on health reform and cost containment

Last week, two hugely influential players in health care reform addressed the crucial issue of a reform’s impact on cost savings. One of these players saw the big picture; the other did not.

During a July 22 press conference, President Barack Obama made a strong case that the benefits of reform in containing costs would be felt throughout the entire American health system, not just by government. At one point he argued that “If we do not reform health care, your premiums and out-of-pocket costs will continue to skyrocket.” President Obama further noted that the existing American system is vastly more expensive than those of our industrial peers, yet doesn’t generate better health outcomes. He urged health reformers to figure out what parts of our peer-country health systems should be emulated.

On July 16th, CBO director Doug Elmendorf took a much narrower view of the cost-savings issue during testimony before the Senate. When asked a question about reducing, or “bending the curve” of overall (not just federal) cost growth over time, Elmendorf answered the question entirely from the perspective of federal spending.

This assumption by Elmendorf — that health reform’s primary goal must be to reduce the growth of federal health spending — is tailor-made to block reform. It should be rejected.

Posted by Michael at 1:32 AM | TrackBack

Choose a College for Fit and Value -- Not Rankings -- and Jump Start the College Search

To counteract the notion that "a college can't be any good if I've never heard of it" the non-profit organization Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) will present their message in 21 cities during the continuation of the 12th annual series of national tours. The colleges and universities on the tour are also featured in the book of the same name, "Colleges That Change Lives" by former New York Times education editor and late author, Loren Pope. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:32 AM | TrackBack

More evidence that small business would benefit from health care reform

A July 27 report from The White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) finds that the health care reform outlined in draft legislation “would reduce the current burdens on small firms and their workers.” The CEA report outlines the benefits of a national insurance exchange that offers true competition between insurers, and bans both the exclusion of individuals with pre-existing conditions as well as the pricing of premiums based on health status, gender or age.

The CEA report essentially confirms the findings of recent EPI research examining the impact of health care reform on small business.

Posted by Michael at 1:30 AM | TrackBack

Trade liberalization linked to obesity in Central America

Since trade liberalization between Central and North America, imports and availability of processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods have increased dramatically. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open-access journal Globalization and Health link this influx of American junk food to a "nutrition transition" in Central American countries, with a growing burden diet-related chronic disease. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:29 AM | TrackBack

Reducing Obesity: Policy Strategies from the Tobacco Wars

To combat the epidemic of obesity, lawmakers can adapt policy approaches that have substantially cut tobacco use. A 10 percent tax on fattening food, identified based on a model used by the British government to determine the foods that may not be advertised to children, would reduce consumption while raising more than $500 billion over 10 years. Adding simple, "traffic light" nutrition labels to the front of each food package would change consumers' buying habits, as would listing calories on menus at chain restaurants. Consumption of fattening food would be further reduced by banning its advertisement in the mass media. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:18 AM | TrackBack

July 27, 2009

Silicon Valley nonprofits struggle with revenue cuts, decreased donations

Silicon Valley nonprofits struggle with revenue cuts, decreased donations - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal: Santa Clara County nonprofits struggled throughout fiscal year 2008-09, with cuts of about $14.5 million from local government revenue and decreases in foundation, corporate and individual giving. A study released by the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits also showed that nonprofit financial trends worsened during the last six months of the fiscal year, which ended June 30. Click here to find out more! More than 331 full or part time jobs were lost within the nonprofit sector sector. The study also showed that 68 percent of the nonprofits surveyed think donors will continue to give less in fiscal year 2009-10.

Posted by Michael at 5:36 PM | TrackBack

Poor Neighborhoods Strongly Increase the Risk of Falling Down the Income Ladder for Children of Middle-Income Black Families

From PR Newswire:

The neighborhood poverty experienced by middle-income black children contributes greatly to their increased risk of downward mobility, according to a new report released today by Pew's Economic Mobility Project.

Neighborhoods and the Black-White Mobility Gap, authored by New York University sociologist Patrick Sharkey, points to a great disparity between the neighborhood poverty rates experienced by middle-income black children and white children: nearly half of black children born into families who are at least middle income ($62,000 or more) were raised in neighborhoods with a poverty rate of 20 percent or more, compared to just 1 percent of white children of the same income level.

"Neighborhoods matter--and matter significantly for the mobility prospects of Americans, said John E. Morton, managing director of Pew's Economic Policy Department. "But black children from middle-income families who often live in poorer neighborhoods, have a much higher likelihood of falling down the ladder as adults. Unfortunately, these same neighborhoods have been among the hardest hit in the current recession."

Posted by Michael at 10:33 AM | TrackBack

Study Estimates Medical Cost of Obesity May Be As High as $147 Billion Annually

From PR Newswire:

The health cost of obesity in the United States is as high as $147 billion annually, based on a new study from Research Triangle Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, which appears online today in the journal Health Affairs, was released at CDC's Weight of the Nation conference in Washington, D.C.

The proportion of all annual medical costs that are due to obesity increased from 6.5 percent in 1998 to 9.1 percent in 2006, the study said. This total includes payment by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, and includes prescription drug spending. Overall, persons who are obese spent $1,429 (42 percent) more for medical care in 2006 than did normal weight people. These estimates were compiled using national data that compare medical expenses for normal weight and obese persons.

Posted by Michael at 10:01 AM | TrackBack

Teamsters Launch Campaign To Support Health Care Reform

From PR Newswire:

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on Monday announced that the union will campaign vigorously for health care reform using a new Web site, an ad campaign, call-in days, e-activism and events planned throughout Congress's August recess.

The campaign will kick off with a new Web site today, teamstersforhealthcarereformnow.com, to mobilize members in the fight for health care reform. The Web site launch will be supported by a Web-based ad campaign on targeted state blogs and on-line publications.

Posted by Michael at 9:59 AM | TrackBack

Iowa Committee Produces Principles for National Efforts to Reform Health Care

From PR Newswire:

The Iowa Committee for Value in Healthcare today issued a set of principles to guide the health care reform debate. Comprised of a diverse group of Iowa health care providers, purchasers, payers, patient advocates, and policy analysts, the Committee identified the following consensus-based principles for high-value, fiscally-responsible health care reform at the federal level:

Principle #1: Fiscal sustainability: The Committee feels strongly that rapid health care cost growth makes our current health care system fiscally unsustainable. We cannot pretend that resources are unlimited or that sure and swift savings will come from investments in comparative effectiveness research, health care technology and prevention programs.

Principle #2: Innovation through Collaboration: The Committee feels strongly that the future of health care will require a new level of innovation that can be best achieved by high-levels of formal and informal collaborations among all health care stakeholders.

Principle #3: Primary Care Transformation: The Committee feels strongly that elevating the role and use of primary care - and the ability to more effectively coordinate with acute-care specialty services and long-term or community-based care - is essential for the transformation of our health care system.

Principle #4: Societal Commitment to Prevention and Wellness: The Committee feels strongly that prevention and wellness must be included in governmental and business policy reform and third-party coverage arrangements.

Principle #5: Engaged and Responsible Health Care Consumers: The Committee feels strongly that health reform initiatives should encourage and set expectations for a more active role for the health care consumer.

Posted by Michael at 9:56 AM | TrackBack

Elected Officials Voting Against Health Reform Received 65% More in Campaign Donations From Health and Insurance Interests Than Those Voting for Reform

From PR Newswire:

A new analysis of campaign contributions to members of key congressional committees handling health reform legislation found that members of three committees who voted against reform have received significantly more in campaign contributions from the health and insurance industries than those who voted for reform. In addition, the legislation appears to have been slowed in two final committees whose members received much more from the health and insurance industries than their colleagues on the three committees that have passed legislation, the study reported.

"These numbers tell a story that Americans already know to be true: committee members who voted in the interests of the health and insurance industries have received more money, on average, than those who didn't," said David Donnelly, national campaigns director of Public Campaign Action Fund, the organization that conducted the study.

