September 2024, Week beginning September 16
Hello, VA-AAP Members, As the new school year kicks off, it’s crucial to spotlight the significance of nutrition in our children's lives. Proper nutrition is foundational to healthy development, academic success, and overall well-being. However, we must also acknowledge that not all families have equal access to nutritious food. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap report, 11.1% of Virginia residents experience hunger— equating to one in nine people. This alarming statistic includes 252,480 children, or 13.6% of all children in Virginia. Food insecurity is not just about missing meals; it’s a serious risk factor for poor health outcomes and can contribute to a shorter life expectancy. The disparities in food security we see today are deeply rooted in a history of structural and systemic racism. Addressing these inequities requires a concerted effort from all of us, including ongoing education and advocacy. Dr. Sue Murray, co-chair of our Food Equity Committee has written an informative piece for this week's PRISM. On a positive note, the VA-AAP launched its new CME webinar series, Beyond the Exam Room: Addressing Health in Pediatrics last night with Dr. Fernando (aka. Dr. Yum) discussing the management of obesity in children and teens. We had a wonderful turnout for our debut session, highlighting our commitment to tackling these critical issues. Remember, these webinars are free for our members—a great incentive to invite your pediatric colleagues and friends to join our Chapter and contribute to our collective impact. Let's work together to ensure that every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
Natasha K. Sriraman VA-AAP President
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