Chile’s Law of Food Labeling and Advertising encourages notably healthier choices
August 11, 2021 Chile’s package of healthy food policies successfully decreased purchases of unhealthy food and drinks during the initial implementation phase, according to a new study. Researchers say the significant reductions in calories and nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium and saturated fat) underscore the potential for heathy food policies to significantly affect public health — even in the short-term.
SuperSNAP helps food insecure households afford healthy foods
August 11, 2021 Led by UNC-Chapel Hill researchers, a new study showed that an additional $40 per month for SNAP beneficiaries substantially increased the purchase of healthier food options for people who struggle with food insecurity.
PFAS Testing Network releases final report, shares scientific recommendations for NC
August 10, 2021 PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are found in many common products and have been linked to negative health effects in animals, but their health effects in humans are largely unknown. In an effort to shed light on this concerning scientific question, researchers with the PFAS Testing (PFAST) Network have submitted a comprehensive report and accompanying recommendations to the North Carolina General Assembly.
More than a mindset
August 10, 2021 A group of master’s and doctoral students is the first to pursue UNC-Chapel Hill’s new graduate Certificate in Innovation for the Public Good. How are they applying early lessons learned to create new programs, ventures and services that make a community impact?
Concern grows over the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in American diets
August 10, 2021 Ultra-processed foods are growing more pervasive in American diets, especially for kids. Drs. Katie Meyer and Lindsey Smith Taillie have co-authored an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association that calls for action to understand the role these foods play in the American food system and develop policies to reduce their consumption.
Drinking among first-year college students decreases during pandemic
August 9, 2021 First-year college students reported drinking less alcohol and having fewer episodes of binge drinking four months into the coronavirus pandemic than they were before the pandemic started, according to a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Crisis pregnancy centers come up short in providing access to information on pregnancy options
August 9, 2021 New findings from a study co-authored by maternal and child health researchers at the Gillings School and the University of California at San Francisco suggest that crisis pregnancy centers are not meeting the needs of people seeking information on abortion.
Simms to serve as interim associate dean for inclusive excellence
August 2, 2021 Jeffrey A. Simms will serve as the the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s interim associate dean of inclusive excellence. He brings a wealth of experience working with students, alumni, faculty and staff to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Gillings School.
New program will aid family, friends who provide crucial support for patients with cancer
July 30, 2021 Caring for patients with cancer is not just the domain of doctors and nurses; they rely on an informal network that includes family and friends. With funding from The Duke Endowment, Drs. Erin Kent and Eliza (Leeza) Park are co-directing a project to help alleviate the burden this informal care places on caregivers, especially those in rural areas.
New study aims to help stroke survivors achieve blood pressure goals
July 28, 2021 The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has awarded the Wake Forest School of Medicine and the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health a $29.9 million grant to help stroke survivors prevent a second stroke by controlling blood pressure.
