NORFOLK — Babies and toddlers in Hampton Roads are healthier
than those born 10 years ago, but the region still fares worse
than the state in most categories - including the number of
babies who die before reaching their first birthday. Those were
the results of a study released Tuesday by Square One, a
regional initiative to improve the health of children up to age
5. The data aren't new, but Square One leaders want to give a
big picture of the region's progress and talk about solutions
that could improve that picture. "Too many children in Hampton
Roads are not getting a good start, which means they're in
jeopardy of not succeeding throughout their lives," said Joseph
Galano, an associate professor of psychology at the College of
William and Mary who collected data for the report. The Hampton
Roads Partnership, an economic- development coalition, is
financing Square One to help children do better in school and
future jobs. Hampton Roads compares badly with the state on
prenatal care, infant mortality, low-b