| Lawmakers to push legislation to curb sale of junk foods
Massachusetts lawmakers will resume efforts this fall to crack down on certain junk foods in schools, empowered by a new congressional report that sets standards for school nutrition. In one measure, they will debate whether to restrict schools from selling certain junk foods, and, in a second measure, they are proposing a ban on all corporate advertisements, including those that pitch unhealthy foods and soft drinks. The junk food bill would require schools to offer a healthier selection of foods, such as items with zero trans-fats and less than 200 calories per portion. Students would still have access to vending machines, but during the school day their lunchrooms would replace snacks like fried potato chips and whole milk with baked chips and low-fat milk and offer dried fruit, nuts, and caffeine-free beverages.
Panel for ban on junk food in schools
NEW DELHI: Taking a serious view of increasing obesity among children, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked state governments to ban junk food and carbonated drinks in schools.
The Commission has issued guidelines to all states to give directions to schools, both state-run and private, to ensure that no junk food or carbonated drinks are served in their canteens.
It has also asked state governments to prepare nutritional standards for children and to tell schools to serve food according to these norms.
"The food should be freshly prepared and be in keeping with local tastes and preferences," said Commission Member Sandhya Bajaj.
She said the Commission has recommended that a special tax be imposed on junk food, and that carbonated drinks be replaced with healthy beverages like milk and fruit juices.
Around Whittier
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health urges parents to ensure their children are fully immunized as the school year begins. Students entering kindergarten must have a total of five shots for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, four for polio, three for hepatitis B, two for measles mumps, and rubella and one for varicella (chickenpox). Immunizations against hepatitis A, Haemophilus influenza type B, invasive pneumococcal disease and influenza are also recommended. Further vaccinations for preteens and young adults against meningococcal disease and boosters for tetanus and chickenpox vaccines are also recommended. Human papillomavirus vaccines are recommended for adolescent girls. Parents who do not have regular family health care providers can call the Public Health Immunization Hotline for help at (800) 427-8700, or visit http://lapublichealth.org/ip Adult school offers business classes Whittier Adult School's business department offers training for data entry clerks, computer operators, customer service clerks, office assistants, administrative assistants and .
News of Hydetown
Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Kids, don't forget school starts Sept. 4. It's back to school time again!Fire Department NewsThe fire department is looking for anyone who is interested in joining the Junior Firemen Program. You must be 14 to 17 years of age. We are also looking for more senior firemen, ages 18 or older. If you are interested you can see the fire chief at the fire department on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. They also have training nights on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. .
Man charged again with murder in senior's death
An Alberta man has been charged with second-degree murder for the second time in the death of an elderly woman who was discovered dead in the trunk of her car. RCMP announced the second arrest of Darcy Lyster, 38, on Thursday. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Irene Durand, 75. She was found in the trunk of her car in Vermilion, east of Edmonton, in November 2005. A month later, Lyster was charged in connection with her death but prosecutors stayed the charge, meaning they would have one year to bring it back, which rarely happens. Earlier this month, Alberta's justice minister directed the Crown to restart proceedings against Lyster, prompting his arrest on Wednesday, police said. A court date has not yet been set.
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