Posted by Michael at 9:52 AM | TrackBack

Divorce undermines health in ways remarriage doesn't heal

Divorce and widowhood have a lingering, detrimental impact on health, even after a person remarries, research at the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins University shows. "Among the currently married, those who have ever been divorced show worse health on all dimensions. Both the divorced and widowed who do not remarry show worse health on all dimensions," said University of Chicago sociologist Linda Waite and co-author of a new study on marriage and health. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:27 AM | TrackBack

Health care leaders say need for reform is urgent

By a wide margin, health care leaders believe that individuals should have a choice of public and private health plans, and strongly support other central components of health reform such as innovative provider payment reform and a national insurance health exchange with strong standard-setting authority. Two-thirds (68 percent) of opinion leaders feel it is urgent to enact comprehensive health care reform this year, according to the latest Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:19 AM | TrackBack

Dr. Raphael Bostic sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research

WASHINGTON - Dr. Raphael Bostic was sworn in today as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 10, 2009. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:00 AM | TrackBack

Deputy Secretary Sims announces Recovery Act funds to support community development in Oregon

WASHINGTON - In an effort to stimulate community development and job growth, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims today announced nearly $3 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to Portland, Oregon through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:58 AM | TrackBack

Mom and dad as financial advisors

According to a new study by Dr. Soyeon Shim, from the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona, and her colleagues, parents have the greatest influence on students' financial habits, over and above work experience and financial education in high school. The new four-step model, which analyzes the process of financial socialization in first-year college students, is published online in Springer's Journal of Youth and Adolescence. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:57 AM | TrackBack

HUD charges Long Island Housing Complex with discriminating against persons needing service animals

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has charged Sunrise Villas, LLC, with housing discrimination for allegedly refusing to allow residents at its Long Island, NY, age 55-and-over housing complex to have service animals that assist persons with disabilities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:57 AM | TrackBack

July 24, 2009

A combination of education methods could be the key for some students aiming for higher education

Those students with only a vocational background are still less likely to get to university than those with A levels, despite the fact that government policy advocates vocational education as an alternative route to higher education. Furthermore, they are more likely to drop out after their first year. Students that combine vocational education with academic education are nearly as successful at entering and completing the first year of higher education as those with general academic qualifications. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:28 PM | TrackBack

American Chemical Society supports House increase in math, science funding

American Chemical Society President Thomas H. Lane, Ph.D., today praised the House of Representatives for supporting a $5 million increase in funding for the Education Department's Math and Science Partnership program which he called a "critical educational program." Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:26 PM | TrackBack

Are Health Care Costs a Burden for Older Americans?

Although Medicare covers nearly all Americans age 65 and older, premiums, cost shares, and holes in the benefit package raise concerns about seniors' ability to pay for their health care. This brief, based on newly released data, shows that Medicare Part D, introduced in 2006 to cover prescription drugs, helped reduce out-of-pocket costs. The majority of older adults devoted less than one-eighth of their incomes to health care in 2006. However, nearly half of low-income seniors spent more than 20 percent of their 2006 incomes on health care. Medical costs for seniors should figure into the health-reform debate. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:14 PM | TrackBack

Shelley Poticha appointed as HUD Senior Advisor for Sustainable Housing and Communities

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that Shelley Poticha has been appointed Senior Advisor for Sustainable Housing and Communities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:02 PM | TrackBack

Study finds rapid growth in health costs hurts economic performance of US industries

A first-of-its-kind study has linked the rapid growth in health care costs in the United States with job losses and lower output among industries that commonly provide workers with health insurance. Researchers from the RAND Corporation found that, after adjusting for other factors, industries where a larger percentage of workers received employer-sponsored health insurance had significantly lower employment growth during the 19-year study period than industries where health benefits were less common. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:01 PM | TrackBack

July 23, 2009

Close Caregiver Relationship May Slow Alzheimer's Decline; Study Believed First to Document Potential Impact of Emotional Closeness on Course of Disease

A study led by Johns Hopkins and Utah State University researchers suggests that a particularly close relationship with caregivers may give people with Alzheimer's disease a marked edge over those without one in retaining mind and brain function over time. The beneficial effect of emotional intimacy that the researchers saw among participants was on par with some drugs used to treat the disease. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:15 PM | TrackBack

Renaissance Grants $3,000 to the Florida Dental Association to Present Oral Health Workshops for the Vulnerable Elderly

From PR Newswire:

In an effort to improve the oral health of Florida's elderly population, Renaissance Health Service Corporation (RHSC) granted $3,000 to help fund the Florida Dental Association's (FDA) dental health traveling seminar -- Oral Health Education and Prevention Program for the Vulnerable Elderly.

The seminar is presented to the administrators and staff members of nursing homes, assisted living centers and community-based senior programs throughout Florida. At the presentation, the FDA's Dr. Nolan W. Allen, past president, and Bob Macdonald, director of dental care and health, educate attendees about the importance of maintaining the oral health of their residents.

"By 2030, one out of every five Americans will be older than 65," said Dr. Allen. "It is vital that we provide dental information for seniors and caretakers in order to protect the overall health of Florida's vulnerable elderly."

Posted by Michael at 9:01 PM | TrackBack

Small business and health reform

The House health reform bill’s proposal for a surcharge on high-incomes has unfortunately and incorrectly been portrayed as a tax on small business that would discourage entrepreneurial activity. The fact is that the surcharge - a marginal tax on 1% of income for married couples earning between $350,000 and $500,000, 1.5% on incomes between $500,000 and $1 million, and 5.4% of incomes over $1 million—would have little effect on small businesses.

According to the Joint Tax Committee, nearly 96% of taxpayers with any business income would pay no additional taxes from the surcharge. Of the 4% remaining, only half earn more than one-third of their income as business income.

Posted by Michael at 8:19 PM | TrackBack

HUD makes $26.3 million available to fight housing discrimination

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that more than $26 million in grants are available to investigate allegations of housing discrimination and to educate the public and the housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. The grants are being offered through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), and are available through HUD's website. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:12 PM | TrackBack

RAND Study Finds Rapid Growth in Health Care Costs Hurts Economic Performance of U.S. Industries

A first-of-its-kind RAND Corporation study has linked the rapid growth in health care costs in the United States with job losses and lower output among industries that commonly provide workers with health insurance. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:02 PM | TrackBack

Graduating America: Meeting the Challenge of Low Graduation-Rate High Schools

Jobs for the Future::

The federal government has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stimulate significant progress in solving the nation’s graduation crisis, according to this report from Jobs for the Future and the Everyone Graduates Center.

While high schools with low graduation rates exist in every state and many communities across the country, they are concentrated in a subset of 17 states that produce approximately 70 percent of the nation’s dropouts. Data from these states are used to develop new analytic tools for examining the characteristics of schools, districts, and states that make certain approaches more likely to succeed in certain places.

Immediate federal action would make a significant difference in efforts to help hundreds of thousands more high school students earn a diploma and prepare for postsecondary education.

Posted by Michael at 10:26 AM | TrackBack

July 22, 2009

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Issues Statement on Report That Profiles Successful Pell Grant Recipients

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued the following statement on the release of the National Center for Education Statistics report A Profile of Successful Pell Grant Recipients: Time to Bachelor's Degree and Early Graduate School Enrollment. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:42 PM | TrackBack

Minimum wage workers: better educated, worse compensated

This Friday, the federal minimum wage will increase from $6.55 to $7.25, the third and final step in the minimum wage increase Congress authorized in 2007. With this final step, an estimated 4.5 million of America’s lowest paid workers will receive a raise, but this increase still leaves the real value of the minimum wage lower than it was 30 years ago.

