Fitness is Fun!
February 2009

Greetings from the office of the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program! You have received the February 2009 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 February:

Who is your fitness role model and why?

Please respond via E-mail to The President's Challenge at preschal@indiana.edu. We'll include the most insightful responses in the March issue of Fitness is Fun. Be sure to view the responses to the January 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:

Guidelines Featured at Upcoming National AAHPERD Conference
The 124th American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Convention and Exposition in Tampa, Florida (March 31-April 4, 2009) will feature three sessions related to the new U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:

Overview - Rear Admiral Penelope Slade-Sawyer will keynote the Opening General Session and will discuss the new Guidelines.
Scientific Basis - PCPFS Science Board members, Greg Heath, Patty Freedson and Thom McKenzie will lead the PCPFS/AAHPERD Science Partnership Session: The First National Physical Activity Guidelines—Research-based Development and Applications. Their talks will describe the scientific review process used in developing the Guidelines, illustrate how the scientific evidence base was translated into the Guidelines, and provide recommendations for how professionals promoting physically active lifestyles can assess and translate the Guidelines into promoting physical activity in various school and community settings.
Action Plan - In order to implement the Guidelines, a plan is needed. National Physical Activity Plan committee member Amelia Lee will present Creating a National Physical Activity Plan. AAHPERD is one of the key organizational partners for identifying specific strategies and this presentation will provide a summary of the mission and key characteristics of the planning process.

Challenge Poster Contest is Coming…
The Nerdel President’s Challenge Poster Game is coming soon. Look for more information from one of our exciting President’s Challenge Advocates, Nerdhealth.

Active Living Research Call for Proposals Released
Active Living Research
Application Deadline: April 28, 2009

Active Living Research supports research to inform policy and environmental strategies for increasing physical activity among children and adolescents, decreasing their sedentary behaviors and preventing obesity. Approximately $3.3 million is available in this round of funding for research grants as well as Dissertation Awards. Proposed studies must address one of the topics identified in the call for proposals.

Target populations include children and adolescents ages 3 to 18, especially those who are at greatest risk for obesity, including racial/ethnic populations and children living in under-resourced and low-income communities.

More details and how to apply

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.

President's Challenge NEWS:

Certificates with Presidential Signature
Certificates and other award items with the signature of President Obama will be available as soon as White House approval has been obtained. This would include such items as certificates for all of our programs and medallions for the Champions program. We will do our best to have this merchandise available as quickly as possible and we appreciate your understanding during this transition process. Status updates and availability will be posted on our website, and in our monthly newsletters. Any orders made with our office for these items will held until they are available.

Once again, we apologize for this inconvenience, and if you have any other questions, please let us know.

2009 Emblems 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.

We are now offering discounted rates on 2008 emblems – If you missed getting an emblem with 2008 on it we have a limited amount remaining in inventory. These collectible items will not be available when supplies run out. Check the website or contact our office for discounted rates on these emblems.

PC phasing out #1-12 Presidential Emblems
The President's Challenge will no longer offer the numbered Presidential Physical Fitness Award emblems (#1-12). We do have limited availability at this time however, 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 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.

Feature Article

New Study Reveals Swimming Can Cut Men’s Risk of Dying in Half Research shows swimming may be the prescription for longevity
A new study shows that swimming cuts men’s risk of dying by about 50% compared to runners, walkers and sedentary peers. The University of South Carolina study led by Dr. Steven Blair evaluated comprehensive physical exams and behavioral surveys from thousands of people who were enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS) over the last 32 years. The results were presented at the 2008 World Aquatic Health Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and have been published in the International Journal of Aquatic Education and Research. http://www.humankinetics.com/ijare/bissues.cfm

“Swimmers had the lowest death rate,” explains Blair. He adds that the study takes into account age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, hypertension, other medical factors and family history. “This is the first report that examined mortality rates among swimmers in comparison with other types of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle. We conclude that men who swim for exercise have better survival rates than their sedentary peers,” he summarizes.

The ACLS includes extensive medical and physical activity data on more than 40,000 men, age 20-90 years. “These lower rates in swimmers compared with walkers and sedentary men might well be expected,” comments Dr. Blair, “but it is surprising that we also observed lower mortality in swimmers than in runners,” he adds. “Therefore, swimming appears to be a healthy alternative to other types of physical activity.” The study population was limited to white, well-educated, middle-to upper-class men. While this limits the generalizability of the study, it should not affect the study’s internal validity, advises Blair. He explains that, “there is no compelling reason to assume that the benefits of swimming would be different for women or for men in other socioeconomic groups. In an earlier study in this same population we found that both women and men had similar benefits from swimming in terms of fitness and other health indicators.”

