Perspectives
Having different perspectives is essential to understanding what drives health in America. The Commission is exploring how differences in health affect individuals and communities by helping to tell their stories and by providing commentary on how to improve the health of all Americans. Combining these perspectives with the latest research, the Commission hopes to spark a dialogue and unearth viable community and policy solutions.
Stories
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The Farrington And Singleton Families
Beginning at even the youngest ages, the educational, social and other opportunities that children have are strongly linked to their health later in life. Although worlds apart in many respects, two North Carolina families both credit their children's experiences in the same Chapel Hill preschool with providing not only the skills in reading and writing that prepare them for kindergarten, but also the motor and social skills that are also critical for succeeding in school.
Meet The Farrington And Singleton Families
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The Elkins' Family
Sheryl and Dean Elkins have spent most of their lives in Oak Hill, West Virginia, where Dean works as a volunteer fire fighter and helps his father run the family printing business. Sheryl is a stay-at-home mom caring for their autistic son, Keith, and caring for her aging mother and aunt. Learn how two generations of this American family have worked hard and struggled to be healthy in a place where obstacles to health abound.
Meet The Elkins' Family
More Stories
Leadership Blog
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Healthy Children: Earlier Rather than Later
Carole Simpson
June 5, 2008
“Better earlier than later.” How often have we heard that expression? Whether the phrase is applied to the detection of disease, applying for jobs, or taking a flight at peak travel times, early action is key.
Child development experts in this country have been saying that with regards to children--aged birth to five--for the past 40 years.
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An Unprecedented Reversal
Alice M. Rivlin
May 22, 2008
A recent study documents an unprecedented reversal over the past few decades in Americans’ life expectancy. For the first time in nearly a century, rather than increasing, life expectancy for women declined in 180 of the nation’s 3,000-plus counties.
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