Fitness is Fun!
November 2008

Greetings from the office of the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program! You have received the November 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 November:

Some families go for walks, some play football, some even go play golf. Are there any physical activities that your families do to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday? If so, we would really love to hear 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 December issue of Fitness is Fun. Be sure to view the responses to the October 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:

Presidential Fitness Award Presented to Thoreau
Mayor Tom Barrett, County Supervisor Toni Clark, and Brett Fuller, MPS Director of Wellness & Prevention, presented Thoreau Elementary School and staff, as a President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Demonstration Center. Thoreau is the very first school in all of Milwaukee County, and only the second school in the entire state of Wisconsin to ever receive the prestigious award. The award highlights those who promote physically active lifestyles. Raymond Collie, Principal, and Harry Orkowski, Physical Education Teacher, also recognized the Food Service staff’s contribution by setting a positive example by walking together every day. For more information on how your school can become a PCPFS Demonstration Center visit the School Recognition section of the President’s Challenge website at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition.aspx.

New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
On October 7, 2008 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) announced the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. President Bush announced these Guidelines at the White House in his remarks to the 2008 Olympians and President's Council members, followed by an official launch by HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports also hosted a Partnership Forum, where representatives from various organizations shared their plans for disseminating, utilizing, and promoting the Guidelines.

To date, over 1,000 individuals or organizations have signed up at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines to become a Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter. If you haven't done so yet, feel free to sign up as a Supporter and receive the Guidelines toolkit for free. The toolkit includes the Guidelines, fact sheets, FAQ's, posters, event fliers, a power point presentation, and a CD of all materials for easy printing. As a Supporter, you will also be invited to participate in webinars and conference calls with other Supporters to share ideas for continual and ongoing outreach.

The main theme of the Guidelines is "Be Active Your Way"! As stated in his opening letter in the Guidelines, Secretary Leavitt states, "The good news is that these Guidelines are achievable and can be customized according to a person's interests, lifestyle, and goals." There is more flexibility built into these Guidelines when compared to previous recommendations; i.e. for adults, working out 30 minutes/day, five days/week is now ONE way to meet the Guidelines. You can get the same health benefits by being active 50 minutes/day, three days/week. The key is that adults should do at least 150 minutes (2-1/2 hours) of moderate intensity activity to achieve substantial health benefits - - preferably spread throughout the week. The same health benefits can also be achieved with 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity activity.

Health benefits of physical activity occur for children and adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group. With regular physical activity, children and adolescents are able to improve their cardio and muscular fitness, along with bone health, and can also reduce symptoms of depression. Adults, younger and older, lower the risk of coronary disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and colon and breast cancer and can help prevent falls and reduce depression. Regular physical activity can also benefit older adults by allowing them to enjoy better thinking ability, and it can also help with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions affecting the joints by improving pain management, function, and quality of life.

Some type of physical activity is better than no type of physical activity. The more physically active you are, the more benefits you will be able to reap. For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases through higher intensity levels, greater frequency, and/or longer duration. But remember to be safe as well as active. These Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans include tips for safe physical activity. An example would be choosing activities that are appropriate for current fitness level and health goals. Another example would be to increase physical activity gradually over time to meet those guidelines or health goals. Also remember to use appropriate gear and sports equipment and look for safe environments.

For more information about Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, please visit http://www.fitness.gov or http://www.health.gov/paguidelines.

ADULT FITNESS TEST
The PCPFS launched an online Adult Fitness Test in May 2008 in Washington, D.C. 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. The most recent issue focuses on Promoting Physical Activity Using Technology. To view or subscribe to the Digest please visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/news_research/research_digest.aspx.

President's Challenge NEWS:

Certificates with Presidential Signature

Certificates and other award items with the signature of the new President will be available as soon as White House approval has been obtained following President-elect Obama’s inauguration on January 20, 2009. Any orders placed before this date will be sent certificates with the current President unless otherwise noted on the order. We will do our best to have the new certificates available as quickly as possible and we appreciate your understanding during this transition process.

Presidential Emblem (2008) Emblems with year are here!

For the first time ever the President's Challenge is 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. Ordering information is available in our brochure and on the online Order Center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx.

PC phasing out #1-12 Presidential Emblems

The President’s Challenge has begun to phase out 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 & Reach Box 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 has them available now. These flexibility testers are easy to assemble and feature the President’s Challenge logo on each side. Ordering information is available in our brochure and on the online Order Center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx.

