Akinox’s Post

How can systems-level change improve early childhood outcomes across the United States? We are teaming up with James Bell Associates, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy to evaluate the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS’s ECCS HIP-3 program to identify best practices for healthy, equitable child development that can inform future policy: https://lnkd.in/e53HPpvt

Our innovative new data dashboard presents a real-world picture of the lived experiences of MA youth — both positive and negative — and describes how these experiences can impact health and well-being throughout the life span. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eedvgRfG. [Image: Photo of smiling child, DPH logo, and text: What we experience as children can help us grow into healthy adults. Learn more about how childhood experiences can have lasting impacts on the lives of our youth.]

The University of Calgary is leading a major new research initiative focused on child health. Together with partners from University of Alberta, The University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University and numerous other organizations from the health, government and non-profit sectors, One Child Every Child will examine the diverse determinants of health affecting the wellbeing of children. Learn more in my latest story for University Affairs | Affaires universitaires.

🗣️“There is clear evidence in the report that tackling childhood health conditions, addressing inequalities and providing early years social support can change the future of health and prosperity.” Experts said there had been an “appalling decline” in the health of children under the age of five in the UK – with soaring rates of obesity and tooth decay. Youth Sport Trust Healthy Movers has been designed to support the physical literacy, wellbeing and learning of two to five year-olds. The Healthy Movers programme sets to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and throughout the rest of Dorset following its local pilot in 2021-2022. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Youth Sport Trust, Public Health Dorset, Active Dorset and BCP Council and Dorset Council UK Early Years colleagues, aimed at nurturing physical literacy, social, and emotional development in two to five-year-olds. The aim of the programme is to help support children gain a better start in life, creating healthy and active learners. Follow our impact here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gAuKPpBW

Adolescents are not simply old children or young adults. And I can attest to that as I have two myself whom I love to bits, as much as I love this interesting age range. AAA-HA! 2.0 offers insights into the current health and well-being landscape of the world’s over 1.2 billion adolescents. This guide a practical tool for governments in designing and implementing a new generation of adolescent health and well-being programmes. https://lnkd.in/e37cSMSd

Did you know that involuntary movements and vocalisations called 'tics' occur in 1 in 8 children?! While these tics resolve for many, some children will go on to be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and many will have tics for the rest of their lives. Currently in Australia, people with Tourette's and other tic disorders are falling through the gaps of our healthcare, disability, education and employment systems. The considerable impact that tics can have on people's lives have not been recognised. Together with the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia, we have launched Australia's first national survey to evaluate the lived experience of people with tic conditions (i.e., chronic tic disorders, Tourette's, FND). Findings will be used to help bring about change to our communities approach. We are inviting adults with tic conditions and caregivers living in Australia to share their experiences: https://lnkd.in/eZpGJy_c Telethon Kids Institute Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia valsa Valsamma Eapen Russell Dale

We know it is vital for children and young people to have their voices heard by key decision makers. That’s why our Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC) rests on the insight, opinions, and experiences of those growing up in England today to inform policy and practice around physical and mental health. CHEC brings together Barnardo’s, the UCL Institute for Health Equity (IHE) and Integrated Care Systems from Birmingham and Solihull, South Yorkshire and Cheshire and Merseyside. This first-of-its-kind programme aims to tackle physical and mental health inequalities facing children and young people. Today, the CHEC has published a landmark report - The Child Health Equity Framework for the Drivers of Health Inequalities, which provides fascinating insight into child health today which will underpin the Collaborative’s work going forwards. Find out more here ➡️ https://bit.ly/49FOaCm

Our innovative new data dashboard presents a real-world picture of the lived experiences of MA youth — both positive and negative — and describes how these experiences can impact health and well-being throughout the life span. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eedvgRfG [Image: smiling child's face, DPH logo, and text: What we experience as children can help us grow into healthy adults. Learn more about how childhood experiences can have lasting impacts on the lives of our youth.]

Our paper just got published! Does it matter in which context mother-child interaction is observed? We found that within a structured task context - as opposed to a free-play context - a larger variety of behaviors is observed. Furthermore, our results suggest that the structured task context unmasks more meaningful behaviors for predicting children's psychosocial outcomes. Mother-child interactions characterized by active, engaged and synchronous behaviors were associated with better psychosocial outcomes in toddlers, with some differences observed for preterm compared to term born children. Read more about this in our open-access paper: https://lnkd.in/egE-FWNZ Together with Anneloes van Baar and Marjolein (Johanna Catharina Theresia) Verhoeven

Nurture Connection's report on "State Leadership and Policy Action to Advance Early Relational Health" was a great read. It offers a comprehensive look at how states are implementing policies for Early Relational Health and family well-being, highlighting innovative strategies in six states. This report is a valuable resource for professionals focused on policy development, child welfare, and family health. Highly recommend for those seeking insights into state-level initiatives in this critical area. #EarlyRelationalHealth #PolicyInnovation #ChildAndFamilyWellness