Fitness is Fun!
July 2007

Greetings from the office of the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program! You have received the July 2007 issue of Fitness is Fun, the official e-mail distribution of the President's Challenge. These monthly e-mails will keep you updated on our programs, activities of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) and other current information pertaining to health and fitness.

Fitness Question of the Month for July:

When vacationing, what tips do you have to maintain your regular fitness regimen?

Please respond via E-mail to The President's Challenge at preschal@indiana.edu. We'll include the most insightful responses in the August issue of Fitness is Fun. Be sure to view the responses to June’s Fitness Question near the end of this newsletter.

Have you or someone else motivated a group of children or adults to lead a healthier life? Email us your story at Preschal@indiana.edu and it could be featured in next month’s newsletter!

PCPFS NEWS:

The PTA and PC announce their advocacy
The President’s Challenge is proud to announce our advocacy with The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA has provided support, information and resources to families focused on the health and education of children. The website also includes fitness resources, including the President’s Challenge. The organization was founded in 1897 in Washington DC as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. The National PTA was created to meet a profound challenge: to better the lives of children. Today, the National PTA is composed of 54 state congresses and nearly 26,000 local units in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Department of Defense Schools in Europe and the Pacific. To learn more visit, http://www.pta.org/homepage.html

President Bush encourages all Americans to follow his example and exercise
President Bush chooses to lead by example by sharing how exercise has positively impacted his life. In an exclusive interview on the CBS News Early Show, he told co-anchor Hannah Storm, “I believe strongly in exercise. I exercise a lot because it’s good for my mind and good for my soul. But I hope I set a good example to others that exercise is good for you.”

President Bush regularly goes mountain bike riding. President Bush told Storm he has persuaded the younger crowd in the White House to ride along with him around Washington.

Most commonly, adults tend to say they cannot fit exercise into their daily schedules.

"I don't buy that. I don't buy it. I think that you set priorities in life. And if exercise is one of your priorities, you'll figure out time to do it," President Bush said. "You know, sitting down at a big lunch may be someone's priority, but it's not all that hard to shift that priority to exercising at lunch."

President Bush said it’s not just the lack of exercise that is causing obesity problems; it’s also an unhealthy diet. He believes since Americans spend money on food in the education system, they need to insist on better food for their children.

To read the CBS Early Show Hannah Storm interview with President Bush visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/28/earlyshow/main2991618.shtml.

PCPFS Physical Activity & Fitness Research Digest
The PCPFS Fitness Research Digest is published quarterly by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The Research Digest began in 1971 by H. Harrison Clark, Ed.D., a research professor of physical education at the University of Oregon. In keeping with H. Harrison Clark’s original intent, the editorial team does its best to identify and produce Digests that are current to the fields of physical activity, fitness, physical education, and sports. To subscribe to the Digest please visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/news_research/research_digest.aspx.

Announcing the National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit: Creating a Culture of Wellness
We are pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will host the 2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit: Creating a Culture of Wellness. This groundbreaking event will unite health professionals, business entrepreneurs, and government leaders at all levels who are dedicated to health promotion, chronic disease prevention, health preparedness, birth defects, disabilities, genomics, and wellness.

We encourage you to visit http://www.healthierus.gov/ for important updates as we shape this national meeting, and we look forward to your participation in this important initiative.

President's Challenge NEWS:

Pedometer Discounts
In order to make room for new pedometer models, we have reduced the prices of our current pedometers, the TrekLinq and the StepLinq. These prices will be effective until supplies run out so please hurry!

TrekLinq
A more advanced pedometer that counts the number of steps taken. Additionally, this pedometer calculates distance, calories burned, time of movement, and displays time of day. Battery and instructions are included. This pedometer includes a cover with the three-color imprinted President’s Challenge logo on the outside. Card stock and shell packaging included.

Regular Price = $15.00
Sale Price = $9.95

StepLinq
A basic pedometer that counts the number of steps completed. This pedometer includes a recessed reset button and a belt clip. Battery and instructions are included. This pedometer is imprinted in a single color with the words “Active Lifestyle” and “Step Counter”. Card stock and bubble packaging are included.

Regular Price = $12.00
Sale Price = $7.95

To order items online please visit, https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/subcategory.aspx?catid=8&catname=Pedometers&subcatname=None.

Keep cool during the summer with new President’s Challenge T-Shirts
Many of our participants have informed us the summer heat doesn’t slow down their exercise routine. But, we can make it more comfortable for our participants to exercise in the heat. We offer new Performance T-Shirts that have 3M™ moisture management to absorb perspiration. The Performance T-Shirts make exercising in the heat a more enjoyable experience; clothing stays drier and is more comfortable. The fabrics are more soft and breathable and are more resistant to stains.

We offer the Performance T-Shirts at a great price. The short sleeve shirts are only $13.95, and the long sleeve shirts are only $18.95. To order visit or online order center, https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/.

The Flubber Club sparks friendly competition and weight loss
Ruth Boudreau founded The Flubber Club at her work to help motivate her co-workers to lose weight. The Flubber Club involves friendly competition and the chance for one member each round to win a jackpot of over $100. The members of the club also share exercise and healthy eating methods with each other to stay inspired.

In order to participate in the competition, each member must pay $1.00 on weigh in day. At the end of the period on the second weigh in, if their weight stays the same or they gain weight, they must put two dollars in the jackpot. If they lose weight they only donate one dollar. The first person who loses eight pounds wins the jackpot.

The Flubber Club’s recent jackpot was collected by Melissa McCombs, the first employee to lose eight pounds. Boudreau says McCombs “feels great and feels like a celebrity with all the posters announcing her win.” The jackpot and the number of members are still growing. She hopes the weight loss and positive experiences of participants will influence other co-workers to join the club, participate in some friendly competition, and learn exercise and healthy eating tips to lose weight.
Have you or someone else motivated a group of children or adults to lead a healthier life? Email us your story at preschal@indiana.edu and it could be featured in next month’s newsletter!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Diversity in Physical Activity and Health: Measurement and Research Issues and Challenges
Abstracts due: August 20th

The Cooper Institute
Dallas, Texas
October 18 - 20, 2007
Diversity in Physical Activity and Health: Measurement and Research Issues and Challenges. Topics related to diversity, physical activity, and measurement / research methods are solicited and may include basic / applied research or policy / program development and evaluation. The Cooper Institute encourages abstracts focusing on projects and initiatives that address physical activity issues in relation to diversity and measurement issues and challenges.

Conference website: http://www.cooperinst.org/events/scientific/program.cfm
Abstracts website: http://www.cooperinstitute.org/events/scientific/abstracts.cfm
All abstracts are to be submitted to Melba Morrow at the following email address: mmorrow@cooperinst.org

julie sweet
GET FIT AND HAVING FUN AROUND AMERICA WITH FITNESS MOM®!

julie
Below are excerpts from Julie E. Sweet’s book,
"365 Activities for Fitness, Food, and Fun for the Whole Family.”

These are activities you and your family can do together as part of an active lifestyle.

WATER BOTTLE BOWLING IN WYOMING
Materials
- 6 one-quart plastic water bottles (these should be filled partway) with
covers
- 1 tennis or small softball
- Removable tape or chalk

Quick and easy - this is a fun, last-minute activity at a party or with any gathering of friends. Check and make sure the covers of the water bottles are on very tight so there will be no spills. Place the bottles in the following pattern: one at the front, two staggered behind the first bottle, and then three staggered behind the second row. From the top you will see a triangle. Make a line with "easy to remove" tape or use chalk or a stick when outside. There should be 10 to 15 feet between the line and the bottles. Use a tennis ball or other soft ball as the "bowling ball." Try to strike down all the pins by rolling the ball along the ground. Each player takes three turns. The name of the game is to knock all the pins down (not destroy the furniture) in as few tries as possible. This game can be played inside or out.

PARKING LOT PUMP IN PENNSYLVANIA
Materials
- None
Even some of the little things that we do in the course of our daily activity can improve our fitness levels. Experts tell us there is a definite benefit to exercising several times a day in small amounts. This is helpful for people who have a very busy schedule and can't get to a gym or health club. Next time you take your children shopping or running errands, park the car at the far end of the parking lot or several blocks from your destination. Instead of walking to the first stop, try playing follow-the-leader. Keep your eyes open for traffic as you hop, ski, leap over puddles, walk on curbs, and jump over cracks. You will all get a mini workout and have a fun time!

KITE FLYING IN KENTUCKY
Materials (to make one kite)
- 1 plastic grocery bag
- 14 feet of household string
- Pair of scissors

Let's recycle some of those plastic grocery bags by making a kite. Cut a long piece of household string into two 12-inch lengths and one 12-foot length. The lengths do not have to be exact. Tie each of the 12-inch strings onto the bag handles (one string per handle). Tie the two strings together at the ends and then attach the long strings where they join. Hold the string and run into the wind. Whoosh you luck!

FLASHLIGHT LIMBO IN FLORIDA
Materials
- Flashlight
- Limbo Music (cassette tape or CD)
- Cassette or CD player

This game can be played at nighttime but should not be played in the total dark for safety's sake. (Keep a light on in the corner.) Here is a way to do the limbo without needing two people to hold the rope or stick - find just one to hold the flashlight! Line up the kids, start the music, and have each one take a turn going under the "Limbo Light Ray." The goal is to not have the light touch you. If it does, you are out, but at least it doesn't hurt a bit! After everyone has gone under the "Limbo Light Ray" once, lower the
flashlight a few inches and try again. Here is a pointer to share with the gang - lead with the chest, arch backward, hop with the knees apart, and make sure the head goes under the light ray last. This is an easy, last-minute game that can channel a little of that extra "before bedtime" energy.

CARTWHEELS IN CALIFORNIA
Materials
- 4 pieces of stiff cardboard
- Marker
- Tape

One of the most basic acrobatic stunts is a cartwheel. When your child comes running to you eager to learn how to do one, try this activity! Trace your child's hands and feet onto four pieces of stiff cardboard. (One hand or foot for each separate piece of cardboard). To learn a cartwheel place the tracings on the floor as shown in the illustration and secure with tape. Start with the cardboard pieces close together. As your child learns to do
the cartwheel better and can kick straight over the top, move the pieces farther apart. Encourage him to practice over and over. Learning a cartwheel takes a lot of practice. Give out a big holler when this skill is accomplished! Yahoo

Copyright 2007 Julia E. Sweet

For more fun activities visit www.fitnessmom.com
E-mail Julia Sweet fitnessmom@comcast.net

NEWS AND RESEARCH

Shaq helps Challenge families to become healthy in a “Big” Way
Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal coaches six obese Florida children throughout their journey to lose weight, through exercise and good nutrition. Shaq’s Big Challenge airs Tuesdays on ABC at 9pm/8central. Shaq’s show is just a small portion of what he is trying to accomplish for children’s health. He recently met with Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and expressed his concern that only six percents of schools in the country have mandatory P.E. classes.

Families can participate in Shaq’s online program Shaq’s Family Challenge. The website aims to improve families’ nutrition and exercise habits. Experts customize each family’s individual needs to help everyone in the family enjoy adopting a new healthy lifestyle. Families will receive information like kid-friendly recipes, eating-out guides, daily workouts for: family, parents and children, and much more. For more information on Shaq’s Challenges visit http://www.shaqsfamilychallenge.com/publicsite/index.aspx.

Participant tells The President’s Challenge about the world’s toughest Handcycle/Wheelchair race
Athletes from all over the world gather in Alaska to compete in one of the world’s toughest Handcycle/Wheelchair races. Sadler’s Ultra Challenge (July 15-21) starts in Fairbanks and ends in Anchorage, an astounding 267 miles long! A 22-year veteran of the race, Larry Coutermarsh of North Pole tells The President’s Challenge how he got involved in Sadler’s Ultra Challenge.

