One in every five American children has obesity, placing them at increased risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Children with obesity are also more likely to experience bullying, social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem (CDC). As the Covid-19 pandemic has progressed, obesity has also been to linked to severe illness and death among adults who contracted the virus. A still-growing concern for the medical and child health community is the role the pandemic has played in significantly increased rates of obesity in children. Disruptions to community and school nutrition safety nets, lack of access to sports and physical activity, economic hardship and stress are among the ongoing challenges faced by families in the pandemic, and experts are just beginning to quantify their long-term effects on kids' health.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, presenting an opportunity for CLOCC partners to reaffirm the importance of children's access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and to remain diligent in identifying and addressing the upstream factors which contribute to the vast health disparities in our communities. Below, find resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to inform and guide your obesity-prevention work this month and year-round.

Follow CLOCC on twitter (@CLOCC_Chicago) for additional Childhood Obesity Awareness Month content.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a call to action for individuals to contact their Senators in support of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (SB 674, PHISLA). The bill would establish a Core Public Health Infrastructure Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), awarding grants to state, local, tribal and territorial health departments to ensure they have the tools, workforce, and systems in place to address existing and emerging health threats and reduce health disparities. A fact sheet for SB 674, PHISLA, which includes a list of endorsing organizations, can be found here.

This position is responsible for building a portfolio of research products that advance the goals of the Future of Work Task Force in Illinois. Topics may include workforce development, automation and its impact on employment, and worker support policies such as direct cash assistance policies and programs, among others. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of research experience related to public policy, labor or business, workforce development, worker protection policies, anti-poverty programs, economic inequality, or related areas.

Assoc. Director of Health and Population Specific Programs, Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Associate Director of Health and Population Specific Programs has strategic and operational responsibility for food access program partnerships with health care entities and other organizations uniquely focused on the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and veterans. Often individuals coping with food insecurity have the double burden of managing diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and depression. Disproportionately Black and Brown communities are impacted. This role will prioritize -evolving equitable program interventions addressing social determinates of health, including food insecurity screenings and nutrition education as well as produce and prepared meal distribution programs. The Associate Director is responsible for partner management, program processes and execution.

Join the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) on Thursday, October 7, for its first-ever State of the Region virtual event. This year’s theme, Prosperity with Purpose, looks at progress toward building an inclusive and thriving northeastern Illinois.

Executive director Erin Aleman will deliver a state of the region address, featuring results of CMAP’s new public opinion survey. The findings reveal residents’ attitudes toward key quality-of-life issues and identify successes and challenges across our region. They also uncover how COVID-19 has affected practices and preferences around transportation, open space, and more.

Virtual Event, Registration Required

The DNPAO Seminar Series showcases the latest research, guidelines, and successes. The Seminar Series is for partners, public health practitioners, and other professionals interested in nutrition, physical activity, and obesity.

For the September 30 session, we will discuss a new report that reviews 20 years of physical activity in the United States. Overall, adults are more physically active than they were 20 years ago. Yet important differences exist among some racial groups, across income levels, and among people with chronic health conditions. We'll also discuss what can be done to improve physical activity for everyone.

Connect with CLOCC's network of nearly 3,000 childhood obesity prevention advocates by listing your organization's upcoming events or current job openings on the Consortium's website. Upon submission, postings will be approved by CLOCC staff; events and careers applicable to the CLOCC network may also be featured in this newsletter. If you have questions or are not able to access the webpage, contact info@clocc.net. CLOCC will not publish for-profit services or events, or products for sale.

For questions related to testing criteria and general information about COVID-19 and children, please contact the COVID-19 Call Center at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital at 312.227.5300. The Call Center is staffed by Lurie Children’s nurses and is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM CT.