Posted by Michael at 11:41 PM | TrackBack

For abused women, leaving is a complex and confusing process

Nothing could be easier than walking out the door, right? According to a new University of Illinois journal article, an abused woman actually goes through a five-step process of leaving that can be complicated at every stage by boundary ambiguity. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:29 PM | TrackBack

Close caregiver relationship may slow Alzheimer's decline

A study led by Johns Hopkins and Utah State University researchers suggests that a particularly close relationship with caregivers may give people with Alzheimer's disease a marked edge over those without one in retaining mind and brain function over time. The beneficial effect of emotional intimacy that the researchers saw among participants was on par with some drugs used to treat the disease. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:28 PM | TrackBack

HUD awards $21.4 million in HIV/AIDS housing grants to 19 local programs

WASHINGTON - Hundreds of extremely low-income families living with HIV/AIDS will receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of $21.4 million in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In each of the next three years, these grants are expected to help 1,159 households address the challenges of living with HIV by improving their ability to manage illnesses and consistently engage in appropriate care as a result of their on-going housing arrangements. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:23 PM | TrackBack

July 21, 2009

A child's IQ can be affected by mother's exposure to urban air pollutants

A mother's exposure to urban air pollutants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can adversely affect a child's intelligence quotient or IQ, a study reports. PAHs are chemicals released into the air from the burning of coal, diesel, oil and gas, or other organic substances such as tobacco. In urban areas motor vehicles are a major source of PAHs. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:12 PM | TrackBack

Starve a fever, feed a cold, don't be stressed

Whether it's getting a cold during exam time or feeling run-down after a big meeting, we've all experienced feeling sick following a particularly stressful time at work or school. Is this merely coincidence, or is it possible that stress can actually make us sick? A new report reviews research investigating how stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and provides some suggestions to further our understanding of this connection. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:08 PM | TrackBack

Rates of secondhand smoke exposure high among college students

Secondhand smoke is not only a nuisance, but a potential health concern for many college students, and administrators should be taking steps to reduce students' exposure, according to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:06 PM | TrackBack

Are we what our mothers ate?

Mothers' health in the days and weeks prior to becoming pregnant may determine the health of offspring much later in life, according to results of studies reported at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, July 18-22. The studies demonstrate that maternal nutrition, protein intake and level of fat in the diet may cause epigenetic changes in the developing fetus that can have long-term health consequences. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:58 PM | TrackBack

HUD charges Rhode Island landlord and realty company with violating Fair Housing Act

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that it has charged a Cranston, Rhode Island, landlord and real estate company with two separate acts of housing discrimination. HUD charged Velna Marti Irrevocable Income Trust, its owner and two real estate professionals at RE/MAX Five Star with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to rent to families with children. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:49 PM | TrackBack

The steep rise in unemployment continues

This recession has become the longest and deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. We now have data covering 18 months of the recession. In order to see how this recession stacks up against previous post-war recessions, we compare labor market indicators at the start of recessions to their values 18 months later. This document will be updated in mid August to reflect new July data.

While the current unemployment rate - 9.5% in June - is not at an historical high, it has increased much more rapidly during this recession than in other post-war recessions.

Posted by Michael at 7:46 PM | TrackBack

Promoting Partnerships for Student Success

From MDRC:

This report describes how community colleges in California that participated in the Student Support Partnership Integrating Resources and Education (SSPIRE) initiative took steps to better serve low-income and underprepared students by integrating student support services with academic instruction. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:44 PM | TrackBack

July 20, 2009

More Than $388 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Louisiana to Save Teaching Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $388 million is now available for Louisiana under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Louisiana will be eligible to apply for another $191 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Louisiana's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:44 PM | TrackBack

More Than $81 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Montana to Save Teaching Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $81 million is now available for Montana under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Montana will be eligible to apply for another $40 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Montana's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:43 PM | TrackBack

Entertainment Industries Council Partners With FOX on New Television Series 'Mental'; Entertainment Industries Council Provides Mental Health Content in Conjunction With the Illnesses Addressed on the Series

To educate viewers on the realities behind illnesses such as bipolar disease, schizophrenia, anxiety and others, Fox Broadcasting enlisted the expertise of the Entertainment and Media Communication (EIC) Institute's Center on Mental Health, the research and strategy division of the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. EIC and the Institute are providing mental health content online tied to each episode of the network's new series "Mental." Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:24 PM | TrackBack

Alternative Paths to a High Performance U.S. Health System: Impact of Three Approaches on Health Care Spending

National health reform efforts are seeking to expand insurance coverage, improve quality of care, and "bend the health care cost curve." This publications highlights data from a Commonwealth Fund report that analyzed alternative approaches to defining the role of a public plan and presented estimates of the potential impacts on health spending compared with projected trends. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:19 PM | TrackBack

Has the Time Come for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in US Health Care?

Three-quarters of key decision-makers from a diverse group of California-based health care organizations believe that cost-effectiveness criteria should be used when making insurance coverage decisions, according to this Commonwealth Fund-supported study. However, payers and the legal and policy communities would need to explore ways of reducing the litigation risk associated with cost-effectiveness analysis, the authors say. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:18 PM | TrackBack

Broader view needed on health costs

CBO director Douglas Elmendorf testified July 16 that health reform packages under debate in the House and Senate will do little to restrain the growth of health spending in coming years. As for policies that could restrain this growth, Elmendorf identified only limiting the current tax preference for employer-sponsored insurance premiums.

This was an odd choice. Given that much research (including from the CBO) indicates strong possible savings from a robust public plan, it is unclear why Elmendorf categorically ruled out this possibility.

Posted by Michael at 7:16 PM | TrackBack

Young men living at home with parents are more violent

Young men who stay at home with their parents are more violent than those who live independently, according to new research at Queen Mary, University of London.Men still living at home in their early twenties have fewer responsibilities and more disposable income to spend on alcohol.This group makes up only four percent of the UK's male population but they are responsible for 16 percent of all violent injuries in the last five years. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:16 PM | TrackBack

Children's IQ can be affected by mother's exposure to urban air pollutants

Prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can adversely affect a child's intelligence quotient or IQ, according to new research by the the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:10 PM | TrackBack

Social support buffers adolescent depression after terrorist attacks: Ben-Gurion University

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have conducted a "before and after" study of depression and terrorist attacks in adolescents, demonstrating that strong social support from friends is a buffer from depression in terrorism-related stress. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:09 PM | TrackBack

Nature? Nurture? University of Iowa scientists say neither

It's easy to explain why we act a certain way by saying "it's in the genes," but a group of University of Iowa scientists say the world has relied on that simple explanation far too long. In research to be published today in Child Development Perspectives, the UI team calls for tossing out the nature-nurture debate, which they say has prevailed for centuries in part out of convenience and intellectual laziness. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:08 PM | TrackBack

How children draw conclusions from the products they see

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research examines children's tendencies to draw conclusions about social roles from the products they see. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:07 PM | TrackBack

July 17, 2009

How to Afford Health Care in Hard Times

From PR Newswire:

The economic downturn is impacting the health of many people - not only by exacerbating conditions like hypertension, stress and fatigue, but also by causing people to put off getting the health care they need.

Physicians at The Polyclinic in Seattle are offering suggestions for how to get them most for your money when it comes to your health.

The Polyclinic is made up of more than 150 physicians, including internal medicine, family medicine, OB/GYN, oncology and hematology and 23 additional medical and surgical specialties. Since its inception in 1917, The Polyclinic's mission has been to promote the health of its patients through high-quality, comprehensive and personalized care.

Posted by Michael at 10:02 PM | TrackBack

Researchers uncover genetic variants linked to blood pressure in African-Americans

A team led by researchers from the National Institutes of Health today reported the discovery of five genetic variants related to blood pressure in African-Americans, findings that may provide new clues to treating and preventing hypertension. The effort marks the first time that a relatively new research approach, called a genome-wide association study, has focused on blood pressure and hypertension in an African-American population. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:56 PM | TrackBack

More Than $317 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Oklahoma to Save Teaching Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $317 million is now available for Oklahoma under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Oklahoma will be eligible to apply for another $156 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Oklahoma's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:50 PM | TrackBack

Department to Showcase Winners' Works From Native American Student Artist Competition

Tradition is My Life, Education is My Future is this year's theme for the Office of Indian Education's 5th Annual Native American Student Artist Competition. The exhibit, 21 matted and framed art pieces and a book of essays, will open in the Department's lobby on July 21 at 10:30 a.m. with a Native American blessing by Clayton Old Elk of the Crow Nation, and remarks by Department and Smithsonian Institution officials as well as by student winners in art and writing. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:49 PM | TrackBack

John Silvanus Wilson, Jr. Appointed Executive Director for White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the appointment of John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., Ed.D, as executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:46 PM | TrackBack

Preemies born in poverty 4 times less likely ready for school

Advances in neonatal care enable two-thirds of premature babies born with respiratory problems to be ready for school at an appropriate age, but those living in poverty are far less likely to be ready on time. Although several medical factors were associated with lower school readiness, the most powerful factor was low socioeconomic status. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:39 PM | TrackBack

Looking for health care dollars in all the right places

The House of Representatives Tri-Committee on July 14 released a health reform bill. Preliminary estimates of its cost and coverage implications look encouraging, if not perfect: providing coverage for more than two-thirds of the uninsured at a cost of less than $1 trillion over 10 years.

