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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Health Report: AZ Children Less Active, More Anxious

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Monday, November 1, 2021   

PHOENIX, Ariz. - A new report ranks Arizona 48th in the nation for kids' lack of physical activity. And only 20% of kids nationwide are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, according to the United Health Foundation's findings about the health of women and children.

The study is based largely on federal data from 2019 leading into the pandemic, and looks at more than 100 measures of health.

Dr. Ravi Johar, the Chief Medical Officer with UnitedHealthcare, explained that percentage has likely gotten worse over the past year, putting more children at risk for chronic conditions like diabetes.

"It is worrisome because weight gain, we know, earlier in life can have consequences later in life," said Johar. "So, it's just something that needs to be looked at closely."

Johar added that children's mental health is also a cause for concern, noting anxiety among kids is widespread and on the rise.

And nationwide, teen suicide has jumped 26% since 2014. The report found more than 7,000 kids ages 15 to 19 ended their lives in the two years before the pandemic began.

The report ranks Arizona 47th in the nation, both for families' access to well-child visits and developmental screenings. Johar explained a nationwide shortage of doctors is contributing to the dip in the number of kids in waiting rooms.

"We know there's decreased access to pediatricians and to women's healthcare professionals," said Johar. "So, maybe telehealth will be able to help with some of those things."

On the board of the group Consumers for Quality Care, Jason Rensendez explained Arizona kids continue to fall short in terms of health insurance coverage. He encouraged parents and caregivers to research plans to ensure their children can get preventive care, especially in light of the pandemic.

"As vaccines are starting to become more readily available to children, understanding what those COVID coverage plans are in your insurance plan," said Rensendez.

Arizona also ranks poorly in the United Health Foundation report for its high number of uninsured children, at 47th in the nation - and 46th for kids' access to preventive care.

Disclosure: United Healthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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