Fitness is Fun!
January 2005

Last Chance to Apply for General Mills Grant
Each year, the General Mills Foundation in partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Challenge, awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to community-based groups that make an effort to help youth adopt healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. The grant applications are due on February 1, 2005. For more information, and to view last year's winners, visit http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx .

2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture have released the 2005 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Guidelines, which are published every five years, offer advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. Key topics include adequate nutrients within calorie needs, weight management, physical activity and information on the food groups. For the Guidelines, press release, and other information, visit http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/.

HRSA Introduces Women's Health Resources
The Health Resources and Services Administration has announced the availability of two new resources for adolescent women. The Bright Futures for Women's Health and Wellness Adolescent Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Guide is a booklet that provides checklists and tables in which readers and their health care providers can record information and discuss setting realistic goals. This booklet's main purpose helps readers assess current levels of physical activity and eating habits and provides suggestions on how to make healthy adjustments. The My Bright Future Wallet Card is a six-panel laminated card that emphasizes key information regarding physical activity and healthy eating. Copies are available free of charge by calling 1-888-ASK-HRSA or by ordering online by clicking on these links:http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/detail.cfm?id=MCH00147 or http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/detail.cfm?id=MCH00146.

ACSM Health and Fitness Summit
ACSM Health and Fitness Summit March 29-April 1, 2005 in Las Vegas, NV Join health, fitness and nutrition professionals as they learn about new research, changes in practice, standards and guidelines in their fields. Demonstrations, workouts, keynote speakers and exhibitions are presented in nine different areas. For more information please visit http://www.acsm.org/meetings/summit.htmor call 317-637-9200 x 135. Early registration rates are available.

President's Challenge to Attend National Girls and Women in Sports Day Exhibit
The President's Challenge will attend a National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) exhibit at Indiana University's Assembly Hall on January 30 prior to the tip-off of a women's basketball game. The event will feature booths set up in the corridors of Assembly Hall filled with fun, educational activities for girls of all ages, their friends and families. Activities will include interactive stations with IU women's varsity and club sports teams where children - especially girls, can try new sports, practice skills and learn about the benefits of physical activity, participating in sports and being part of a team. Community organizations and IU academic departments will also be present and will present information on girls' and women's health, fitness, safety issues, academic success and career opportunities. NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sport Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of the seven premiere girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: American Association of University Women, Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, National Women's Law Center, the Women's Sports Foundation, and the YWCA USA. Doors open at 12 p.m. and tip-off is at 2 p.m.