All Must Join in Bullying Battle, Say Experts at Monte

In the past year, the disastrous effects of bullying have become more visible with high profile youth suicides. More adults are recognizing that bullying victims can suffer from depression, low self-esteem, health problems, poor grades, and have suicidal thoughts. That’s why Montefiore Medical Center’s community forum two weeks ago focused on the issue.

Green Bronx Machine Revs Up Healthy Eating

The sweet smell of basil drifted down the halls of Discovery High School one day in late May. Parents, teachers and neighbors chased it down to Room 279, where Steven Ritz and his science classes hosted a Farmers Market and Edible Plant Sale. Guests got to shop amidst a selection of fresh veggies, plants, and flowers while learning about Ritz’s unique science curriculum.

Fears That ‘Managed’ Medicaid Means Less Care

The letter came one day this winter, while 57-year-old Norwood resident Nilta Vazquez was still in the midst of recovering from an extensive spinal fusion surgery she’d had that fall. At the time, she was unable to walk on her own, and had a health aide helping her at home.

Teen Chefs Wage Battle for Better Health

Earlier this month teen chefs squared off in a final competition at Evander Childs Educational Campus. The program, sponsored by the Montefiore School Health Program, is part of its healthy eating initiative. Although the program is intended to promote good nutrition and healthy meals, it has not only transformed the way Evander students eat, but the way they connect with one another.

Honoring Megan Charlop by Doing

The staff of the Montefiore School Health Program coordinated the first community service day in honor of Megan Charlop, the beloved Norwood resident and longtime Bronx activist who died in a tragic accident while riding her bike to work in March 2010. The inaugural Meg Charlop Day of Service on a sweltering June 9 resulted in 480 trees planted along the wetlands trail in Van Cortlandt Park near the Mosholu Golf Course and Shandler Recreation Area. The participants removed invasive species as well.

Op-ed: Action Needed on Dirty Boilers That Pollute and Kill

When it comes to health-threatening air pollution in New York, toxic boilers are public enemy number one. These boilers—which burn #4 and #6 heating oil in apartment buildings and other structures—are a menace to the health and well-being of our city. While they are only used by one percent of all New York buildings, they account for an astonishing 86 percent of the city’s airborne soot pollution.

City Offers Discount Prescription Drug Card

Last month, the city introduced its first prescription drug discount card, called the BigAppleRx card, which anyone—even non-city residents—can use for purchases at thousands of participating pharmacies throughout the five boroughs.

Senator Looks to Shed Pounds, Promote Healthy Living

Dressed in Rocky-esque training attire — hooded sweatshirt, jogging pants and sneakers — State Senator Gustavo Rivera walked into the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center and challenged himself to a weigh-in. Rivera was joined by Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. (sans workout attire) and numerous organizations, to launch the Bronx CAN Health Initiative.

Startling Statistics Put Focus on Latina Suicides

Health care professionals and the city’s elected officials are looking for ways to tackle the daunting problem of teen suicides, as data from several sources shows that Hispanic teenagers, especially young Latinas, are disproportionately at risk for self-harm compared to other racial groups.