Dr. Blair also found that regular swimmers had a higher cardio respiratory fitness than walkers and sedentary people. He concludes that, “Swimming provides a healthy alternative to traditional modes of exercise for improving cardio respiratory fitness and health for the general population, as well as for the patients suffering from chronic diseases. Swimming may be a good alternative exercise for individuals who cannot participate in running or other forms of physical activity.” Future research will compare injury information between swimming and other forms of physical activity.

Founded in 1965, National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), which helped fund this research, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public health worldwide by encouraging healthier living through aquatic education and research. NSPF is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. For additional information, visit www.nspf.org.

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!

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

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
When: March 31-April 4, 2009
Where: Tampa, FL
Keynote Speaker: Acting-Executive Director Penny Slade-Sawyer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will be speaking about the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines.
http://www.aahperd.org

Activities

Childhood Obesity Conference
When: June 9-12, 2009
Where: Los Angeles, CA
The 5th biennial Childhood Obesity Conference is the largest gathering of professionals focused on the prevention of pediatric overweight in the nation with over 1,800 in attendance. The conference is devoted to providing the most pressing and innovative issues related to childhood obesity. For more information, please visit http://www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/childobesity/09/

SPECIAL FEATURE: Platinum Award & Advocates!

Congratulations to Sam Smith – Two Time Platinum Winner
Sam Smith from Kennewick, Washington does almost everything from hiking to billiards and it’s working for him. Sam has won the Platinum Award in the Presidential Champions program twice. The first time was in January of 2007 and the second time was in December of 2008. Sam is the first and only person to have won this award twice. We can’t wait to see who will be next??

Shape Up RI
Shape Up RI is a statewide exercise and weight loss challenge that was founded by Brown Medical School student Rajiv Kumar on the belief that the solution to healthy living lies in the power of teamwork and peer support. This annual campaign encourages its Rhode Island residents to pursue healthier lifestyles through increased physical activity and better nutrition. Participants compete on teams and track their weight, exercise hours, and/or pedometer steps over a twelve-week period. Over the past three years, nearly 20,000 Rhode Islanders have participated in this successful program, losing thousands of pounds, walking millions of miles, and proving that teamwork is a powerful prescription for taking control of our health. For more information on this program please visit http://www.shapeupri.org/.

Right Fit
Right Fit – Sport Fitness Wellness, LLC entered the fitness world on August 31, 2004 when Suzanne Gray and David Geslak signed the articles of incorporation. Their beginning was modest to say the least; they began training youth and adults in Suzanne’s 400 square foot basement. By December that same year they moved into a 3,000 square foot facility where all ages could feel safe and comfortable to exercise and observe the benefits of daily activity. In January 2008 Right Fit moved within Velocity Sport Performance which allowed them access to a 20,000 square foot fitness facility. This made it possible for Right Fit to teach large groups of children with special needs. In August of 2008 Right Fit began their 5th year of business.

Right Fit’s mission is to provide comprehensive and inclusive fitness and wellness programs that teach and promote the benefits of proper posture, daily exercise, efficient movement patterns and balanced nutrition as essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. This organization sets out to help youth and adults of all ages and with special needs, physical and mental challenges.

Right Fit has a number of training programs to offer its members and no matter what age group you are part of all programs will begin with a complete assessment. The key to this assessment is for the Right Fit staff to understand your strengths and weaknesses. The Adult Training, Athlete Training, Senior Training and Youth Training all have various elements within the program. Right Fit provides fitness for everybody.

To view an article on Right Fit please visit the NCPAD website http://www.ncpad.org/yourwrites/fact_sheet.php?sheet=668.

Right Fit is also proud to showcase their programs at local schools, community centers and national conventions. For more information please visit the Right Fit website at http://www.right-fit.com/.

NEWS AND RESEARCH:

2009 Carol M. White PEP Grants
The 2009 Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) competition is now open: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-956.htm.

The Carol M. White Physical Education Program provides grants to LEAs and community-based organizations (CBOs) to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Grant recipients must implement programs that help students make progress toward meeting state standards. The deadline for submission of applications is March 6, 2009. Applications may be submitted in paper format or through www.grants.gov.

How can I find out more?
Visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index.html, or contact Carlette Huntley at carlette.huntley@ed.gov or (202) 245-7871.

Fit Kids Get Better Grades
By Michael O'Shea
Publication Date: 01/11/2009

As childhood obesity rates soar and kids spend more time sitting in front of their computers than playing outdoors, diabetes and other weight-related illnesses are on the rise. But physical health isn’t the only thing at stake.

