Strategies for Avoiding Long-Term Health Issues in Harmony with Crucial Themes in the MAHA Report

In recent years, various states and public health organizations have taken significant strides to improve the health and well-being of Americans, particularly in addressing the issue of chronic diseases in children.

One such initiative is the enhancement of physical activities throughout the day in classrooms, a strategy that has shown promising results in improving student concentration, academic achievement, and behaviour. This approach, known as Enhanced Physical Education, aims to increase moderate to vigorous activity to at least 50% of class time.

The commitment to chronic disease prevention is not new among state and territorial health departments. They have been actively involved in various public health actions, including establishing food procurement standards for government agencies, implementing SNAP policy changes, and promoting breastfeeding.

In the realm of nutrition, public health actions extend to reducing sodium and sugar in processed foods, lowering the sugar amount threshold in beverages considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and even petitioning the FDA to act on setting multi-year targets for added sugar in food and creating an online database for consumers to compare added-sugar levels.

The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 1,500 mg or less of sodium, significantly lower than the USDA's dietary guidelines for Americans of 2,300 mg or less per day. Excessive consumption of added sugar can contribute to health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and tooth decay.

On the physical activity front, initiatives such as Safe Routes to School and building complete streets have been implemented to increase connectedness and physical activity for various groups. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, for instance, has petitioned the FDA to require restaurant chains to disclose added sugar in menu items.

Moreover, several states have proposed legislation to restrict the purchase of candy, sugar-sweetened beverages, and other unhealthy foods with SNAP funds. Jurisdictions like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Boulder have already implemented a tax to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, established in 2025, focuses on drivers of chronic disease in children, including increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, physical inactivity, and environmental exposures. The commission's preliminary report draws attention to these issues, aiming to advise the President on addressing the childhood chronic disease crisis.

The Arkansas Department of Education primarily oversees and administers the Arkansas JUA Grant, a programme designed to increase physical activity in communities which would otherwise be unable to enjoy facilities. The Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Center for Obesity Prevention, and the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement all provide support for the Arkansas JUA Grant.

In 2017, children on average consumed 17 teaspoons of sugar daily, well above the recommended guidelines. Recognising the need for change, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has urged the FDA to lower the sugar amount threshold in beverages considered GRAS.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted in 2024, provided an additional $2.6 billion in drinking water infrastructure funding to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. This investment aims to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all Americans.

In a positive stride towards a healthier nation, Minnesota now ranks high nationally for being suitable for both cyclists and pedestrians. The Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Transportation collaborated to create "Minnesota Walks", the first statewide pedestrian planning framework.

These initiatives, while not exhaustive, demonstrate a concerted effort by public health organizations and state governments to promote healthier lifestyles and combat chronic diseases in children. As these efforts continue to unfold, it is hoped that the United States will move towards a healthier and more active future.

Strategies for Avoiding Long-Term Health Issues in Harmony with Crucial Themes in the MAHA Report