Scorepads Physical Fitness Score Pads

You asked for it, you got it. We now have 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. Ordering information is available in our brochure and on the online Order Center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS

The President’s Challenge will be exhibiting at the following conferences, please stop by and say hi to our friendly staff!

Ohio Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD)
When: December 3-5
Where: Columbus, OH
http://www.ohahperd.org

California Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD)
When: March 19-22, 2009
Where: Santa Clara, CA
http:/www.cahperd.org

AAHPERD Conference
When: March 31-April 4, 2009
Where: Tampa, FL
Speaker: Penny Royal, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Disease Prevention, and Health Promotion will be speaking about the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines
http://www.aahperd.org

Activities

Sixth Annual International Council on Active Aging Conference
Expand your wellness horizons at the ICAA Conference, December 4-6, 2008 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas. Whether you are a CEO, manager, wellness director or personal trainer, there is something for you at the ICAA Conference 2008. Leave the conference with cutting-edge information, resources and tools to help you make the most of the opportunities you’re pursuing. For more information, please visit http://icaa.cc/convention.htm

SPECIAL FEATURE: United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol Takes Fitness to New Levels with an Annual Wellness Routine Supported by the President’s Challenge Online Program

USCG International Ice Patrol

Good personal fitness goes a long way towards living a happier, healthier, and injury-free life. Members of the International Ice Patrol (IIP) take this concept to heart. Due to their job requirements of flying aircraft reconnaissance over the North Atlantic Ocean on board Coast Guard Hercules (HC-130H) aircraft, it is critical that these individuals maintain a healthy state of both physical and mental well-being. IIP operates a comprehensive unit fitness program that contains both seasonal and annual elements in pursuit of excellent physical condition for its members.

Ice Patrol Pushups During the ice season, which typically ranges from February through July, Ice Patrol personnel are regularly deployed to St. John’s, Newfoundland as part of an Ice Reconnaissance Detachment (IRD). The IRD crew members are afforded the opportunity to exercise after hours and on days the aircraft is grounded. IIP provides access to contracted fitness facilities in St. John’s and often long hikes are organized and conducted along the various legs of the Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail. When back at the IIP office locate at the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut in Groton, CT, members are permitted an extra hour during their lunch hour to exercise. At the campus, a newly renovated gymnasium, including cardiovascular machines, weightlifting equipment, a collegiate competition-size swimming pool, and a basketball court is available for use by both IIP and U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center personnel.

From August through November after the ice season closes, IIP begins a semi-weekly organized physical fitness program that includes calisthenics followed by an ultimate Frisbee match. This all hands activity is conducted near the end of the workday at a minimum of two days per week. Personnel are also encouraged to participate in a wide range of fitness activities, including membership in various athletic leagues and organized long distance runs. All members are tested on a standard fitness battery at the beginning and end of this organized fitness season. This battery is conducted at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and includes push ups, sit ups, and a 1.5 mile run. The purpose of testing is to measure the individual and group improvement among IIP members.

Ice Patrol Sackrace In September of each year, IIP holds a morale event to celebrate the end of the ice season that is centered on fitness. This event, called the “IIP Olympics,” is a competition between the three branches of Ice Patrol’s organization: Administration, Ice Operations, and Ice Information in several fun, physical events, such as potato sack races, tug of war, basketball free throw shooting, football field goal kicking, and water balloon tosses. These activities encourage teamwork and esprit de corps while increasing the fitness of all participants. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are distributed to all individual winners, and the winning branch has its name engraved on a plaque displayed in the IIP office space that lists the branch and team members’ names from all past IIP Olympics events.

Ice Patrol Training Beginning in November, IIP modifies the semi-weekly physical fitness program to include swimming and water polo. These activities prepare members for the annual swim test and survival training required for all IIP personnel as Aviation Mission Specialists (AMS). The swim test involves swimming 75 yards in a flight suit, flight boots, and a weighted vest to simulate aircraft ditching conditions. Members also conduct survival training where they must don survival suits while in the pool wearing flight suits and boots. Each individual must then be able to enter a life raft.

Before the ice season begins in February, IIP enlists the help of the Coast Guard’s Regional Health Promotion Manager from Boston, MA to conduct Personal Wellness Profiles of all active duty personnel. These profiles include the results from the physical fitness test and incorporate body fat and weight measurements, a cholesterol screening, and a comprehensive survey of individual eating, sleeping, and medicinal habits.