While the bill contains dozens of moving parts that will inspire heated debate, one of the most controversial aspects will surely be the financing of reform. The House bill suggests covering half of this $1 trillion price tag through a new surcharge on very high incomes. Specifically, a surcharge of 1% of incomes in the $350-500,000 range, 1.5% of incomes between $500,000 and $1 million, and 5.4% of incomes over a million dollars would be earmarked for health reform. Given that this will be a politically contentious funding source, it’s worth putting some of these numbers into perspective.

Posted by Michael at 9:34 PM | TrackBack

HUD approves $23 million deal to construct 25-bed replacement hospital in Grand Coulee, Washington

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced a commitment to insure a mortgage loan to Coulee Community Hospital in Grand Coulee, Washington to construct a new 25-bed hospital to replace an existing 47-year-old facility and fund renovation of an associated clinic. The $23 million loan is made possible through the Federal Housing Administration's Section 242 Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:29 PM | TrackBack

Georgia and Alabama join states with unemployment above 10%

In May, some 14 states — along with the District of Columbia — had double-digit unemployment, but new June data show that now there are 16. Michigan remains by far the state hardest hit by the recession. Its unemployment rose to 15.2% in June from 14.1% in May. Rhode Island was second, with unemployment of 12.4% up from 12.1% in May, while Oregon showed the third-worst unemployment rate in the United States, although its June jobless rate of 12.2% was actually a small improvement over May levels of 12.4%.

A new EPI analysis ranks the states by overall unemployment as well as the change seen since the start of the recession in December 2007.

Posted by Michael at 9:26 PM | TrackBack

Large epidemiologic study supports brain power of fish in older people

A new study concludes that increased fish consumption is related to lower rates of dementia in elderly living in low- to middle-income countries. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:25 PM | TrackBack

Education Secretary Arne Duncan and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Highlight Agenda on Early Education and Support for Unprecedented Investment in Early Learning

Today, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius highlighted the Obama Administration's blueprint to improve and strengthen early learning programs, and announced their support for efforts in Congress to answer the President's challenge to invest $10 billion in the Administration's early learning reforms. The proposed Early Learning Challenge Fund will advance a standards and outcomes-driven framework to improve the quality of early childhood programs across the country. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:22 PM | TrackBack

July 16, 2009

Is a society with smokers profitable?

The latest rise in the indirect taxation on tobacco and alcohol took place in June. The most popular brand of cigarettes went up in price from 3.10 euros to 3.30 euros per packet. Are these taxes a form of dissuasion or a way of compensating the rest of society for the harm generated by those who smoke? A study by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena has looked into the most significant questions concerning the tobacco economy. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 7:43 PM | TrackBack

Private and public insurance choices could help pay for national health care reform

As lawmakers debate how to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a new report from the Commonwealth Fund projects that including both private and public insurance choices in a new insurance exchange would save the United States as much as $265 billion in administrative costs from 2010 to 2020. Congressional leaders are attempting to keep 10-year federal budget costs of health care reform legislation under $1 trillion. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:51 PM | TrackBack

Sports4Kids Changes Its Name to Playworks; Award-Winning Program Also Unveils www.playworksusa.org (http://www.playworksusa.org/) to Help Schools, Others Make Recess Count

After 13 years of transforming low-income schools across America with safe, healthy play, Sports4Kids is changing its name to Playworks and ramping up the services it offers to dramatically change school climate. The move is expected to help the organization achieve its goal of providing safe and healthy play to a million kids a day by 2012. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:24 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan announces $360 million in Recovery Act grants to support community and economic development nationwide

WASHINGTON - In the Obama Administration's continued effort to stimulate community development and job growth, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced nearly 700 grants totaling $360 million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). To view the list of grantees receiving funding under this round of grants, visit HUD's Recovery Act website. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:21 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan announces nine Recovery Act Grants to improve Alaskan native housing, spur economic development

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that HUD is awarding the first round of grants to Alaskan native communities to improve housing and stimulate community development. The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) and Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) funds being awarded today are provided through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). These grants will help native Alaskan tribes improve the quality of their housing stock, develop viable communities, promote energy efficiency and create jobs. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:20 PM | TrackBack

Genes and the environment interact to influence adolescent alcohol use

Adolescent alcohol use and behavior problems are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. New findings show that behavioral problems may represent an earlier manifestation of a genetic predisposition to subsequent alcohol problems. Females may also be more susceptible to a variety of environmental influences than males. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:18 PM | TrackBack

Children with FASD have more severe behavioral problems than children with ADHD

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have a high risk of psychiatric problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with FASD are often initially diagnosed with ADHD. A first-of-its-kind study shows that children with FASD have a distinct behavioural profile: significantly weaker social cognition and facial emotion-processing abilities than children with ADHD. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:17 PM | TrackBack

New study finds 'delinquent behavior among boys contagious'

"For boys who had been through the juvenile justice system, compared to boys with similar histories without judicial involvement, the odds of adult judicial interventions increased almost seven-fold," says study co-author Richard E. Tremblay, a professor of psychology, pediatrics and psychiatry at the University of Montreal and a researcher at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:13 PM | TrackBack

Active video games a good alternative for kids

Scientists at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center have found that playing active video games can be as effective for children as moderate exercise. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:11 PM | TrackBack

USC study finds links between obesity and adolescents' social networks

Researchers from the Institute of Prevention Research at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found in a recent study that overweight youth were twice as likely to have overweight friends. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:10 PM | TrackBack

Early Childhood Lead Exposure: Benefits of Prevention Far Outweigh Costs of Abatement

EPI economist, Elise Gould, Director of Health Research, reviews the individual and societal costs of early childhood lead exposure. The study, published the Partnership for Economic Success and adapted for an article published in Environmental Helath Perspectives concludes that benefits from preventing lead poisoning, especially for children six and under, far exceeds the costs of lead hazard remediation. The research was funded in part by the Partnership for America’s Economic Success.

Posted by Michael at 6:09 PM | TrackBack

No Child Left Behind Increases Accountability of School Boards, Principals in California

The federal No Child Left Behind Act has made local school board members and principals more accountable for improving students' academic progress -- a key goal of the law -- a study released today by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) concludes. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:08 PM | TrackBack

New Study Finds 'Delinquent Behavior Among Boys Contagious': 20-Year Investigation From Universite de Montreal and University of Genoa Researchers

Impulsive boys with inadequate supervision, poor families and deviant friends are more likely to commit criminal acts that land them in juvenile court, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The most surprising finding from the 20-year study, conducted by researchers from the Universite de Montreal and University of Genoa, was how help provided by the juvenile justice system substantially increased the risk of the boys engaging in criminal activities during early adulthood. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:07 PM | TrackBack

July 15, 2009

Indiana reflects national trend as geography literacy declines

Despite increased support for K-12 geography education over a 15-year period, geography knowledge among Indiana college freshmen has not improved. These results reflect a national trend. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:38 PM | TrackBack

Nearly 1 in 5 university students experienced violence in last 6 months: UBC study

While attending university, men are equally likely as women to have been victims of physical or emotional violence, and that violence is often linked to drinking, according to a new study led by University of British Columbia researcher Elizabeth Saewyc. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:29 PM | TrackBack

Market-style incentives to increase school choice have opposite effect

A University of Illinois education professor has found that a market-based approach to increasing school choice actually leads to fewer educational opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged students in urban areas. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:27 PM | TrackBack

