We have all seen stories about the persistent problem of unhealthy weight levels in the US, and oftentimes, this news can feel discouraging and overwhelming. In the face of that, the efforts by Democratic legislators nationwide to solve these health problems are impressive.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the big news story on doctors' concerns about high cholesterol problems emerging in children as young as 8 years old -- and how states had already started to pass legislation to address such concerns through improving children's diet and exercise.

Paying attention to the American diet continues to be a key issue and resulted in the governor of California signing landmark legislation on Friday, July 25. This past Saturday's New York Times, recounts the California legislature's passage of a law banning the use of trans fats in restaurants.

According to the story, New York City was the first jurisdiction to ban trans fats and was soon joined by a handful of other cities and counties. But, California is the first state legislature to pass such a law.

The story explains that:

Under the new law, restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, cafeterias and other businesses classified as “food facilities” will, in the preparation of any foods, have to discontinue use of oils, margarine and shortening containing trans fats.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Assembly Bill 97, sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, was opposed by most Republicans.

What else have Democratic legislatures done in 2008 to improve the health of Americans?

The Democratically-controlled legislature in Colorado passed a measure that will enable 50,000 more Colorado children to be eligible for Medicaid and the state’s health program for kids.

In the Iowa legislature, Democrats passed a bill expanding health insurance for children to achieve a goal of covering all children by 2010. House File 2539 will greatly increase the health of Iowa's children. Read more on this landmark legislation making Iowa the first state in the nation to cover all its children. (Washington State also passed legislation this year to try to cover all children by 2010. See Senate Bill 5093.)

In Maine, the Democratic majorities expanded the Dirigo health care program for the uninsured. Read more on LD 2247 -- "An Act to Continue Maine's Leadership in Covering the Uninsured" -- here. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Representative Hannah Pingree, will provide insurance rate relief to about 40,000 Mainers. Nearly half of Maine's uninsured are under 30, and the bill addresses these young residents.

And, despite a $3 billion budget shortfall, the Democratic majority in the New Jersey legislature pushed forward on health care with 3 important bills. The first bill aims for universal health insurance for New Jersey residents by 2011 by requiring all children to be covered. A second bill expands NJ FamilyCare for poor families. A third bill -- landmark legislation -- provides the most generous paid family leave in the country -- up to 6 weeks a year to care for family members.

When it comes to health care, Democratic state legislators are both addressing newly emerging healthcare issues (such as trans fats and paid family leave) and also improving access and coverage for basic health insurance.