In addition to these seasonal activities, IIP encourages fitness year-round with several support programs. In accordance with service-wide requirements for all Coast Guard active duty members, everyone at IIP develops an annual basic fitness plan that is reviewed by supervisors and the Unit Health Promotion Coordinator every six months. These plans include information on type, duration, and frequency of fitness activities. Supervisors address the existence of and adherence to the annual fitness plan during each member’s performance evaluation. Additionally, all members are encouraged to register online and compete against one another in the Advanced Performance level of the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. This program is used to document and monitor participants’ fitness activities. Points are awarded for each activity entered into the program. For every 20,000 points earned, IIP members are presented with an award certificate and are granted 24 hours of special liberty. Each member at the unit has the potential to earn one award per quarter for a maximum total of four awards per year. Recognizing physical activity in this manner supports both personal and unit fitness goals.

The International Ice Patrol has a very important mission: to monitor iceberg danger near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and provide the limits of all known ice to the maritime community. In order to fulfill this mission during the ice season, IIP personnel must deploy up to twice per month to Canada for up to nine days at a time and, even when at their home base in Groton, must stand long hours of watches in the unit’s Operations Center creating products depicting the location of ice for the North Atlantic mariner. These taxing duties require members to be both physically and mentally astute. The fitness program at the Ice Patrol clearly prepares its people for these immense challenges.

NEWS AND RESEARCH:

Royal Health Awareness Society launches student training activity
AME Info, October 26, 2008
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr. Taiseer Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education, and in the presence of the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, His Excellency Mr. Michael O. Leavitt, the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS) held a student training activity for the 4th Tournament of King Abdullah II Award for Physical Fitness. To read more, please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/173015.html.

Health initiatives target obesity
Nine English towns have been chosen to try out a series of health initiatives that are designed to head off a looming epidemic of obesity. Among the ideas being tested in the Healthy Towns program is a loyalty card which allows individuals to earn points by buying health food and taking part in exercise. These points can be redeemed for free sportswear or games equipment. To learn more, please visit http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gd6Dwc3DzQMYXYBDPVahYB1RgS_g.

FITNESS QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

Have the current economic conditions given you reason to be more physically active? If so, what changes have you made?

Fitness Question Responses from the Month of October:

In the past, I would bicycle to work about once a week or so, but when the price of gas spiked, I changed that to 3-4 times a week. Even though the price of gas has fallen recently, it still makes sense to keep it up. This means fewer fill ups, less maintenance costs, and more opportunities to keep fit!
~Bob S.

Yes. Even before the economy took a downturn I had decided to get in shape so that I could re-enlist in the Army National Guard after about an 8 year break. I was mostly motivated by Patriotism, but with the economy down, I am now more motivated to serve again by the desire to ensure retirement funds for later in life, as well as some addition to income in the present time. Being in better physical condition is a side-effect of that. The changes I have made have been an adjustment in diet, tracking physical activity, and taking on a martial art as a means of structured exercise.
~Jeremy B.

I think it is important to always remain active, but there are a few incentives that come to mind when I think about the current economy and some of the changes many people are making because of it. People are spending less time behind the wheel, this cuts down on the pollution that many runners, walkers and bikers are breathing in during outdoor activities (especially in big cities). Also, riding your bike to work also cuts down on pollution and commuting expenses. I leave near my gym, so whenever I go I walk or run. I also walk to the nearby stores to run errands. I take my dog with me so he gets some exercise at the same time. Since I am doing less shopping and driving, I have more time to exercise!
~Molly C.

I’ve been more active this year because I hesitate to drive now. Gas is so expensive, and now I’m nervous about the economy in general. I was going to take a driving trip this summer, but had to scrap that… stayed home and rode my bike around.
~Beverly 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!

Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) challenged the three largest cities in its region (Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.) to participate in a program supporting the Department's "Steps to a Healthier US" initiative. By working with community partners from the private and public sectors, each city challenged their communities to develop positive lifestyle behaviors. The Mayor's Office of Health and Fitness in Philadelphia was instrumental in providing guidance and expertise in developing a "Health Trip" Passport for participants from the three cities to aid in tracking progress. Participants who achieved the required number of "frequent mover miles" in their passport were eligible for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award from the President's Challenge. These three cities challenged their communities to undertake the 12-week HealthTrip program, and they have sponsored at least one special event a month promoting the Steps to a Healthier US initiative.

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! November 2008

Fitness is Fun!
November 2008