Fitness is Fun!
August 2008

Greetings from the office of the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program! You have received the August 2008 issue of Fitness is Fun, the official email distribution of the President's Challenge. These monthly emails 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 August:

As summer draws to a close, what was your favorite physical activity in which you participated? A basketball game with your child? A marathon through the city? Watching your garden transform as a result of your efforts? We want to hear all about it!

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 July’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:

ANNOUNCEMENT: Physical Activity Guidelines coming in October
In October 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will release the first Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans at a news event in Washington, DC. The PA Guidelines are based on a major review of the science on the benefits of physical activity and address adults, older adults, children and adolescents, and people with disabilities and chronic conditions. See the HHS announcement at http://www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/.

ADULT FITNESS TEST
The PCPFS launched an online Adult Fitness Test on May 14th at Results Gym on Capitol Hill. Many baby boomers remember taking the youth fitness test in elementary school, and now have a chance to see how they score as adults! The activities featured on the adult fitness test provide you with an estimate of your level of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition. The results of each test provide you with a measure from which you can track your progress in each area as you become more physically active. If you’re an adult and interested in testing your fitness level, please visit http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/.

Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports – FREE Tool Kit
Attention youth sport coaches! Order your FREE "Heads Up" Concussions Tool Kits! As many as 3.8 million sports-and recreation-related concussions are estimated to occur in the United States each year. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. As a coach or youth sports administrator, you play a vital role in sharing this information with athletes and parents. Coaches and sports administrators can order or download FREE "Heads Up: Concussion In Youth Sports" Tool Kits at http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports.

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM BACKGROUND, TRENDS, AND ISSUES
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the Nation’s second largest food and nutrition assistance program. In 2006, it operated in over 101,000 public and nonprofit private schools and provided over 28 million low-cost or free lunches to children on a typical school day at a Federal cost of $8 billion for the year. This report provides background information on the NSLP, including historical trends and participant characteristics. It also addresses steps being taken to meet challenges facing administrators of the program, including tradeoffs between nutritional quality of foods served, costs, and participation, as well as between program access and program integrity. See http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR61/.

2007 SMART BRFSS Data and Prevalence Tables Now Available and 2007 BRFSS Maps Now Available
The CDC's Behavioral Surveillance Branch in the Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, is pleased to announce the joint release of the 2007 SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables and the BRFSS Maps.

SMART BRFSS (Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) began with the analysis of data from the 2002 BRFSS. It now includes data from 2002 through 2007, with prevalence estimates for over 184 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs), as well 298 counties within those areas.

There are several additional MMSAs with data available for 2007, including Boulder, CO; Gainesville, FL; and Laredo, TX, among others. As with the past data, the Web site includes the data sets and prevalence tables for MMSAs and counties, as well as pre-set Quick View charts which compare county, MMSA, and state data for seven select risk factors in an easy-to-print PDF format.

BRFSS Maps is a system that allows users to visualize the prevalence estimates, making them more accessible to a variety of audiences. Users can choose to map the entire country, or to zoom in on a region or state, including the MMSAs within that area. Users can also download GIS data files.

The SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables are located at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss-smart/index.asp.

The BRFSS Maps are located at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/gisbrfss/default.aspx.

PCPFS Physical Activity & Fitness Research Digest
The PCPFS Fitness Research Digest is published quarterly by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. To subscribe to the Digest please visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/news_research/research_digest.aspx.

Grants Information:

National Gardening Association and Home Depot Announce 2009 Youth Garden Grants Program
Deadline for Applications: November 1, 2008.
The Youth Garden Grants program has helped more than 1.3 million youngsters reap rewards and vital life lessons from working in gardens and habitats. NGA awards Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. In evaluating grant applications, priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements: educational focus or curricular/program integration; nutrition or plant-to-food connections; environmental awareness/education; entrepreneurship; social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning. Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Previous Youth Garden Grant winners who wish to reapply may do so, but must wait one year (e.g., if you won in 2008, you can apply again in 2010) and have significantly expanded their garden programs. For more information, please visit http://www.kidsgardening.org/YGG.asp.