Giving to Education Likely to Decline Nearly 4 Percent in 2008-09; Modest Growth Predicted in 2009-10

Fundraisers for schools, colleges and universities will likely see an average decline in giving to education of 3.9 percent when they close their books for the 2008-09 academic year, according to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's fundraising index. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:12 PM | TrackBack

Website Connects Math Circles Nationwide to Resources and Builds Community; Growing Educational Trend of After-School Math Groups Find Support Through Online Portal

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) announced today the launch of the National Association of Math Circles (NAMC) website - go to Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:03 PM | TrackBack

In adolescence, girls react differently than boys to peers' judgments

A new study shows what happens in the brains of preteens and teens at a time of significant change in social behavior. Using brain scan technology, researchers found that in older girls (as compared to younger girls), brain regions associated with social rewards and motivation responded differently when they thought about being judged by their peers. These differences were not evident between younger and older boys. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:50 PM | TrackBack

Foster care may boost brain activity of institutionalized children

A longitudinal study of 200 Romanian children between the ages of 5 months and 42 months shows the effects of institutionalization on brain and behavioral development. Compared with children who grew up in families, children raised in institutions showed a pattern of reduced brain activity when they looked at pictures of a caregiver's face that alternated with pictures of a stranger's face. Children who were placed in high-quality foster care showed the beginnings of normalized brain activity when processing faces. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:49 PM | TrackBack

Tweens sensitive to others' perceptions of them

In a new study using brain-mapping techniques, early adolescents and young adults responded to researchers' questions about whether short phrases (such as "I am popular") described them, and whether they believed others (mothers, best friends, classmates) thought these phrases described them, too. In comparison to the young adults, the tweens were found to see themselves in ways that may depend more on what they believe others think about their abilities and attributes. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:47 PM | TrackBack

Study sheds light on social brain development

Children develop social skills by learning how to understand others' thoughts and feelings, or their theory of mind. A new study of EEGs of 4-year-olds shows that theory of mind changes are related to the functional development of two parts of the brain -- the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and the temporal-parietal juncture. These findings are the first to show that these specialized neural circuits may be there as early as the preschool years. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:46 PM | TrackBack

Academic disengagement more common for US teens than Chinese

A longitudinal study of more than 800 Chinese and American students over 7th and 8th grades has found that academic disengagement is greater for American teens than for Chinese teens. American youths reported being less motivated academically as they made their way through 7th and 8th grades. In contrast, Chinese youths' reports suggested that the value they placed on achievement, their use of constructive learning strategies and the time they spent studying stayed stable. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:44 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Sebelius Releases New Success Story Report: Community-Based Prevention Program in Nebraska Helps Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke

From HHS News and Events:

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released the second in a series of health care success story reports that document innovative programs and initiatives that can serve as models for a reformed American health care system. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:44 PM | TrackBack

Brain emotion circuit sparks as teen girls size up peers

What is going on in teenagers' brains as their drive for peer approval begins to eclipse their family affiliations? Brain scans of teens sizing each other up reveal an emotion circuit activating more in girls as they grow older, but not in boys. The study shows how emotion circuitry diverges in the male and female brain during a developmental stage in which girls are at increased risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:39 PM | TrackBack

David Stevens sworn in as HUD Assistant Secretary for Housing and FHA Commissioner

WASHINGTON - David Stevens was sworn in today as Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Stevens was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 10, 2009. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:39 PM | TrackBack

HUD offers permanent homes for more than 10,000 homeless vets

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development announced today the final allocations of more than 10,000 vouchers to local public housing authorities across the country to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:38 PM | TrackBack

Who am I? Adolescents' replies depend on others

Ask middle-school students if they are popular or make friends easily, they likely will depend on social comparisons with their peers for an answer. Such reliance on the perceived opinions of others, or reflected self-appraisals, has long been assumed, but new evidence supporting this claim has now been found in the teen brain. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:38 PM | TrackBack

Social reasoning and brain development are linked in preschoolers -- Queen's study

New research at Queen's University shows that the way preschool children understand false beliefs can be linked to particular aspects of brain development. This landmark research may aid in understanding developmental disorders such as autism. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:34 PM | TrackBack

Childhood adversity may affect processing in the brain's reward pathways

Childhood adversity is associated diminished activation in the regions the brain that anticipate reward, according to a new study from psychologists at Harvard University. Using fMRI, researchers examined the brain activity of individuals who had experienced childhood abuse that met state guidelines for maltreatment, and found weaker responses to reward-predicting cues in left hemisphere regions of the basal ganglia. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:32 PM | TrackBack

July 14, 2009

Statement by Secretary Duncan on Black-White Achievement Gaps

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released the following statement today regarding the National Center for Education Statistics' new report, "Achievement Gaps: How Black and White Students in Public Schools Perform in Mathematics and Reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress," which analyzes black-white achievement gaps at both the national and state level and how those gaps have changed over time: Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:16 PM | TrackBack

School Districts in 38 States Receive $116 million in Grants to help Improve Teaching of American History

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that 123 school districts in 38 states have been awarded $116 million in new grants to help schools improve the teaching of American history. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:15 PM | TrackBack

Regular moderate alcohol intake has cognitive benefits in older adults

A glass of wine here, a nightcap there -- new research out of Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that moderate alcohol intake offers long-term cognitive protection and reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:05 PM | TrackBack

American Institutes for Research Staff Prepared Report on Black-White Achievement Gap for National Center for Education Statistics

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has released a report, prepared by staff from the American Institutes for Research (AIR), which analyzes Black-White achievement gaps at both the national and state levels, using National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores as a common yardstick. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:58 PM | TrackBack

HUD announces $113 million available for public housing transformation, community revitalization

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the availability of $113 million in HOPE VI funding today in a keynote address on the future of urban revitalization at the National Press Club during the Brookings Institution's event, "From Despair to Hope: Two HUD Secretaries on Urban Revitalization and Opportunity." Donovan joined former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros in a comprehensive discussion about the HOPE VI revitalization program and the Obama Administration's proposed Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, which seeks to build on the lessons from HOPE VI and expand urban revitalization beyond public housing. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:50 PM | TrackBack

AADR releases its statement on oral health care within health care reform

On July 14, the American Association for Dental Research released its policy statement titled "Oral Health Care within Health Care Reform," which focuses on the scientific base of oral health and its associations to other aspects of health. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:44 PM | TrackBack

Metropolitan Conditions and Trends: Changing Contexts for a Community Initiative

This brief reviews recent social and economic trends in the ten metropolitan areas that form the context for the neighborhood programs being operated as a part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Making Connections initiative. It finds that these areas are strikingly different along a number dimensions and in are many ways representative of the diversity in conditions and trends across America's metropolitan areas. Since 2002, for example, two of these areas attained among the nation's highest rates of employment growth (Denver and Seattle) while two others experienced serious declines (Oakland and Milwaukee). Although there were important differences in magnitudes, all sites did share in a number of trends: minority groups growing as a share of total population, improvements in several social indicators (e.g., in crime and teen pregnancy) but, disturbingly, notable increases in child poverty. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:37 PM | TrackBack

Rich with Insights on Child Welfare, New Book Maps Out Organizational Change and Children's Policy Reforms

As the director of the District of Columbia's Child and Family Services Agency, Olivia Golden led the turnaround of a troubled system. In her new book, Reforming Child Welfare, she draws on her expertise as a senior federal official, local administrator, and an academic to map out strategies for improving and revitalizing the last safety net for vulnerable children and families, the public child welfare system. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:36 PM | TrackBack

Understanding the process of homosexual identity formation among Asian and Pacific Islander youth

The process of homosexual identity formation among Asian and Pacific Islander youth, where the role of family life, personal sacrifice for family tranquility and generational clashes are central social stresses, has led researchers at Boston University's School of Social Work to develop a new intellectual framework for the development of positive/sexual identities for this Asian-American group. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:36 PM | TrackBack

