February 9, 2006
As part of a coordinated HEALTH initiative, IHW promoted nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding in Tiempo Social, a monthly magazine that reaches Hispanic populations in RI:

Healthy Eating and Active Living Ad (English) (Spanish)
Breastfeeding Ad (English) (Spanish)

For more information about the Tiempo Social project, contact Carol Hall-Walker, Communications Manager, at 401-222-2589.

January 18, 2006
IHW, in collaboration with New England Coalition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NECON), held an Obesity Summit for its obesity prevention partners. Over 40 partners discussed the current obesity prevention work being conducted across the state, identified priorities for future directions, and expressed how their organizations would contribute to obesity prevention efforts in the future:

For more information about the summit, contact Ana Novais, Lead, Center for Health Equity and Wellness, at 401-222-2901

January 17–18, 2006
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had a very successful site visit with the IHW staff. Ana Novais, Lead for the new Center for Health Equity and Wellness, led the visit, outlining the Department of Health’s accomplishments and future directions in obesity prevention for CDC Project Officer Lyn Almon. For more information, visit CDC’s State-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases.

December 22, 2005
In an effort to better coordinate the HEALTH’s wellness initiatives and move forward with the Governor’s wellness goals, IHW, previously housed in the Division of Disease Prevention and Control, was moved to the new Center for Health Equity and Wellness, under Ana P. Novais’ leadership. For more information, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/chew>

October 28, 2005
IHW invited its partners to review a draft of the state plan for obesity prevention, entitled Rhode Island’s Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living:

September 10-11, 2005
IHW participated in the 4 th Annual NBC10 Health Fit Expo, a two-day health and fitness extravaganza. IHW staff talked to particpants about increasing their fruit and vegetable intake and about the importance of physical activity. IHW colleagues in the Division of Family Health educated consumers about the School Health & Wellness Councils. Interested participants signed up to serve on these local councils. For more information about the Health Expo, contact Carol Hall-Walker, Communications Manager, at 401-222-2589

July 14, 2005
From July 14 th to October 27 th, IHW, in collaboration with the Governor's Get Fit RI! State Employees Wellness Initiative, Healthy Rhode Island 2010, the Dept. of Environmental Management and the Dept. of Administration, held a weekly Farmer’s Market to help state employees get their daily dose of fruits and vegetables. For more information about the Farmer’s Market, contact Gemma Gorham, Nutrition Coordinator, at 401-793-8335.

June 2005
Health Director, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH selected Laurie Petrone to coordinate HEALTH’s work around childhood obesity. For more information, visit URL for new childhood obesity page

April 27, 2005
Under contract with IHW, Policy Studies, Inc. completed its research on nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding and screen time in Central Falls:

Report of Findings (PDF)
Presentation of Findings (PPT)

April 2005
IHW published The Burden of Overweight and Obesity in Rhode Island (Word) (PDF). This document presents the most current data on the obesity epidemic and associated risk factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, screen time, and breastfeeding.

Did you know?

Walking 1 mile burns about 100 calories. Adding a 1-mile walk daily results in a 10-pound per year weight loss!