President's Challenge NEWS:

New President’s Challenge Information

Look for our 2008-09 brochure coming September 1. Physical Education and Health teachers will automatically be sent a copy to their school address. We will also post a pdf version on the downloads page of our website so check back soon for the latest information.

This year’s booklet and poster will feature the artwork of Charles Fazzino. Fazzino has been commissioned by numerous organizations including the NFL, MLB, NASCAR and many others. You can view more information at http://www.fazzino.com.

Emblems with year coming soon!

For the first time ever the President's Challenge will be offering Presidential, National and Participant Physical Fitness Award emblems with a year on them. These emblems are a great way for students and parents to commemorate the year in which they earned an award. Look for ordering information in our brochure and on the website in September.

PC phasing out #1-12 Presidential Emblems

Beginning in the fall of 2008, the President's Challenge will no longer offer the numbered Presidential Physical Fitness Award emblems (#1-12). We suggest stocking up now if you would like to continue handing these out. Once they are gone, they're gone! Visit our online order center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx to order now or give us a call at 1-800-258-8146.

Sit and Reach Boxes

Did you ever wonder where you could get a Sit and Reach box for testing your students’ flexibility? Look no further. The President’s Challenge will be making sit and reach boxes available starting this fall. These flexibility testers are easy to assemble and will feature the President’s Challenge logo on each side. Check back soon for more information or look out for our brochure coming in September.

Physical Fitness Score Pads

You asked for it, you got it. Soon we will have these score pads available that will make it easy to write down your students’ scores. Tear them off and give them to the students or keep them on the pad to take back to your office. There is even a section to write some notes. Available this fall in our brochure and online.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Activities

The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2008 For more information, please visit http://www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com/

America On the Move: Make September STEPtember
This is a national movement that encourages everyone to take steps toward a healthier way of life. To learn more, please visit http://www.americaonthemove.org

AFPA Fitness, Trainer, Sports and Mind Body Conference
When: October 17 & 18, 2008
Where: Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC
For more information, please visit http://www.afpafitness.com/store/conferences-c-12.html

The San Francisco Marathon
The 2009 San Francisco Marathon™ will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2009. Registration will open in October, with their lowest registration rates being offered during the first month. For more information, visit http://www.runsfm.com/home.html

The Life Time Fitness Kids Triathlon
Hosted by the Life Time Fitness center in Warrenville, Illinois, this triathlon challenges kids in a three-event race for the fastest combined time. They can race individually or as part of a three-person relay team against others in their own age group.

When: September 14, 2008
Where: Warrenville, IL

For more information, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com/events/kids-triathlon/

SPECIAL FEATURE: With the summer quickly drawing to a close, many people will be adjusting to a new routine, whether it be in the workplace, at school, or a change of pace in the home. Here are some simple ways and creative ideas on how to incorporate exercise into our busy lives.

Richard Simmons Pushes To Get Kids Active In School
USA Today, July 25, 2008
Fitness fireball Richard Simmons, 60, who has had people Sweatin' to the Oldies for years, will offer new ideas for pumping up physical education at a congressional hearing Thursday in Washington. "Some schools have 15 minutes two days a week for PE classes, and a lot of schools don't have recess," Simmons says. "When you take the physical activity and the recess away, these kids are just sitting in the classroom all day." He has talked to and surveyed parents, teachers, principals and superintendents and will offer the House Education and Labor Committee some ideas for "an economic way to get our kids moving every day."

To view the article, please visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2008-07-22-richard-simmons-hearing_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip.

Kids Become Less Active As They Grow Older Activity Drops Between Ages 9 And 15; Weekends Are The Worst
Star Tribune, July 16, 2008
New research is charting the roots of the nation's obesity epidemic: Between the ages of 9 and 15, kids' daily physical activity drops from an average of three hours to less than one. On weekends it's worse. Fifteen year olds, on average, move around only 35 minutes a day on Saturdays and Sundays, according to a study of 1,000 kids across the country. Association (JAMA), put physicians on notice that they need to pay more attention to whether their young patients are spending too much time online and on their cell phones, and not enough at the pool or park. "There is a lot of pressure on physicians to start addressing this," said Dan Halvorsen, an expert in pediatric exercise physiology at the University of Minnesota. It is the latest in a year of alarming news about childhood obesity and the diseases that come with it. Nearly a third of the nation's kids are too heavy and increasingly sedentary. Read more...