U. of I. education expert: Community colleges undervalued, underfunded

Education professor Debra Bragg says that community colleges are an underfunded community asset and an invaluable resource for first-generation college students, low-skilled adult workers and immigrants aspiring to enter college, and downsized workers and mid-career changers transitioning to a recession-proof career. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:34 PM | TrackBack

HUD Secretary announces disaster assistance for Tennessee storm victims

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to three storm-ravaged counties in Tennessee and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following last month's severe storms, flooding, tornadoes and straight-line winds. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:33 PM | TrackBack

July 13, 2009

Medicaid and CHIP Strategies for Improving Child Health

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) leaders are assessing and improving the quality of care provided to children and adolescents, but many states are finding the resources available to them are inadequate for the job. This report identifies states' priorities for measuring and improving child and adolescent health outcomes. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:53 PM | TrackBack

Children of undocumented parents may be at higher developmental risk

A new study from UCLA examines parent's concerns about development, learning and behavior for young children of Mexican origin, and identifies whether these concerns differed by the families' citizenship or documentation status. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:48 PM | TrackBack

Why African-Americans are at greater risk of hypertension and kidney disease

Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center believe that a heightened level a certain growth factor in the blood may explain why blacks have a greater prevalence of hypertension and kidney disease compared to whites. Results from a new study are the first to show that an elevated level of a protein, called transforming growth factor B1, raises the risk of hypertension and renal disease in humans. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:47 PM | TrackBack

HUD charges Kentucky landlord and management company with housing discrimination

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has charged the managers and owners of a Kentucky apartment complex with housing discrimination. HUD alleges that Mary Sue Brooks, Jan Partin and Brooks Properties, LLC, violated the Fair Housing Act when they evicted an African-American family following a home invasion at West Park Village Apartments in Paducah. The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing because of race and/or color and sex. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:46 PM | TrackBack

Donovan announces $26.5 million available in "sweat equity" grants

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that $26.5 million is available in "sweat equity" grants to produce homes for low-income individuals and families through HUD's Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:45 PM | TrackBack

U.S. Department of Education Awards $26.5 Million in Grants to Help Make Children Healthier and More Active

As a result of $26.5 million in awards from the U.S. Department of Education, more children will have access to physical education programs and instruction on healthy eating and good nutrition. The Carol M. White Physical Education Program grants will provide 73 public schools and community-based organizations in 25 states with funds to initiate, expand and improve physical education programs for students in grades K-12. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:43 PM | TrackBack

July 11, 2009

More than $7 Million Awarded in High School Equivalency Program Grants for Migrant Students

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today the award of 16 grants totaling $7,159,488 to programs in 11 states that will help migrant students obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and then go on to either work or postsecondary education. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:47 PM | TrackBack

U.S. Department of Education Awards $26 Million to School Districts to Improve Readiness and Emergency Response Plans

School districts across the country will be able to improve and strengthen their emergency management plans as a result of $26 million in grants awarded today by the U.S. Department of Education. The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) discretionary grant program will enable 108 school districts to improve plans that address all four phases of emergency management: Prevention-Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:46 PM | TrackBack

U.S. Department of Education Awards more than $32.8 Million to Promote Safe Schools, Healthy Students

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:44 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan awards over a billion dollars in Recovery Act Funding to prevent homelessness across the country

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $1.2 billion to over 400 communities across the nation to rapidly re-house families who fall into homelessness, or prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place. The funding is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help persons and families facing a sudden financial crisis that could lead to homelessness. To view the list of grantees receiving funding under this round of grants, visit HUD's Recovery Act website. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:10 PM | TrackBack

HUD urges families receiving disaster housing assistance to apply for rental vouchers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is urging families still receiving Katrina/Rita transitional housing assistance to contact HUD to ensure that they are considered for rental vouchers, which are not time limited. A toll-free number, 1-800-955-2232, has been set up to make the process as easy as possible. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:10 PM | TrackBack

White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans begins a Series of "Community Conversations"

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that Juan Sepulveda, Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, is beginning a series of community conversations next week in Texas. Sepulveda has contacted Hispanic communities nationwide and will continue to do so, as he begins this series with trips to several states and Puerto Rico between July and the end of September. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:09 PM | TrackBack

July 9, 2009

Congress Rejects Successful DC Schools Program

From PR Newswire:

Led by Senior Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the full Appropriations Committee today moved to full Senate consideration a bill terminating the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program after the 2009-10 school year and reducing funds for those currently in the program.

"While this Congress and the Obama Administration took control in January promising they would restore sanity to Washington and reject business as usual, their actions on this program speak louder than their words," said Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform.

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) offered facts and data to support the DC choice program while Subcommittee Chair Durbin stated inaccurately that the program does not work. Sen. Durbin also misquoted stats on DC's community of more than 90 highly impactful charter schools, calling for one fourth to close when, in fact, those charters are actually educating successfully children lagging behind when they come in.

Posted by Michael at 9:31 PM | TrackBack

Language skills in your 20s may predict risk of dementia decades later

People who have superior language skills early in life may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease decades later, despite having the hallmark signs of the disease, according to research published in the July 9, 2009, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:12 PM | TrackBack

U.S. Department of Education Awards more than $9.7 Million to Higher Education Institutions for Emergency Management Plans

Twenty six colleges and universities will be able to develop and strengthen their emergency management plans as a result of more than $9.7 million in Emergency Management for Higher Education discretionary grants awarded today by the U.S. Department of Education, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:41 PM | TrackBack

Diets bad for the teeth are also bad for the body

Dental disease reveals very early on that eating habits are putting a person at risk for systemic disease. Because chronic medical disease takes decades to become severe enough to be detected in screening tests, dental diseases may provide plenty of lead-time to change harmful eating habits and thereby decrease the risk of developing the other diseases of civilization. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:40 PM | TrackBack

Setting a National Minimum Standard for Health Benefits: How Do State Benefit Mandates Compare with Benefits in Large-Group Plans?

This Commonwealth Fund issue brief considers the benefit of a broad federal minimum standard for health benefits by comparing existing state benefit mandates with the services and providers covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) standard benefit package. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:33 PM | TrackBack

New Report Analyzes Cost Implications of Three Health Reform Scenarios, with Alternative Public Plan Options

A comprehensive approach to health insurance, provider payment, and care delivery system reforms has the potential to slow health care cost increases while achieving near-universal coverage. The potential savings for families, businesses, and the federal government vary markedly, however, depending on whether or not a public insurance plan option is included and how such a plan is structured, according to a new analysis from The Commonwealth Fund. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:31 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan approves Cincinnati's Recovery Act Plan to revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today approved the City of Cincinnati's plan to use a $3.5 million federal grant to help stabilize and revive local neighborhoods, rehabilitate affordable housing, and improve key public facilities. Funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program will support state and local community development while stimulating employment. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:17 PM | TrackBack

HUD issues 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today issued its 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, a national study that explores changes in homelessness nationwide. HUD's assessment concludes that while overall homelessness in America held fairly steady from 2007 to 2008, the number of homeless families, particularly those living in suburban and rural areas, increased. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:15 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan awards over a billion dollars in Recovery Act Funding to prevent homelessness across the county

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $1.2 billion to over 400 communities across the nation to rapidly re-house families who fall into homelessness, or prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place. The funding is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help persons and families facing a sudden financial crisis that could lead to homelessness. To view the list of grantees receiving funding under this round of grants, visit HUD's Recovery Act website. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:14 PM | TrackBack

Annual costs of stroke in US children at least $42 million

Stroke in children costs at least $42 million annually for initial care in the United States. The lifetime costs of childhood stroke are likely greater than costs for adults due to longer life expectancy, which underscores the importance of preventing and treating stroke in children, researchers said. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:12 PM | TrackBack

Ethicists Urge Inclusion of Pregnant Women in Federal Child-Health Study

Stanford Social Innovation Review - Paul C. Light:

A team of ethicists from Johns Hopkins, Duke and Georgetown universities is urging organizers of a recently begun $3 billion decades-long study of children's health to immediately add provisions to look at the health and medical profiles of the children's mothers during their pregnancies. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:08 PM | TrackBack

Social Entrepreneurship Revisited

Social entrepreneurship is one of the most alluring terms on the problem-solving landscape today, and is in use even in the new Obama administration. The President is quite familiar with the term and has embraced a first-of-its-kind investment fund for social entrepreneurship.

