Story Ideas for Media: April 25, 2011

Research

Ohio State study: Quality of parent-toddler relationships could affect risk for childhood obesity. Toddlers who do not have a secure emotional relationship with their parents, and particularly their mothers, could be at increased risk for obesity by age 4 1/2, according to new research.
Sarah Anderson, assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University, is lead author of the study, which suggests that children at age 24 months who show insecure attachment patterns have at least 30 percent higher odds for obesity by age 4 1/2.
The association persisted even after researchers accounted for other family-related factors that could provide alternative explanations for the children's obesity.
Psychologists describe securely attached children as those who rely on their parents as a "safe haven," which allows them to explore their environments freely, adapt easily to new people and be comforted in stressful situations. CONTACT: Emily Caldwell, (614) 292-8310.
SEE: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/attachment.htm

Events

Ohio State hosts 33rd African American Heritage Festival – through May 1. Community service projects, celebrations through music and poetry, a town hall forum, step show and gospel fest highlight the 33rd Annual African American Heritage Festival which continues through May 1 on the Ohio State campus. The theme for this year’s festival is “Lengo: Vision: Realize. Manifest. Transcend.” Most events are free and open to the public. CONTACT: Habiba Kamagate, (614) 688.8449, kamagate.1@osu.edu SEE: www.heritagefestival.osu.edu

Former Columbus favorite Chef Rich Rosendale to visit April 26. Master Chef Richard Rosendale will return to Columbus to present “The Foundations of Success” to students in the College of Education and Human Ecology Hospitality Management Program at 4:30 p.m. in 200 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Ave. Rosendale, who started his career here, is executive chef of the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, where guests dine on award-winning cuisine in 13 restaurants. Contact: Jay Kandampully, professor of consumer sciences,