An Afghan Success Story: Fewer Child Deaths

http://www.npr.org/2014/02/04/269551459/an-afghan-success-story-fewer-child-deaths

Sean Carberry

NPR

4 February 2014

Radio / 3-5 Minutes

Child mortality rates are decreasing in Afghanistan due to more readily available basic health care, more effective vaccinations, and locally-trained volunteer health workers.

At a Big Church, a Small Group Health Solution

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/at-a-big-church-a-small-group-health-solution

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

10 November 2011

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The best way to lose weight is to join a small group. This article looks at the case study of Saddleback Church in southern California that mixed faith and peer support to help congregates lose weight, including the pastor. Surveys found that 72% of participants lost weight as a result of the program.

At a YMCA Near You, a Course for a Diabetic Nation

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/03/at-a-ymca-near-you-a-course-for-a-diabetic-nation

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

3 July 2014

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We know how to prevent diabetes - but the U.S, medical system, with its twisted priorities, doesn’t cover prevention. A new program at the YMCA aims to build structured, effective prevention measures.

Big Ideas in Social Change, 2014

https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/big-ideas-in-social-change-2014

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

11 December 2014

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A overview of 2014's Fixes columns - connecting the dots between 60 or so ways that people are trying to change the world.

Closing the Broccoli Gap

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/closing-the-broccoli-gap

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

5 June 2015

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The lack of access to healthy food has always been a problem for the financially unstable. Food stamps can now be used to buy fresh produce at farmers markets, but greater success could be achieved by getting grocery stores involved.

Easier Than Taking Vitamins

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/easier-than-taking-vitamins

Sam Loewenberg

The New York Times

5 September 2012

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A nutrient powder can save anemic children, but the people who could benefit are distrustful. Having local mothers distribute the supplement was successful in Bangladesh.

FDA's ‘terrible policy error' blocks simple step to prevent fatal birth defects

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/tweak-to-corn-flour-could-help-prevent-fatal-birth-defects-growing-in-3-wash-counties

JoNel Aleccia

The Seattle Times

11 July 2015

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The life-saving vitamin folic acid is added to flour in the United States, but Hispanics tend to eat little flour. Adding folic acid to corn flour would reduce birth defects in Hispanic women in the U.S.

For Striving Students, a Connection to Money

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/26/the-system-when-it-works

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

26 March 2014

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Government benefits to aid the poor are frequently left unclaimed, leaving children hungry, young people unable to finish school, and opportunities for stable housing and preventative health care unused. New York City-based program Single Stop connects people to benefits for which they may be eligible. Importantly, Single Stop has served community colleges where disadvantaged students can use the assistance to help get through school.

For Weight Loss, a Recipe of Teamwork and Trust

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/for-weight-loss-a-recipe-of-teamwork-and-trust

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

15 November 2011

Text / 800-1500 Words

While weight loss can be challenging to maintain, different structures are being created to help. Certain support groups, financial incentives, and tough love are proving to be effective.

Conquering Food Deserts With Green Carts

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/conquering-food-deserts-with-green-carts

David Bornstein

The New York Times

18 April 2012

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Programs to get fresh produce carts to areas with no access to healthy food work best when government and determined entrepreneurs team up. Success from this model is evident in New York City, where the city has incentivized the selling of fruits and vegetables by street vendors in areas that are in the most need of the produce.