November is quickly approaching, and an exciting program for the Food and Nutrition Section has been finalized. The program and sessions can now be viewed online. We’ve connected with several other sections and caucuses such as Environment, Maternal and Child Health, Social Work, School Health Education and Services, Epidemiology, International Health, Women’s Caucus, and the Socialist Caucus among others to endorse additional sessions and pull them into our listed program. We are also sponsoring the new Physical Activity SPIG (Special Interest Group) with three sessions specifically featuring innovative ideas to increase physical activity.
We have a wide variety of invited sessions this year in addition to peer-reviewed sessions generated from the call for abstracts. Invited sessions will feature hot topics such as menu labeling, hormones in food and water systems, water intake and health, sustainable food and water systems, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and antibiotic use in animal agriculture, community-based participatory research, and evidence for changing nutrition and physical activity environments including farmers' markets and produce stands in California’s central valley. Take a look at the online program to get more info on sessions or to look for the latest in your interest area.
The March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award lecture and reception this year will honor Dr. Gail G. Harrison, PhD, from the UCLA School of Public Health. Her presentation will bring to light the important implications of maternal malnutrition and obesity for infant, child and adult health. We hope you’ll attend this thought provoking event on Monday, Nov. 9 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and celebrate the advances that Dr. Harrison has contributed to the field.
You are also welcome to join in the Food and Nutrition Section business meetings (Saturday, Nov. 7 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2:00-5:00 p.m.) to learn more about the Section, get networked, and contribute to the national conversation. There are some great opportunities to stay current on policy priorities, gain insight into special topic areas and be part of a dynamic group committed to public health. Students and new professionals are particularly encouraged to come by!
We hope you’ll join us in Philadelphia not only to get caught up on the latest public health nutrition and physical activity initiatives, research, and policy action, but also to connect with other professionals. The economy and budgets may be down, we may still be waiting for good health care reform that includes prevention, but now is a critical time to be part of the scene to get ready for the up-swing. Carpe diem, and see you in Philadelphia!