Obesity
Rates of obesity have been increasing in Hawaii with the highest increases among children and adolescents. Children and adolescents who are overweight are more likely to become adults who are overweight/obese, and suffer chronic health (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea), and social consequences (e.g., stigma, low self-esteem).

The Maternal and Child Health Branch works together with partners in both the public and private sectors to address population-based issues and for the children at higher risk. For more information: www.cdc.gov, search for "childhood overweight".

Dental
Children under the age of 8 years old in Hawaii suffer from some of the worst oral health conditions (early childhood caries, dental caries, and untreated dental decay) in the U.S. The consequences of poor oral health include physical pain, inability to concentrate on learning activities, and poor self-esteem due to an unattractive appearance.

The Maternal and Child Health Branch collaborates with the Dental Health Division and other stakeholders to reduce the rate of childhood dental caries, by ensuring that each child has access to a dentist for regular dental care.

Safe Sleep for Infants
Research shows that infants placed to sleep on their backs decreased the incidence of healthy infants dying unexpectedly. Safe sleep practices are available in the "Back to Sleep" flyer (see www.kipchawaii.org). The Safe Sleep Hawaii committee is committed to decreasing the number of infant deaths through education, media campaigns, and policy changes.

Pediatric Primary Care for the Uninsured
The Maternal and Child Health Branch oversees contracts and collaborates with primary care health centers statewide to assure medical and dental services for children who do not have insurance. Applications for Med-Quest insurance can be obtained by calling 211 or at www.coveringkids.com (Library of Forms).

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