Every child should grow up healthy and resilient.
BestStart Washington aims to give them that chance.
BestStart Washington gives children their best start toward lifelong success and resilience by working to improve their physical health, emotional wellbeing and academic achievement. Founded and governed by pediatricians, BestStart Washington collaborates with community pediatricians, families and other partners to develop and fund innovative programs that give children the best possible start on healthy and productive lives.
Featured News
- Project Nature
Why Project Nature? Project Nature, launched in 2018, is an initiative created in collaboration with community partners to empower families and caregivers to explore nature with children. Time spent outdoors increases children’s physical activity, health, school achievement and overall wellbeing. Young children who are allowed and encouraged to explore the natural world—even with brief, regular… Read more: Project Nature
What’s New in Children’s Health
- Study Finds People Who Were Restricted To Limited Amounts Of Sugar In First Few Years Of Life Are Less Likely To Develop Diabetes, High Blood Pressure Decades LaterThe New York Times (10/31) reports, “People who were restricted to limited amounts of sugar in the first few years of life were less likely to develop… Read more: Study Finds People Who Were Restricted To Limited Amounts Of Sugar In First Few Years Of Life Are Less Likely To Develop Diabetes, High Blood Pressure Decades Later
- Paid Family & Medical Leave: Caring for a New Baby or Sick Family MemberFrom the very start, parents and caregivers create a safe, nurturing place where children can thrive. But in the United States, families are often forced… Read more: Paid Family & Medical Leave: Caring for a New Baby or Sick Family Member
- Researchers Observe Poor Executive Function, Aggressive Behavior At Age 5 Years Among Children Exposed To Cannabis During PregnancyMedPage Today (10/28) reported, “Poor executive function and aggressive behavior at age 5 years was observed among children exposed to cannabis during pregnancy, a cohort study… Read more: Researchers Observe Poor Executive Function, Aggressive Behavior At Age 5 Years Among Children Exposed To Cannabis During Pregnancy
- Study Finds Children With Good Physical Fitness More Likely To Grow Into Teens With Better Mental Health, Brain FunctionHealthDay (10/18) reported children “with good physical fitness are more likely to grow into teens with better mental health and brain function, a new study has… Read more: Study Finds Children With Good Physical Fitness More Likely To Grow Into Teens With Better Mental Health, Brain Function
- Sending Young Children From Low-Income Households To Free Summer Day Camps May Reduce Gains In BMI During Summer Break, Trial FindsHealio (10/21) reports, “Sending young children from low-income households to free summer day camps could help reduce gains in BMI during summer break, according to a… Read more: Sending Young Children From Low-Income Households To Free Summer Day Camps May Reduce Gains In BMI During Summer Break, Trial Finds
- New podcast episode: Allergies and asthmaAndrea Pappalardo, M.D., FAAP, talks about managing allergies and asthma outside the home. Her discussion focuses on school policies, best practices for sports and other… Read more: New podcast episode: Allergies and asthma
