Health is a concern for everyone, particularly the sick and those in need. Nearly 18% of Ohio's children live below the poverty level. The statistics are more alarming for minorities - in Summit County, for example, 49% of African-American children ages 5 or less and 39.3% or those aged 18 or less are at or below the federal poverty level. Cleveland ranks high on the national poverty list and Northeast Ohio is not rebounding in the same way as some other parts of the U.S.

Economic issues, such as poverty status, secure employment, education and lifestyle have a direct effect on health issues. As communities cope with these serious concerns, the health of those who are most vulnerable remains in the balance.

In 2005-2006, ideastream takes an extensive multiple media look at Children's Health. The project is designed to help educate parents, teachers and caregivers about ways to improve the health of the children in their lives and build further awareness of the long-term societal health crisis that produces unhealthy children.

Thought-provoking, engaging and meaningful reports are reaching audiences on radio, television and the Web. Through partnerships with area health and human service organizations, and guided by years of award-winning service to the community, ideastream is covering children's health issues, distributing practical, hands-on tips and expert advice, and exploring related national concerns through a local lens.

A primary goal of Children's Health is to build knowledge that can lead to an improved culture of wellness for children. New research in nutrition, medicine and human physiology, especially as it pertains to the brain, yields a wealth of pertinent, critical information that can instruct parents, relatives, educators, caretakers, and the public. Children Health delivers the most significant aspects of this critical, yet sometimes confusing body of knowledge in a clear, concise manner in order to help the region's residents make the best decisions for the next generation.

For example, Children's Health addresses questions such as...

• How are foods related to physical and mental health?
• What is really known about the functioning of a child's brain? How does this relate to learning, education and behavior?
• How can one teach their children to adopt healthy eating habits and maintain them as a way of life?
• What is autism and why has it grown at an alarming rate?
• How can parents and caretakers best manage the health of their children?

Here are just a few of the leading concerns in the headlines that underscore the need for this project:

• More and more people cannot afford adequate healthcare.
• Experts have recently expressed urgent concern for adolescents with regard to depression and suicide. "Mental health officials say the number of youth suicides in Cuyahoga County highlights a need for more awareness of and education about depression, especially in schools." The Plain Dealer - 4/3/05
• The rise in overweight and obese children in recent years has garnered significant attention. According to a recent article from Reuters, "Child obesity has more than tripled in three decades and the increased health risk associated with being fat has wiped out the progress in other areas." U.S. Child Obesity Dragging Down Health Gains
• Researchers believe there may be links between environmental factors and rising rates of childhood illnesses. The U.S. is launching a massive study to explore the connections. Angela Pirisis, U.S. to Launch Massive Study into Children's Health, 12/16/04

ideastream intends to help find solutions, presenting information, building awareness and creating dialogues that can lead to action.