This monthly series is a partnership of the New Pittsburgh Courier, Community PARTners (a core service of the University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute—CTSI), the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and the UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion. All articles can be accessed online at the New Pittsburgh Courier website. These pages focus on health disparities and provide you with health information, resources and research studies in the Pittsburgh region. These pages will provide you with valuable information on health topics that may affect you, your family or friends, and also connect you to local health initiatives and resources.
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on the health of children. Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League, sat down and talked about healthy habits in children and the impact those habits have on all of us.
EM: Good afternoon, Ms. Bush. This month we’re focusing on a topic that’s close to both of our hearts—the health of children. I know that both you and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh place a lot of emphasis on the health and well-being of children and youths.
EB: This topic is so important to me. I’m passionate about creating a generation of healthy children. Research shows us that our health as children can affect our health as adults—either positively or negatively. We know from Dr. Rofey that childhood obesity is a big barrier to children’s health. We also know that children from minority populations have disproportionately high rates of obesity.
EM: Yes, and we know that it can sometimes be difficult for families to make all the changes necessary. However, there are small steps that we can take to improve children’s health. These steps include replacing one glass of juice with one glass of water each day. Or, families can take a walk instead of watching television. Cooking together as a family is always fun too. Getting children into medical care at an early age is also important.
EB: I’m so proud that the City of Pittsburgh has taken a stand to create a healthy generation of children. As mentioned in the Allies for Children article, during the next 18 months there will be an effort to enroll uninsured children in a health insurance program. Ensuring that children are attending school is also a good way to keep their minds actively engaged and learning. The National Urban League has started a campaign called “Put Our Children 1st—Common Core for Common Standards.” I’m proud that Pittsburgh is one of the cities engaged in this initiative to help all children be better prepared to meet the demands and opportunities of college and careers. The “Put Our Children First” website has great resources and toolkits available for parents and caregivers.
EM: I agree, Ms. Bush. There are many exciting activities and programs for youths. The new and improved Care Mobile will also be heading out into the community to provide vaccines and health care to children. There is also the CTSI Adolescent Registry that has many great studies for children under 18. The results of these studies will help future generations of children. I want to thank you for your passion for children. You’re a great advocate for our community. If anyone has any questions about the information on this page, e-mail PARTners@hs.pitt.edu.
About Post Author
