The State of Play: Gallup Survey of Principals on School Recess
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Recess linked to academic achievement, social development

Health Spending Consumes More Of U.S. Economy, Will Tip Toward Government
Source: Kaiser Health News
A new report by federal actuaries shows government programs will pay for more than half of all U.S. health care spending by 2012, and that total spending on health grew as a share of the economy by 1.1 percent last year to 17.3 percent, the largest leap ever, the Los Angeles Times reports. "The almost $2.5 trillion spent in 2009 was $134 billion more than the previous year, when healthcare consumed 16.2% of the gross domestic product, according to an annual report by independent actuaries at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, scheduled for release Thursday" (Levey, 2/4).

The First Lady & the Childhood Obesity Crisis
Source: Huffington Post
One of the biggest public health crises our country has ever faced is finally getting serious attention.

Adolescent obesity boosts multiple sclerosis risk
Source: Food Consumer
The FDA said on Jan. 22 it has approved a new drug called Ampyra (dalfampridine) for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) to improve walking in patients with the disease.

1-in-5 children has abnormal lipid levels
Source: NewsChannel 9 WSYR
One in five American children now has abnormal lipid levels - problems with cholesterol or triglycerides that are usually seen in older adults.  Experts blame widespread childhood obesity and warn that the nation's kids are facing increased risks for heart disease and diabetes.