Study: Peer Pressure Affects Body Image, Attitudes About Food And Physical Activity
Seattle Times, July 16, 2008
Television, movies, magazines and other popular media often get blamed for pressuring teen girls to try to be as thin as models. But a new study finds that peer pressure also plays a strong role in how adolescent girls control their figures. This isn't the first time that peer pressure has been fingered as a factor in risky teen behavior. Other studies have found that the cliques teens identify with can affect whether they smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or take drugs. It now appears that similar identification carries weight when it comes to body image, food and physical activity. Read more...

Can You Be Born A Couch Potato? Genetic Influence Found In Active And Sedentary Behavior Of Mice
ScienceDaily, July 17, 2008
The key to good health is to be physically active. The key to being active is... to be born that way? The well-documented importance of exercise in maintaining fitness has created the idea that individuals can manage their health by increasing their activity. But what if the inclination to engage in physical activity is itself significantly affected by factors that are predetermined? Two new studies suggest that the inclination to exercise may be strongly affected by genetics. Read more...

From The New York Times:
“Counting Steps, Not Votes, on Capitol Hill,” describes a fitness competition (sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association) among the different offices of the House and Senate to see which groups can rack up the most mileage on their pedometers. Suddenly the simple errand that once seemed a nuisance becomes a chance to get a break from the desk and increase physical activity throughout the day. To read more, please visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/health/nutrition/12fitness.html?pagewanted=1.

From the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association:
“The challenge is to think creatively about ways you might add ‘steps’ to your day. Here are just a few ideas: take the stairs as often as possible, park several blocks from your destination or park at the rear of the parking lot, walk the last few blocks instead of riding the bus all the way to work, get off the elevator below your destination and walk a couple of flights of stairs, park at the opposite end of the mall where you need to shop, or walk to do shopping or other errands.

Consider adding other walking routines to your day by organizing a lunchtime walking group at work, or a before-or after-work group with friends or neighbors. Instead of watching television after dinner, get the whole family outside for a game of tag, Frisbee or a walk around the block. Try not to get stuck in the ‘all or nothing’ rut — even if you don't have time for a long walk, you might be able to squeeze in a short one, or at least take the stairs.” To read more, please visit http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/walkingworks/easy-ways-to-add-steps-to-your-day.html.

From the American Cancer Society:
“Looking for more ways to work in activity during your day? Think about how much time you spend sitting rather than being active. Then consider these simple substitutions that can help you get moving: exercise at lunch with your workmates, walk to visit co-workers instead of sending an email, go dancing with your spouse or friends, plan active vacations rather than only driving trips, join a sports team, or use a stationary bicycle or treadmill while watching television.

No matter what kind of activity you choose, the important thing is to get moving. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise on 5 or more days of the week, and look for other opportunities to be active throughout the day.” To read more, please visit www.cancer.org.

From MedicineNet.com:
“Here are some other tips for making housework a workout:

Put on some fast music -- rock and roll, salsa, whatever you like. This helps you pick up speed.
Stretch extra-high to knock down those cobwebs or prune that limb.
Strive for large up-and-down movements. When cleaning a shower door, for example, make big circles.
Carry heavy baskets of laundry or supplies up from the basement, if your conditioning allows.
Climb on a stepladder every chance you get.
Do lunges while vacuuming (keep toes pointed straight ahead, and don't bend your knees further than 90 degrees).
When putting away dishes, face forward and twist to reach the cabinets.
In the garden, lunge toward weeds.
Pruning requires forearm strength (and helps develop it). It also requires reaching on your toes -- like a calf raise. So volunteer for this chore, and don't be afraid of thicker or higher branches.
Pouring mulch or fertilizer from a heavy bag requires a squat. Remember to use your legs, not your back.
If you have area rugs, beat them using a clean broom rather than vacuuming. This means more steps to get outside and more exercise for your arm muscles.”

