Obesity Prevention Conference: Marketing and Obesity

Hey, how it's going? I know I haven't been on here in a while, but let me give you a little update. I'm in San Diego at the Childhood Obesity Conference.
I attended a session on a major topic that I feel passionately about: Marketing and Its Impact on Childhood Obesity. This topic addresses how media is marketing unhealthy food that affects our communities' health.

In this session I learned the sneaky process of marketing. How the marketers work is that they identify attractive marketing segments, then channel resources into getting those segments to purchase their products, so they can make a profit. See on their end, they're saying "If it doesn't make money in this segment, then it doesn't sense to sell here." African American and Mexican/Latinos young people have a higher obesity rate than all other racial groups.
This is the answer to why these populations are specifically marketed to. product companies make their money! In general, American children spend nearly 30billion of their own money annually on fast and highly processed food; companies design products to tap this market. African American responses more effectively to buy, so that's why McDonald targets African Americans. For example, they add themes of basketball and hip-hop music in their commercials. Initially, these products target African-American youth, but eventually it expands many other populations.

1. Products-The marketers have to come up with something sell.
2. Price-Increase price over time,
3. Place-They go for urban areas
   
4. Promotion-Youth of color are trend starters

It's crazy how they use people has brand marketers, and then use the image kids to attract and sell to other kids. This is not right! They are tricking us into buying their bad products. The Praxis Project quoted "They're talking dollars, we're talking lives". They see us as dollars signs instead of human beings. So people what can we do to try to stop the problem. Make some noise, follow the money, know the rules, and remix those rules.

Jowana George

San Diego

Hey readers I hope I haven't lost you in this long absence. So blogging from such a beautiful place is pretty hard but lets get down to business . Yesterday marked the 6th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference in none other than San Diego. Sadly the sun is playing peek a boo , and its a bit chilly. All that aside I heard some powerful speeches. Linda Rudolph ,the Deputy Director for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion for the California Department of Public Health opening statement spoke to me. Her speech addressed a healthy lifestyle. Sandy told us that a healthy lifestyle is more than what you eat. "There's your workplace, equipped with a fully functional staircase, but most decide to take the elevator, preventing a quick workout," she told us as an example. She went on to ask, "Where you live, can you bike or walk? If you can, go for it. Her message went on to include that physical wellness is not only good for you, it's good for the environment.
I found her to be the most inspiring and least assuming of all speakers. She concluded by urging us, "we have play! This is the most important part." Life should be fun, physical and active. Readers i don't want to lose you too something as life threatening as obesity; a condition that can be prevented.

Over an out,

Yohan Callen

Obesity In The Bay Area

The bay area is considered the healthiest region within the state of California. Yet from county to county within the Bay Area, the rates of obesity vary dramatically, with counties with the largest population of low-income residents exhibiting higher rates of obesity. The Public Health Department project promotes healthy eating and exercise among low-income residents. They also are working on getting the homeless people off the street and placed in shelters; provide food that can keep them healthy.To find out more please visit: http://www.sfdph.org/dph/comupg/oprograms/MCH/FeelingGood.asp

It is no surprise that San Francisco and Marin, the region's two wealthiest counties, had the lowest obesity rates. Simply because there have more healthier places to shop and more money goes into the community, so people can have produce and markets to shop at.

_ Tierra Walls

A Corner Store On Every Block, Not Enough Whole Food Grocery Stores Or Markets

Do you ever say that they're isn't enough healthy whole food grocery stores or markets within the Oakland community? You end up going to your local corner store as a last resort.

If you live within the Oakland Community and are looking for a place to shop for healthy whole foods, here are some places that you may become fond of:


-Whole Foods Marketplace located at 2300 Bay Place, Oakland ,CA

Whole Foods expresses the meaning of healthy foods with a meaning. If you're looking for food that will offer you the quality that you're looking for than Whole Foods is the place to shop!

- Food Mill Located at 3033 Mac Aurthur Blvd, Oakland ,CA

The Food Mill has been there since 1933, The Food Mill is dedicated to helping their customers make better decisions about their health and well-being. The Food Mill has also been known for its home-made baked goods and nut butters!

They believe that customer service is the lifeblood of their business, and they take every step to make sure your experience with The Food Mill lives up to your expectations.

Also don't forget about the local farmers markets that are held within your local community. They offer a lot of fresh and organic foods that will satisfy your fresh food needs!

_ Tierra Walls

Healthy Food in CA State Buildings

The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network has sponsored a bill that will make California put their food where their mouths are. AB727 is a bill that will require all California state buildings to sell food that meets minimum nutritional requirements and sustainable purchasing practices. We're not talking high-end organic foods necessarily but foods that are not full of chemicals and additives that can lead to obesity, diabetes or other health problems. This is really important to have our state leadership model healthy behaviors in order for other people to adopt them. If someone could get foods loaded with MSG and trans-fats at the state capitol, why would they think to buy anything else in their neighborhoods?