What Shapes Health? Find Out!

I've always had the perspective that my successes and wellbeing were influenced by factors far beyond my individual control. My family, friends, and influential members of my community provided me with opportunities and a perspective on life that helped me to 1) not be afraid to tackle challenges and 2) believe that I could be "whatever I wanted to be" if I worked hard enough.

So what does shape our health?

Is it genetics? 
Access to health care?
What you eat? 
Your environment?
The beliefs and culture you grew up in? 

I bet its a mix of all of these, with a special emphasis on those things in our social, political and economic context that are easy to ignore or may seem too difficult to measure or evaluate. I've talked about the importance of recognizing the social determinants of health in my April 2009 post 90210: Does ZIP Code Affect Health?

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation webinar explores this question and many more this coming Thursday. Dr. David Williams, Professor at Harvard School of Public Health will moderate the discussion.

Register below and attend!

Thursday, March 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (EST)
What Shapes Health?
A panel discussion on how our environments and experiences, including those that shape development in childhood, also shape our opportunities to live healthy lives. Moderated by David Williams, Ph.D., former staff director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Commission to Build a Healthier America.

• Register for What Shapes Health.

Allentown High School Student Wins Top Public Health Honors!

Two girls from *near* my hometown in Pennsylvania won top honors from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in the YES Competition for high school students.

According to the news release,

"Shoshanna Goldin, a 17-year-old student at Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, won for her research project entitled, Energy Epidemic: Teen Perception and Consumption of Energy Drinks."

Not only is she interested in public health, but also the epidemic of obesity. Overconsumption of energy (i.e. calories) is what leads to obesity, right?!

Way to go Shoshanna!

States Cut Tobacco Prevention Funds

According to a recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, all states with the exception of North Dakota have cut tobacco prevention funds.

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be a result of ineffective prevention efforts.

Public Health Competition: Get in on it!

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading funder of innovative public health research and programs has just announced a new competition: Designing for Better Health. The RWJF Pioneer Portfolio along with Ashoka's Changemakers are seeking individuals and groups that provide "nudges" (a.k.a. small steps) toward better health. According to the guidelines, submissions should be currently implemented and demonstrating success -- i.e., this is not a place just to throw out a great idea. If you have a great idea, get moving and enter!

Entries must be submitted by April 1, 2009, and will be judged by a panel of 3 judges who will narrow the submissions to 12 finalists. Three winners will be selected by the global Changemakers community by vote and win $5,000.