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.

Q&A: Dr. Jane Bedell, Bronx District Public Health Office

In 2003, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene opened regional offices in several high-needs neighborhoods that have some of the worst health outcomes in the city. The South Bronx District Public Health Office is located at 1826 Arthur Ave. This week, Be Healthy! caught up with Assistant Commissioner Jane Bedell, M.D. to see what her office is working on.

Gillibrand Visits Monte

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made a stop in the Bronx recently to attend a “healthy eating” fair at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in Norwood.