The question is not whether social entrepreneurship is a term in good currency, but what it actually means. This question motivated my three-year search for social entrepreneurship, which was funded by the Skoll and Ewing Marion Kauff man foundations.

Ashoka founder and CEO Bill Drayton first used the term “social entrepreneurship” in the early 1980s, and it continues to inspire images of audacious social change—the kind that sweeps away the old approaches to solving intractable social problems such as disease, hunger, and poverty. Like business entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship involves a wave of creative destruction that remakes society.

Although we will always need traditional social services— even more during times of great economic turmoil—social entrepreneurship focuses on changing the underlying dynamics that create the demand for services in the first place. Instead of treating society’s distress, social entrepreneurship holds hope for eliminating the distress altogether.

Paul C. Light is a professor at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and the author of The Search for Social Entrepreneurship (Brookings Institution Press, 2008).

Posted by Michael at 1:57 PM | TrackBack

July 8, 2009

Study finds job programs protect public health during periods of recession

A rapid rise in unemployment can be linked to an increase in suicides, homicides, and alcohol abuse, but job programs can successfully mitigate these rates, according to a new study reported in the Lancet medical journal. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:26 PM | TrackBack

HUD to host neighborhood networks workshop in Philadelphia

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will hold a Neighborhood Networks Regional Technical Assistance Workshop in Philadelphia on July 15 - 17. The event themed Neighborhood Networks: A Community Asset will feature Carol Galante, the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs at HUD who will speak during the opening ceremony.
Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:23 PM | TrackBack

Unemployment without borders

The G-8 countries convened in Italy July 8 at a time of a global jobs crisis: The International Labor Organization (ILO) predicts that 51 million jobs will be lost globally in the current financial downturn.

ILO has also proposed a way to soften the blow through a Global Jobs Pact that calls on governments to work with unions and employers to implement certain crisis-response measures that would help sustain enterprises and accelerate job creation while strengthening social safety nets.

Recent history shows that such programs pay off.

Posted by Michael at 8:14 PM | TrackBack

Mothers of children with autism have higher parental stress, psychological distress

Mothers of children with autism had higher levels of parenting-related stress and psychological distress than mothers of children with developmental delay. Children's problem behavior was associated with increases in both parenting-related stress and distress in both groups, but this relationship was stronger in mothers of children with autism.The research also found no link between a child's decreased daily living skills and increased parental stress and psychological distress. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:14 PM | TrackBack

Strategies to Help Low-Wage Workers Advance

From MDRC:

WASC is an innovative strategy to help low-wage workers increase their incomes by stabilizing employment, improving skills, increasing earnings, and easing access to work supports. In its first year, WASC connected more workers to food stamps and publicly funded health care coverage and, in one site, substantially increased training activities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:13 PM | TrackBack

July 7, 2009

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: A Comprehensive Review of Addiction to Prescription Painkillers Among Patients and Physicians

Chemical dependency and recovery in patients and physicians are closely examined in a series of articles and editorials in the July 2009 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The subject is especially timely. As the immense challenges, including potential tragedies, of prescription chemical addiction and abuse are being discussed, these articles offer crucial overview, direction and optimism. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:32 PM | TrackBack

Student drinking: Changing perceptions reduces alcohol misuse

Giving students personalized feedback on their drinking behavior and how it compares to social norms might help to reduce alcohol misuse, according to a Cochrane Systematic Review. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:25 PM | TrackBack

Lotteries: From Big Bucks to Bankruptcy; Vanderbilt Research Looks at the Financial Consequences of Winning the Lottery

In this tough economy, the allure of buying lottery tickets seems like a pretty enticing way to erase financial problems. But new research from Vanderbilt Law School found that people who won between $50,000 and $150,000 did not solve their debt problems and only postponed bankruptcy. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:15 PM | TrackBack

Why are African-Americans less likely to survive certain cancers?

African-Americans are more likely than other races to die from breast, prostate and ovarian cancers, but this disparity is not due to poverty or inferior health care, a first-of-its-kind study has found. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:58 PM | TrackBack

Civil Legal Aid in the United States: An Update for 2009

From CLASP: Civil Legal Assistance:

The United States is entering a new era in civil legal aid. For the first time since 1993, there is a President who is fully committed to expanding civil legal aid on a federal level and an administration sympathetic to rebuilding the civil legal aid delivery system and its long neglected infrastructure. Yet, while there is new hope for increased federal funding and a renewed interest in civil legal aid at the federal level, civil legal aid is facing reductions in funding from state sources which, until 2009, had been expanding and had overtaken LSC as the largest source of civil legal aid funding. State budgets are facing far greater crises than the federal budget and have far fewer options for financing because most cannot create significant deficits. (Alan Houseman) Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:51 PM | TrackBack

Regulation and oversight of gun sales reduces trafficking to criminals

Comprehensive regulation of gun sellers appears to reduce the trafficking of guns to criminals, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study is the first to incorporate measures of the enforcement of gun sale laws into a study of the effectiveness of those laws. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:46 PM | TrackBack

Jerry E. Williams, a catalyst for change, is HUD's new CIO

WASHINGTON - Jerry Williams, formerly the deputy CIO at the Department of the Interior, is the Department of Housing and Urban Development's new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Williams, is responsible for a $379.2 million budget, 265 employees and developing, modernizing and enhancing HUD's outdated information systems. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:29 PM | TrackBack

The most effective teachers are in a class of their own

Knowledgeable, innovative, skilful, fun-loving, caring, supportive, task and pupil centered -- it's official -- the most effective teachers are in a class of their own. They stimulate a pupil's imagination, challenge their views, encourage them to do great things and motivate them through tailored teaching practices to ensure that every pupil feels a sense of achievement and valued as part of the class community. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:21 PM | TrackBack

Unemployment Rate for Electrical Engineers Soars to New Record, Engineering Jobless Rate Up for Second Consecutive Quarter

From PR Newswire: Government and Policy:

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:18 PM | TrackBack

Government-backed youth program pilot didn't reduce teenage pregnancies

A government-backed youth development pilot program in England, aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies, drunkenness or cannabis use, didn't reduce teenage pregnancies and other outcomes and might have increased pregnancies, according to research published on bmj.com today. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:11 PM | TrackBack

HUD Secretary announces disaster assistance for Illinois storm victims

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to six storm-ravaged counties in Illinois and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following last month's severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:09 PM | TrackBack

Low birth weight linked to long-term respiratory problems

Infants who weigh less than five and a half pounds at birth often enter the world with a host of medical complications, including respiratory problems. New research shows that these respiratory problems may persist well beyond their infancy and childhood and into adulthood. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:09 PM | TrackBack

July 6, 2009

Free Educational Conference on the Economy and Homeownership Supported by Powerhouse Trio

From PR Newswire: Government and Policy:

Orlando Magic co-founder, Pat Williams to appear as a special guest speaker at the Homeowners Conference on July 10, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside, a free educational event for all consumers.

As one of America's top motivational, inspirational, and humorous speakers, Williams will share his thoughts on winning despite adversity, at the nation's only conference for surviving the housing and economic crisis. The Homeowners Conference is specifically for people looking for insights about the economic crisis.

People in danger of losing a home, as well as first-time buyers who want to become homeowners, and people who want to recover from bankruptcy or foreclosure will find answers and solutions at the event. The first stop on the nineteen-city tour is Tampa on July 10-11. In a typical display of helping his community, Pat Williams will discuss ways to face the current economic crisis, and how to continue making progress on personal goals despite the current economic climate.

