While many of us were on vacation in August, the health care reform debate reached a near-frenzy (and in many cases, a pretty nasty tone). So much so in fact, that some news services like PBS's News Hour with Jim Lehrer aired a "fact or fiction" segment on reform.

An August 26 New York Times editorial referred to voices "whipping up fear that proposed changes will destroy our 'world's best' medical system." The editorial noted that there are many areas where America's health outcomes fall short, especially when compared to other wealthy countries with universal care.

There are some fears that are based in reality: the fear that if you lose your job you'll lose your health care, that if you get a bad diagnosis there's evidence that some insurers may look to reject your medical claims, or that your income won't keep pace with your health costs.

In all of this, we will miss the sane voice of Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), one of the most passionate and respected champions for making government work for all of us. He fought to make health coverage not a matter of good luck but of good policy -- for every family.

Action ideas: Whatever your politics, we can honor Senator Kennedy's dedication to the health of our children and our nation by writing a letter to the editor, calling or emailing our Member of Congress, signing a petition, or getting involved locally in efforts to connect children to quality, affordable health care.

In this special issue of the CFK Update, you'll find new data on the current system and the plans for reform and what works to reach older youth; we've also got a look at school lunches, the Child Nutrition Act, the upcoming flu season and more...

The Update resumes its regular biweekly schedule next week -- and stay tuned for the launch of the new SparkAction site later this fall!

Keep up the good work, everyone,
Jan

Jan Richter, CFK editor emeritus