NB3 Foundation Releases Research On Childhood Obesity ...

From Indian Country?..

The Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) and its partners recently published a report on childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among Native children in New Mexico, made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, PNM Resources Inc. and several other philanthropic funders.

In its executive summary, the NB3 Foundation warns ?this may be the first generation of Native American children that does not outlive their parents.? Though the study is specific to New Mexico, where dramatic health and educational disparities exist and American Indians make up 10.5 percent of the population, it is indicative of a public health crisis.

Study materials were culled from review of secondary literature, primary research and conversations with 255 stakeholders in Indian country, the nonprofit and government sectors, and the health arena including national foundations and research institutions. In four separate convenings, representatives discussed risk factors of obesity and type 2 diabetes; trends in at-risk behaviors; impact of policy at the federal, state, and tribal levels; existing collaborations and opportunities for collaborations; pertinent academic research; community-specific innovations/promising practices; and actionable recommendations. Participants? testimonies and input were documented at length.

The objective of the study was to understand the root causes of the growing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes among American Indian youth and also shed light on ?barriers, challenges, unmet needs, and opportunities for action,? the executive report states.

The NB3 Foundation stresses that turning the tide against childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes requires a collective effort?among tribes, non-profits, entities in the public and private sectors, policy makers, institutionalized philanthropy, parents, families, schools, and the youth themselves.

Overall, a strong call for action was issued for the following:

? Clear and responsible leadership and advocacy that is led by Native Americans in partnership with appropriate non-Native American partners;

? A strong respect and understanding for the importance of culture in the development of any future strategies or a comprehensive framework that will foster transformation on this issue;

? Time and resources for collaboration and national/statewide/local education;

? Peer mentoring, network building, technical assistance, and education about issues and the latest trends in the field of obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention and mechanisms to share data and best practices that can enlighten the development of model programs;

? Investment in more community-based data collection, evaluation, and research into root causes and potential community solutions to health issues having positive outcomes for Native American children;

To read the full story?..Click here

Source: http://www.lensaunders.com/wp/?p=7172

Marissa Mayer Jon Lord weather.com Colorado shootings dark knight rises Aurora shooting James Eagan Holmes