The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies will be taking part in a number of events associated with the 139th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Public Health Association (APHA) October 29—November 2, 2011, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.  This year’s APHA meeting, with the theme, “Healthy Communities Promote Healthy Minds and Bodies,” takes place in the wake of the Joint Center Health Policy Institute’s PLACE MATTERS National Conference, held on September 7, 2011, which addressed the relationship between place and health as it relates to racial and ethnic health inequities. You are invited to stop by the Joint Center’s booth, take in one or more of several sessions where we will make presentations, and join us at a special reception.

Download the entire press release by clicking the link below.

Early in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that obesity was rapidly moving to the top of the list of major causes of premature or preventable deaths. This fact is highlighted by statistics in this issue brief indicating that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults can be classified as obese or overweight. People who are overweight or obese are at risk for any number of chronic conditions, including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and hypertension. As is the case for many other adverse health conditions, African Americans and Latinos are much more likely than other Americans to be overweight or obese. There are steps that people can take, through weight loss and improved fitness, to reduce their chronic-disease risk. But the conditions in many low-income communities create barriers for residents who want to “do the right thing.” Streets may not be safe to walk or bike, and recreational facilities may be few and far between, making it difficult for residents to get the regular physical activity recommended by their health care providers. A paucity of grocery stores with healthy food options also prevents many families from pursuing low-fat or low-sodium diets. In addition, school cafeterias and vending machines, lacking nutritious food choices, can make it difficult for young people to avoid consuming excessive nutritionally empty calories. While individuals acting alone may not be able to overcome these barriers, as this brief explains, a community can take collective action to lower them. A collaboration between the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and PolicyLink, this brief is one of four that outline strategies for achieving better health through community-focused solutions.

Available in PDF Format Only.

To download this publication, click the file icon below.

Over the past five years, racial and ethnic disparities in health care and health status have been highlighted in a series of governmental and non-governmental reports. The nature and extent of the problem should be obvious to all who are paying attention. However, less is known or shared about solutions that can be adopted in local communities, especially where the problems are most severe. The importance of community cannot be overstated. It is the community environment that determines the toxins people are exposed to, their opportunities for exercise, healthy eating and living, and the health care services they can access. Moreover, people of color are exposed to an additional stress in the form of racism, which can have a harmful long-term impact on their health. In short, the overall vitality of a community — the economic opportunities available, the social support networks, and the public infrastructure — plays a major role in families’ ability to improve their health and wellbeing. This brief offers a framework for strengthening communities to improve the health and well-being of residents. A collaboration between the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and PolicyLink, this brief is one of four that outline strategies for achieving better health through community-focused solutions.

Available in PDF Format Only.

To download this publication, click the file icon below.