Posted by Michael at 11:08 PM | TrackBack

New study pinpoints difference in the way children with autism learn new behaviors

Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have collaborated to uncover important new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:03 PM | TrackBack

More Than $2.7 Billion Will Be Made Available Early to States

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $2.7 billion is being made available early to help states as they face increasing budgetary pressures. This funding represents that last third of the government services fund which was initially scheduled to be made available with the completion of Phase II applications as part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Of this $2.7 billion being distributed early, $2.4 billion will be awarded today to states that have successfully completed Phase I applications and the remaining $316.6 million of the accelerated funds will be awarded in the coming days as the remaining states are approved for Phase I applications. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:01 PM | TrackBack

$129 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Hawaii to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $129 million is now available for Hawaii under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Hawaii will be eligible to apply for another $63 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Hawaii's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 11:00 PM | TrackBack

Students with depression twice as likely to drop out of college

College students with depression are twice as likely as their classmates to drop out of school, new research shows. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:59 PM | TrackBack

$656 Million in Recovery Funds Now Available for Alabama to Save Jobs and Drive Education Reform

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $656 million is now available for Alabama under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Alabama will be eligible to apply for another $73 million this fall. Today's funding is being made available per Alabama's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:59 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Duncan Challenges National Education Association to Accelerate School Reforms

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today praised the National Education Association for its effort to improve the quality of the education workforce and challenged the union to reevaluate some of its policies on compensating teachers and offering them job protections. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:58 PM | TrackBack

Eastern Awarded $1.5 Million U.S. Department of Education Grant

The U.S. Department of Education announced on July 2, 2009, that Eastern Connecticut State University will receive a $1.5 million Title III grant over five years through the department's "Strengthening Institutions" program. Eastern will use the funds to improve student achievement through their academic studies in the University's Student Success Center so that more students complete their studies in four years. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:58 PM | TrackBack

USC Annenberg Report Details Growing Philanthropic Support for Journalism

Philanthropic foundations are taking unprecedented steps to address the crisis in journalism and "serve as a firewall against the disappearance of critical news and information," according to a new report from the Center on Communication Leadership and Policy (CCLP) at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:57 PM | TrackBack

Online computer games could encourage children to eat healthy foods

Children who play an online game promoting healthy foods and beverages appear more likely to choose nutritious snacks than those who play a game promoting unhealthy products, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:36 PM | TrackBack

Secretary Donovan announces Recovery Act Funds to support community development in Alabama

WASHINGTON - In an effort to stimulate community development and job growth, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced $1.8 million in funding to Birmingham, Alabama through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The announcement came at the HUD field office in Birmingham, where the Secretary was joined by Congressman Artur Davis. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:34 PM | TrackBack

Intimate abuse study finds clear links with poor health and calls for holistic primary care approach

Nearly a quarter of married and cohabiting women who took part in a survey said that they had been sexually, psychologically or physically abused by their partner. Researchers who studied the 2,746 responses found a clear link between abuse and poor health. 18.2 percent of the respondents had been psychologically abused, 3.3 percent had been physically abused and 1.3 percent had been sexually abused. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:31 PM | TrackBack

July 2, 2009

HUD provides 2,500 housing vouchers to keep families together

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it is awarding 2,500 rental assistance vouchers to 37 public housing authorities across the U.S. to reunite more than 7,500 children with their parents. The children are currently in foster care. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:20 PM | TrackBack

Who Pays No Income Tax?

From Urban Institute:

Nearly half of all tax units will pay no income tax in 2009. The fraction of non-taxpayers differs widely, depending on income, tax filing status, and whether the unit is elderly or contains children.

During the 2008 election campaign, President Obama proposed to create or expand a variety of refundable tax credits, most notably his Making Work Pay credit. Refundability was key for Obama - that's the only way to make credits available to people who pay little or no tax. Critics decried the proposals, asking how you can cut taxes for people who pay no tax. The Tax Policy Center (TPC) estimated that, under then current law, 38 percent of all nondependent tax units would pay no income tax in 2009.

Earlier this year, Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5), which, among other things, temporarily put into place some of the refundable credits proposed during the campaign. TPC estimates that under the new law, 47 percent of tax units will owe no income tax in 2009.

Posted by Michael at 9:02 PM | TrackBack

Children with autism need to be taught in smaller groups, pilot study confirms

Since the 1970s, there has been much debate surrounding the fact that individuals with autism have difficulty in understanding speech in situations where there is background speech or noise. Today, at the annual meeting of the International Multisensory Research Forum being held at the City College of New York, neuroscientists announced conclusive evidence to verify this fact. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:58 PM | TrackBack

Report calls for new initiative to improve math education for preschoolers

To ensure that all children enter elementary school with the foundation they need for success, a major national initiative is needed to improve early childhood mathematics education, says a new report from the National Research Council. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:56 PM | TrackBack

Overweight kids experience more loneliness, anxiety, MU study finds

As childhood obesity rates continue to increase, experts agree that more information is needed about the implications of being overweight as a step toward reversing current trends. Now, a new University of Missouri study has found that overweight children, especially girls, show signs of the negative consequences of being overweight as early as kindergarten. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:54 PM | TrackBack

Study Links Migraine Headaches to Reduced Academic Performance

Suffering from migraine headaches as an adolescent leads to lower high school grades and decreases in the likelihood of graduating high school and the likelihood of attending college, according to Daniel Rees, economics professor at University of Colorado Denver, and Joseph Sabia, professor of public policy at American University's School of Public Affairs. These results were presented on Wednesday, July 1, at the 84th Annual Conference of the Western Economic Association International in Vancouver, British Columbia. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 8:47 PM | TrackBack

New Report on Ending Childhood Hunger

From Food Research and Action Center:

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) just released a new report setting out seven strategies it deems essential for the nation to meet President Obama's goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015. The report, titled "Ending Childhood Hunger by 2015: The Essential Strategies for Achieving the President's Goal"(pdf).

The paper calls for the nation to:

Restore economic growth and create jobs with better wages for lower-income workers.
Raise the incomes of the lowest-income families.
Strengthen the SNAP/Food Stamp Program.
Strengthen the Child Nutrition Programs.
Engage the entire federal government in ending childhood hunger.
Work with states, localities and nonprofits to expand and improve participation in federal nutrition programs.
Make sure all families have convenient access to reasonably priced, healthy food.

They are distributing this analysis to members of Congress, key officials in the Obama Administration, the media, and anti-hunger leaders across the nation.

They are also launching a website, www.endingchildhunger2015.org, where they will post this analysis and the president's position paper making the 2015 commitment, and in the weeks and months ahead other analyses and materials related to achieving the 2015 goal.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 PM | TrackBack

July 1, 2009

Florida State Tobacco Tax Increase May Prompt Smokers to Quit Spontaneously

From PR Newswire:

Today, the Florida state tobacco tax will increase by $1.00, the biggest of its kind in Florida history, to a total of $1.34 per pack, as part of the Protecting Florida's Health Act. The pressures of a higher price tag on cigarettes may prompt Florida smokers to try and quit spontaneously.

New data published in the journal, Nicotine and Tobacco Research, shows that many U.S. quit attempts are unplanned and these types of attempts can be a successful route to cessation. In the study, almost 40 percent of subjects reported that their most recent quit attempt started without any advance planning, suggesting that for some smokers, setting an advance quit date may not be as necessary as once thought.

"The study examines the possibility that while quit attempts may seem like spontaneous efforts on the surface, they may actually be the result of prolonged subconscious dissatisfaction with or concern about one's smoking. The results do not discredit planning out a quit attempt, however, a smoker needs to determine what may be the best approach to ensure long-term cessation," said Dr. Saul Shiffman, professor in the departments of psychology and pharmaceutical science at the University of Pittsburgh and study co-author. "All smokers should consider ways to manage tough situations such as cravings and withdrawal symptoms to ensure long-term success."

Posted by Michael at 8:32 PM | TrackBack

HUD Secretary Donovan announces expanded eligibility for Making Home Affordable Refinancing

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced an expansion of the Obama Administration's Home Affordable Refinance Program to include participation by borrowers who are current but up to 125 percent underwater on their mortgage. Under authorization provided by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, borrowers whose mortgages are currently owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now be allowed to refinance those loans according to the terms of the Home Affordable Refinance program established earlier this year. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 6:52 PM | TrackBack

ADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets