Community Health Priorities: A Resource for Oregon in Action

A Health Disparities Perspective on Obesity Research

A recently published article examines issues of social justice and health inequities as related to obesity. It finds that compelling ethical, human rights, and practical reasons exist for addressing social disparities in obesity, which requires systematically applying a disparities perspective to obesity research and relevant policy. A disparities perspective guides us to consider multiple dimensions and levels of social advantage and disadvantage and how those advantages and disadvantages produce disparities in obesity and its consequences.
By Paula Braveman, MD, MPH, in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

How the Food Makers Captured Our Brains

by Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times.
We’ve published blog entries before about how willpower is not the only thing that’s behind the overweight/obesity epidemic. A new book by the former head of the Food and Drug Administration explores the way restaurants and food companies manufacture their products to achieve the “bliss point,” a taste sensation so overwhelmingly delicious that we find it nearly impossible to say no.

“But this book is less an exposé about the food industry and more an exploration of us. ‘My real goal is, How do you explain to people what’s going on with them?’ Dr. David A. Kessler said. ‘Nobody has ever explained to people how their brains have been captured.’”

Read the full article here.

NY Times Editorial: Yes on Soda Tax

This New York Times editorial from June 3, 2009, concludes by saying: “All consumers — not just those lucky enough to live near farms or large grocery stores — should be able to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. While we wait, Congress could impose an excise tax on sugary drinks — one of the main culprits in the obesity epidemic.”

Legislature passes statewide menu labeling bill

Chain restaurants must prominently post calorie counts on their menus under a bill that cleared the Legislature yesterday aimed at helping Oregonians slim down.

OHSU, state launch Oregon Health Go Local resource

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon is the latest state to join a national database linking patients to health services, facilities and resources in their own communities. The state is launching Oregon Health Go Local to provide Oregonians with information about health care services and facilities.

The purpose of this free database is to link those needing health information with sevices in or near their communities.

The program includes hospitals, health clinics, government agencies, support groups, libraries and nonprofit service organizations.

It was created through funding to the OHSU Library.
Associated Press - May 17, 2009 12:15 PM ET

Find resources in your community on everything from AA meetings to yoga and over a thousand things in between on the Oregon Health Go Local website.