November 2023

It’s my pleasure to introduce another entry in our quarterly vlog series, where we engage with partners in the public and private sectors to discuss the ways in which we can collaborate to advance our collective mission to promote greater health equity and well-being for all people. As part of our November observance of Veterans Day,  I joined Dr. Ernest Moy, Executive Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Veterans Health Administration, to discuss the unique health challenges and disparities that our Veterans population faces, and what is being done to address them.

Youth substance use is associated with increased risk for delinquency; academic underachievement; teen pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections; perpetration of, or experience with, violence; injuries; and mental health problems. Youth, parents, and families are key sectors involved in the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Preventing or delaying substance use initiation among youth reduces later risk for substance use, substance use disorders, and overdose.  The need for prevention is vital and early intervention is critical for youth.

Members of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition will host a Thanksgiving-themed “Feast & Fitness” webinar on Monday, November 13, at 6pm ET. Developed with the cooperation of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the event will feature tips and recommendations on how viewers can eat healthy and stay active during the busy holiday season. Join Council members and professional chefs Mike Solomonov, Jose Garces, Ben Jacobs, and Council member Dr. Oluwaferanmi Oyedeji Okanlami for healthy cooking tips, a discussion on ingredients popular among the nation’s Indigenous communities, and a special video introducing more members of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.