Larry Coutermarsh lost both of his legs when he was involved in a car accident in 1985. While he was in the hospital the founder of Sadler’s Ultra Challenge, Don Brandon, talked to Coutermarsh about competing in the race. Only a year later, he participated in his first race, the 365-mile Midnight Sun Wheelchair Marathon.

Of all the hardship Sadler’s participants have faced, those experiences only made the athletes more mentally and physically stronger. Coutermarsh stated, “People who have had to deal with real issues and find the inner strength to overcome and do something most able bodied or even extreme professional athletes could not do.” He went on to talk about racers he is excited to watch and compete against.

Four time winner, Alejandro Albor of Elk Grove, CA is a four-time Sadler's Ultra Challenge Champion, and took the World Handcycling Title last fall. Handcycler Monica Bascio will be going for a record 5 wins this July.

Sixty-seven year old Yevgeniy Tetyukhin of Petrppavlovsk, Kazakhstan, is the oldest racer. Although, in 2000 he proved age wasn’t a factor when he competed in his racing chair to place third in Sadler’s Challenge

The President’s Challenge would like to wish all this year’s racers the best of luck. For more information on Sadler’s Ultra Challenge and to read about its incredible racers, visit http://www.challengealaska.org/.

FITNESS QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Fitness Question Responses for the Month of June:

Kellogg’s recently announced they will not market unhealthy products to children under the age of 12. What are some ways parents can educate their children to make better food decisions?

Education begins in the home. The parents need first of all to be the role model and spend time with their children. Communication is important and it shows that the parents care. Whenever the subject of healthy eating choices is brought up, the parents need to capitalize on the opportunity to explain why we need to make healthy choices. Children are very impressionable.
~Steve

The best way that parents can educate their children with regard to making better food decisions is to lead by example; that is, making healthy food choices themselves. Parents are the ultimate decision makers, responsible for what is purchased both at the grocery stores and at restaurants and providing the best possible foods to ensure their child’s health as they grow. I would like to see Kellogg take this idea one step further and include a '1 portion size' scoop inside each box of cereal, thus providing a practical way for parents and children to understand appropriate amounts of food.
~Marjie

Help them to grow a small garden or a garden of potted plants:
• "pizza garden" (tomatoes, bell peppers, fresh herbs, etc) or a salad garden
• Strawberries, blueberries, etc
Allow them to help care for the plants, harvest them and prepare them in simple recipes.
~Debra

A parent has only so much influence on his/her child once he/she starts to spend more time with peers. I believe our schools and rec. centers are sadly amiss in not providing local, motivating, preferably free Healthy Weights Healthy Kids programs, similar to Weight Watchers for adults. Kids can motivate each other and find support in the fellowship of trying to achieve the same goals with regards to their weight, their diets and their exercise routines. In junior high and high school especially, which provide support groups and clubs for everything from cooking to ping-pong, why isn't the need for such a junior weight watchers program recognized?
~Catherine

Finding a spokesperson kids look up to is always a benefit. My 11 year old son is really into sports, and my daughter loves music. Finding people who are into physical fitness and healthy lifestyles is a major key. Also, you need to find athletes children recognize. Having a silver medal winning slalom winner doesn't interest kids. People like Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Reece are good examples.
~Jamie

REMINDERS:

Remember to fill out State Champion, Model School, and Demonstration Center applications to ensure that your students are rewarded for their hard work! The 2006-2007 State Champions winners will be announced on October 1. For more information, including application deadlines and guidelines, please visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition.aspx.

SPECIAL THANKS

We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the President's Challenge Advocates. Please visit the Advocates area on the http://www.presidentschallenge.org/ web site to see how companies, organizations and groups are making a difference with the President's Challenge.

FEEDBACK

We would like to hear from you. If you have any topics that you would like to see addressed in Fitness is Fun or any comments regarding this list, please let us know. You can provide them by emailing us at preschal@indiana.edu.

To view past issues of Fitness is Fun visit our website: http://www.presidentschallenge.org/. Enter the site by choosing the appropriate category, then click on "news/research".

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Fitness is Fun! July 2007

Fitness is Fun!
July 2007