The Weight of the Nation Campaign
| Obesity is one of the nation’s greatest public health problems, affecting about a third of U.S. adults and nearly 17 percent of children and teens. Overweight and obesity increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. A collaboration among Home Box Office (HBO), the Institute of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente, this multi-media innovation reached diverse audiences with scientifically accurate information where they live, work, and play—advancing HHS’s mission to protect the health of all Americans. The films feature the causes and health consequences of obesity and show proven behavioral and environmental changes that can help curb the obesity epidemic. More than 9 million Americans viewed the films on TV, at events, and online, and hundreds of thousands engaged in dialogue via social media. More than 40,000 community-action kits were created for free distribution. ”The Weight of the Nation” is a powerful illustration of how federal agencies can work with each other and with private funders to use innovative approaches to address obesity in the United States. This public-private collaboration spurs action, provides strategic direction, and builds a strong foundation of community outreach to guide efforts to prevent and reduce obesity. Websites:
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Connecting to Combat Alzheimer’s
Tens of thousands of volunteers are needed—right now—for research to combat Alzheimer’s disease. This expanding public health problem looms ever larger as Baby Boomers grow older and people live longer. Through the Connecting to Combat Alzheimer’s Initiative, researchers teamed up with a network of community organizations that work with older people and caregivers every day. Together, they found fast, cost-effective ways to identify volunteers, speed up the science, and provide valuable information about services. More details ...
FDA’s Anti-Counterfeit Device
The Food and Drug Administration is committed to protecting the supply chain against counterfeit and unapproved medicines entering the United States through fraudulent sources. As part of this vigilance, the FDA unveiled a new tool for combating counterfeits to protect public safety. The agency announced its Counterfeit Detection Device, version #3 (CD3), a hand-held device developed by FDA scientists used in the field by investigators to detect counterfeit drug products. More details ...
FDA-iRISK: A fast tool for food safety
An innovative way to assess and rank risks from food contamination and predict best solutions. Takes food-safety decision-making capabilities at HHS, the food industry, and around the world to a new level. More details...
Portal System: Linking Healthcare Clinics
The Indian Health Service/California Area Office Portal System is a cost-effective, novel, and easily accessible tool that enables healthcare staff at remote locations throughout California to access discipline specific online communities. These clusters of subject matter experts offer one-stop access for training and technical assistance, including custom helpdesk applications, links to documents and information, knowledge base articles, training videos, peer-to-peer support chat functions, calendar of events, and frequently asked questions. More details...
The Weight of the Nation Campaign
A unique collaboration between the NIH, CDC, Home Box Office, Institute of Medicine, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente, led to the creation of a far-reaching multimedia initiative to mobilize personal and community action to curb and prevent obesity. The Weight of the Nation is a powerful illustration of how federal agencies can work with each and with private funders to use innovative approaches to address obesity within the United States. More details ...
The Body Weight Simulator
With so many weight-loss tools, diets, and exercise programs, why are 2/3 of American adults overweight or obese? The Body Weight Simulator, an innovative online tool for personalized weight management, is a new and effective way that doctors, researchers, and policymakers can address this public health issue using the latest available science. This information is not intended to provide personal medical advice or substitute for the advice of a physician. More details ...