NEWS AND RESEARCH:

Washington Post:

“Young Lives At Risk: Our Overweight Children,” is a five part series that searches for solutions to the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States. With one-third of U.S. children being overweight, it is important to take responsibility to ensure that the generation at risk may lead a healthy and productive lifestyle.

To read more, please visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/health/childhoodobesity/.

FITNESS QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

The 2008 Summer Olympics are quickly approaching! What is your favorite sport to watch and why? Which athlete’s progress do you plan on following throughout the competition?

Fitness Question Responses from the Month of July:

I will be following Dara Torres at these Olympics. As a 42 year old I am getting tired of hearing all the things I can't do anymore or will have to give up soon because of my "advanced age.” Having a 41 Olympian represent the USA is gratifying all by itself, but if she can win a medal it will be even sweeter. I want her to prove to everyone that getting older doesn't mean you can't be active, healthy and happy!
~Robynne C.

I am personally most motivated by the achievements of those who participate in the Paralympic Games, which will take place in Beijing directly after the Olympic Games. These athletes, blind and physically challenged, not only demonstrate the elite performance of each competitive sport, but also the determination to excel in their sport, despite the obstacles of sensory and physical challenges. These people are true examples of the power of will and human spirit. I can only hope that my efforts in fitness might reach at least a fraction of what these people achieve.
~KaeAnn R.

My favorite sport to watch at the Summer Olympics is synchronized swimming. It’s not really something you can see every day and I know from being involved in the activity when I was younger that it isn’t an easy sport. It takes hard work, determination and a team mentality to pull it off.
~Katie M.

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.

SPOTLIGHT ON PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE ADVOCATES!

US Handball in Mississippi

Free handballs will be distributed by local handball players to all youth in Mississippi who are interested in playing handball. Kids will be provided an introduction on how to play handball and will be encouraged to find a wall and play for at least 30 minutes every day. They should log their time on the President's Challenge website: http://www.presidentschallenge.org.

More handball resources are available at http://www.ushandball.org.

When the school year resumes the local handball players will return to the school to distribute awards to those who participated in the program.
Your Group Name: Play Handball
Your Group ID Number: 72411
To schedule a visit to your school contact US Handball Mississippi Chair, Joel Levy by phone at 719-201-3591, or by email at jlevy_2000@yahoo.com .

MyStationPE.com

The MyStationPE.com Fitness Lab is a collaborative effort of Station PE and the President’s Challenge Programs. The Fitness Lab is designed for High School and Middle School physical education and after school programs working toward maximizing the benefits of fitness circuit programs.

The educators and fitness experts at MyStationPE.com have worked with the President’s Challenge Programs to integrate the President’s Challenge Fitness Tests as well as the Active Lifestyle Program into this online Fitness Lab. With a focus on nutrition and goal setting, the fitness lab links activity leaders to the President’s Challenge Programs and utilizes these powerful tools in a meaningful way to teach students how to manage their own personal wellness. Educators and activity leaders will find everything they need to implement a successful Fitness Lab program

In addition, MyStationPE.com members will enjoy access to the G.Y.M. Activity Library. This section is filled with elementary and middle school lessons and activities that integrate subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and nutrition. Teachers will also find brain development concepts mixed into these integration activities. All of the G.Y.M. Activities work to meet National Content Standards in Physical Education as well as each academic area. G.Y.M. is for Great Young Minds™. Members of MyStationPE.com can also access other teaching tools in the site’s resource center such as assessment tools and rubrics, music downloads, activity calendars, and take-home wellness puzzles and worksheets.

MyStationPE.com is produced by Station PE, Inc. who works with Sportime Physical Education and Fitness & Sport to bring the newest and most relevant resources to its members across the United States. For information visit: http://www.stationpe.com/.

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! August 2008

Fitness is Fun!
August 2008