Reporting

<p>West Virginia officials say they're disappointed that Florida's governor wants to kill a planned prescription drug monitoring program in the Sunshine State, which is a destination for people who deal pills.</p>

<p>West Virginia children with autism would have a much easier time getting treatment under legislation passed Thursday by the House of Delegates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a remarkable shift in public perceptions about children's health, unhealthy eating and obesity are now seen as the greatest threats to California's kids, according to the latest statewide voter survey from the Field Poll. In years past, illegal drug use was named as the biggest health risk but after concerted public health campaigns at the state and federal level, public awareness about childhood obesity has spread widely.</p>

<p>West Virginia smokers would pay $1 more per pack in taxes under a bill state lawmakers are considering.</p>

<p>West Virginia's Catholic bishop is calling on the state of West Virginia to devote more attention and money to help people struggling with addiction and mental illness.</p>

<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>