Reporting

<p>This story is Part 1 of a 15-part series that examines health care needs in Gary, Ind.</p>

<p>From greener school lunches to required nutritional information printed on fast-food menus, it's clear that state and federal governments are urging Americans to take control of their health -- starting with food. This is part four in a four-part series.</p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… one: Convenience often trumps nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… two: Committed to nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… three: Providing healthier choices</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an effort to promote healthier eating habits among students, Merced County school officials are eliminating foods high in fat from school meal offerings and replacing them with fruits, vegetables and other nutritious alternatives. This is part three in a four-part series.</p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… one: Convenience often trumps nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… two: Committed to nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… four: No escape from healthy lifestyle effort</a></p>

<div id="story_text_top"><p>Candy bars, Pop-Tarts and french fries were always on the menu in Ruth Sanchez's daily diet.</p><p>For years, the 17-year-old consistently made poor eating choices. "Fast food is what I would eat the most," she recalled.</p><p>Ruth, a former Merced Scholars Charter School student, said the two main reasons she turned to fast food were because it was affordable and easy to get.</p><p>"You are on the run, and you are going to get something from the $1 menu," she explained. "It's quick and it's the cheapest."</p><p>Not only did Ruth, who weighs 183 pounds, make the wrong choices when it came to eating, she also didn't live an active life.</p><p>That's no longer the case. She has made a dramatic change in her habits.</p><p>This is part two in a four-part series.</p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… one: Convenience often trumps nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… three: Providing healthier choices</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… four: No escape from healthy lifestyle effort</a></p></div>

<p>Low prices, availability and aggressive targeted marketing are all factors that ensure children and teenagers are eating more fast food than ever before. The Network for a Healthy California is pushing for outdoor advertising that encourages healthier choices. This is part one in a four-part series.</p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… two: Committed to nutrition</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… three: Providing healthier choices</a></p><p><a href="http://www.reportingonhealth.org/fellowships/projects/healthy-homework-… four: No escape from healthy lifestyle effort</a></p>

<p>A Commonwealth Fund survey compares the states on childrens' health care access and treatment, and California ranks in the bottom quartile.</p>

<p>State lawmakers are moving closer to snuffing out synthetic versions of cocaine and marijuana in West Virginia.</p><p>Both the House of Delegates and state Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed similar proposals (HB2505, SB63) to make it illegal to possess or distribute the drugs, often found in convenience stores and head shops.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Studies say children of drug abusers are at higher risk of suffering from social ailments -- including drug addiction -- than other children. This story is part of a series that examines prescription drug abuse in Kentucky.</p>