New Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Weighs in as Heaviest State

Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state during the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009, a report released by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). F as in Fat contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at preventing or reducing obesity.

Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, marking the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have adult obesity rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama and Tennessee. The report also finds disturbing trends in childhood obesity rates.

Childhood Obesity Research Poll Shows Environment, Physical Activity Matter

Recently, RWJF asked Web site visitors and subscribers to choose the most influential childhood obesity research for the past year. The results are in, and the five articles receiving the most votes demonstrate the perceived importance of environment.

The article receiving the most votes, Proximity of Fast-Food Restaurants to Schools and Adolescent Obesity, indicated that adolescents with fast-food restaurants within one half mile of schools were more likely to be overweight or obese and less likely to consume fruits and vegetables. Two other articles in the top five emphasized the need to explore approaches for improving the availability and access to healthy eating options within school and neighborhood environments, while two more highlighted the importance of physical activity for prevention. Over 900 people from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico voted.

RWJF and the Institute of Medicine Launch Initiative on the Future of Nursing in America

As part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the IOM has convened a committee of experts to identify the potential for increasing access, improving quality and reducing costs through the involvement of nursing leaders and widespread use of nursing care solutions. The study committee will review models of nursing care and education with a goal of creating a transformational report on the future of the field, which will include how nursing can help improve the quality of patient care while controlling costs.

Consumer Confidence in Health Care Rises 3.6 Points in June

With lawmakers pushing to make President Barack Obama’s August recess deadline to introduce comprehensive health reform legislation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Care Consumer Confidence Index (RWJF Index) found that Americans’ confidence in their health insurance coverage and access to health care rose slightly in June. The RWJF Index rose 3.6 points last month to 102.3, up from the May confidence level of 98.7

The June survey also found that minorities and individuals with lower incomes report a lower confidence level in health care. White, non-Hispanic respondents had a confidence level of 105.9, while non-white respondents had an overall confidence level of 86.9. People with incomes in the bottom third of those surveyed had a confidence level of 87.5, compared to a confidence level of 118.0 for those in the top third of incomes.

Should Health Benefits Be Taxed So More Can Be Insured?

Workers who get health coverage from their employers don't pay income or payroll taxes on it. Should some of their coverage benefit be taxed to help pay for coverage for others?

RWJF and Health Affairs released the latest health policy brief written by experts from the Urban Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, the Employee Benefits Research Institute and the Economic Policy Institute. Together, these experts succinctly clarify the debate over taxing health benefits, explore arguments both for and against such a policy, and discuss what Congress may do next.

Five Questions with TFAH's Jeff Levi: A Prevention Strategy Progress Report

Health reform often focuses on providing quality, affordable health care to all. But that’s not enough. A strong public health system focused on prevention of disease and injury and preparedness for any health emergency must be a cornerstone of a health reform plan.

Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), offers a frontline assessment of the opportunity to integrate an effective prevention strategy into health reform. “In this year’s health reform debate, addressing prevention is actually not contested,” says Levi. “The commitment to prevention, the recognition that prevention has to be a fundamental part of health reform, is there.”

RWJF Trustee Regina Benjamin Nominated for Surgeon General of the United States

RWJF congratulates former trustee, Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., on being nominated for Surgeon General of the United States. Benjamin brings to the position tremendous expertise, leading academic credentials, impeccable judgment, and a passionate commitment to health care equity and social justice While the Foundation is sorry to be losing Benjamin as a trustee, we are grateful that she is continuing to dedicate her knowledge and commitment to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need.

RWJF Senior Adviser Susan Hassmiller Receives Florence Nightingale Medal

Susan Hassmiller, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., is one of three U.S. nurses chosen by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to receive the 42nd Florence Nightingale Medal, nursing’s highest international honor. The medal is awarded every two years, with 28 medals presented this year among 15 nations.