StatePublicHealth.org

• State Legislation Supporting Increased Breastfeeding Duration

  Breastfeeding is known to have health benefits for both mothers and babies, including reduced risks of asthma and obesity for babies and a lower risk of high blood pressure and breast cancer for mothers. Unfortunately, barriers such as a lack of support from a woman’s partner, family, hospital, or worksite, can make it difficult for some women to breastfeed through their baby’s first year.

• The Vital Role of State Primary Care Offices: Ensuring Access to Quality Care

  Ensuring access to competent primary care is an essential function of state and territorial health agencies. Research findings indicate that access to regular primary care is associated with higher rates of receiving preventive care and lower rates of preventable emergency department visits. To improve access to primary care in their jurisdiction, state and territorial health officials rely on their state primary care offices (PCO) to coordinate and execute this systems-level work.

• New Year, New Call to Action

  The recent release of the second edition of the "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans" is timely. A goal to be more physically fit is a common New Year’s resolution. Given the increasing evidence cited in the report for both the immediate and long-term impact of physical activity on the public’s health, the guidelines are an opportunity for state and territorial health departments to examine and revise their efforts to increase participation in physical activity across the nation.