Health Policy

September 17, 2012 | Feature/Topic

Browse research, insight and analysis on key issues affecting health and health care in the United States.

Joint Use Agreements Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity

February 1, 2012 | Story

A joint use agreement is “a formal agreement between two separate government entities—often a school and a city or county—setting forth the terms and conditions for shared use of public property or facilities. For example, city governments can contr ...

BMI Measurement in Schools

September 1, 2009 | Journal Article

Schools initiating BMI-measurement programs should adhere to safeguards to minimize potential harms and maximize benefits, establish a safe and supportive environment for students of all body sizes, and implement science-based strategies to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

A Poll About Children and Weight

February 25, 2013 | Survey/Poll

This poll provides new insights into the epidemic of childhood obesity and the challenges families face between school and sleep.

Local Wellness Policies

July 1, 2009 | Evaluation

Assessing School District Strategies for Improving Children's Health 2006–07 and 2007–08.

Harvard Professors Diagnose "The Health Care Mess" in 2005 Book

August 1, 2006 | Program Result Report

In 2005, Harvard University Press published The Health Care Mess: How We Got Into It and What It Will Take To Get Out. The co-authors were Julius B. Richmond, M.D., and Rashi Fein, Ph.D.

Elementary School Participation in the United States Department of Agriculture's Team Nutrition Program is Associated with More Healthful School Lunches

February 27, 2013 | Journal Article

Team Nutrition schools offer more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (and less salty snacks) than schools that do not participate in the training and technical assistance program.

Policy Briefing: Better Recess, Better Learning

A February 27, 2013, Capitol Hill briefing on how an active, inclusive recess can help students return to the classroom ready to learn.

School Policies and Practices to Improve Health and Prevent Obesity

April 1, 2011 | Report

Major new study shows schools are providing more nutritious foods through National School Lunch Program, but many also offer high-fat items and empty calories.

School-Based Body Mass Index Screening and Parent Notification

November 1, 2011 | Journal Article

Current methods for reporting students' BMI to parents do not seem to have an impact on pediatric obesity in California.

Geographic Disparities in State and District Policies Targeting Youth Obesity

October 1, 2011 | Journal Article

In an effort to address the childhood obesity, U.S. states and school districts have enacted policies to curb childhood obesity. This study examines geographic differences in state and district policies across Census divisions.