Partnering with Local Schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Provide Accessible Acupuncture Services for Pain Management in a Group of Low-Income Hispanics/Latinos.

This field report describes the accessibility and perceived effectiveness of a free acupuncture program among a group of predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latino adults. Surveys, developed based on the Levesque Conceptual Framework of Access to Health Care, were administered to clients. Baseline ( = 245) and 6-week follow-up ( = 79) surveys were analyzed to document early program findings.

Building mutually beneficial partnerships to improve physical activity opportunities through shared-use efforts in under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County.

Objective: To evaluate 18 shared-use agreements (SUAs) implemented in Los Angeles County during 2010-2012. SUAs opened school grounds and/or facilities in seven school districts to increase physical activity opportunities for under-resourced communities with high prevalence of obesity.

Methods: We reviewed the extent to which SUAs addressed school district concerns about cost responsibility, sustainability, and scope.

Increasing physical activity in under-resourced communities through school-based, joint-use agreements, Los Angeles County, 2010-2012.

Introduction: Few studies have examined how joint-use agreements between schools and communities affect use of school facilities after hours for physical activity in under-resourced communities. The objective of this study was to assess whether these agreements can increase community member use of these opened spaces outside of school hours.

Methods: Trained observers conducted school site observations after joint-use agreements were implemented in 7 Los Angeles County school districts.

Physical activity promotion: a local and state health department perspective.

Local and state health departments are well-positioned to serve as catalysts for the institutional and community changes needed to increase physical activity across the population. Efforts should focus on evidence-based strategies, including promotion of high-quality physical education in schools, social support networks and structured programs for physical activity in communities, and organizational practices, policies, and programs that promote physical activity in the workplace. Health departments must also focus on land use and transportation practices and policies in communities where the built environment creates major impediments to physical activity, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities disproportionately burdened by chronic disease.

Correlation of obesity with elevated blood pressure among racial/ethnic minority children in two Los Angeles middle schools.

Introduction: To identify anthropometric and fitness correlates of elevated blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin, we examined anthropometric and physiologic biomarkers among racial/ethnic minority children aged 11 to 13 years in two urban Los Angeles middle schools. We explored the potential for using obesity or fitness level as screening variables for cardiovascular disease risk factors in these students.

Methods: During regularly scheduled physical education classes, we collected data on demographic characteristics, height, weight, blood pressure, nonfasting total serum cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, time to run/walk 1 mile, and a range of self-reported behaviors.