According to a study by the California Department of Education, kids’ fitness levels also may affect their performance in school. The study found that increased amounts of physical fitness translated into higher academic achievement at each of the three grade levels measured. The benefits were most evident in math scores. And girls, particularly those at higher fitness levels, demonstrated greater achievement than boys. Another study, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also found that increased physical activity had a positive effect on academic performance.

Previous research has led doctors to surmise that exercise may encourage new brain-cell growth. A workout for your body also is a workout for your mind. Help kids get in shape, and they may bring home higher test scores and better grades.

‘Strength for life’ tips from a fitness expert
February 9, 2009
The Wichita Eagle

The New Year brings resolutions, crowded fitness clubs, and a short burst of enthusiasm for setting and achieving goals. In reality, much of the enthusiasm is short-lived, and after the initial excitement, many of us fall prey to old habits. So, here we are a month or so into the New Year, and I thought that some fitness and nutrition reinforcements were in order.

There are 5 tips to help stay on track and not fall short of your fitness goals.

Realize that health is not enough!
Don’t start today
Focus
Throw away the scales
Aim for “nutritional freedom”

To read more, please visit http://www.kansas.com/living/family/story/693655.html.

Encouraging your kids to play, exercise, be healthy
February 8, 2009
Pressdemocrat.com

Children are growing mammals, and like all mammals, they need to move. Just watch a baby or a toddler. Pay attention to how much they move and then try to exactly mimic those movements yourself. Even if you could match their flexibility and stamina, you’d most likely wear out within a minute or two. But they keep going, burning more calories-per-pound as part of their normal day than some adults manage to burn in a whole week. This is normal, healthy behavior for children.

To read more, please visit http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090208/LIFESTYLE13/902080308?Title=Encouraging_your_kids_to_play__exercise__be_healthy.

8 tips for a better body breakthrough
MSNBC.com

What’s standing between you and a hot body? Boredom? Lack of motivation? Too little time? Chances are you’re in an exercise rut. We had readers list top fitness frustrations, then went to experts for ideas to revive any routine. Try their techniques and see amazing results. You’ll be saying, “I can’t wait to work out!”

To read more, please visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26665753/?pg=1#Health_BetterBodyBreakthrough.

FITNESS QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

What New Year’s resolution(s) have you made to stay/become more physically fit?

Fitness question responses from the month of January:

I just recently moved to an apartment and now I park in front of another building and walk to my apartment which is on the third floor so I have to walk up the stairs. No elevators. I have also joined Curves and go 3 times a week. So far I am down 7 pounds just from those slight changes.
~Dolores D.

This year my wife and I have decided to make our resolution to be the biggest loser. Each week (Sunday night at 8pm) we weigh in to see who has the biggest percentage of weight lose. The way we made this competitive is by having different chose around the house for the person that lost for the week. A t the end of our 10 weeks the winner will receive a $100 gift card to their favorite clothing store. We both decided on a ten week goal before starting this adventure. In the last three weeks we have changed our eating habits along with workout habits and have seen a great gain in the early stages.
~Justin S.

My son’s elementary school does a Walk-A-Thon, to raise money for his school. They do not sell cookie dough, candy, etc. They ask for donation to walk around the football field. Last year his school raised $15,000. This was designed to fight childhood obesity as well as raise money for school supplies. My son’s school was recognized by local newspapers and Today USA newspaper.
~Angel J.

I am trying to exercise 45 minutes a day at least 5 days each week. In Montana, we have a special program called Shape Up Montana that runs from February through April. Teams compete either in activity mode or a weight loss mode. The teams come from all over Montana. Each team is responsible for recording daily activities for each member and weight loss each month. It is a fun to get active and compete.
~Ann T.

I have resolved to make one small change each month toward my overall health. In January, I am cutting down my sugar intake drinking one full glass of water in between sodas and replacing my first drink of the day, which over the last year has been soda, with either green tea, blackberry tea, or water. In February, my plan is to add a 10 minute workout to my morning routine before work be setting my alarm 20 minutes earlier and stretching for a few minutes and then using a workout DVD in the living room before I wake up the kids. I don’t know what I will do in March but the last week of each month I will think about what small change will make the greatest impact on my fitness and health. Some changes will expand those I have already made, like eliminating soda all together or cutting out other sugary treats, some will be totally different as I learn better ways to improve my diet and physical fitness one small change at a time.
~Kim B.

This year I made a resolution to get into great physical shape by December 1st. I did not want to set a goal as to an amount of weight to lose because I want to build more muscle and not necessarily be skinnier but be very toned. I also decided that December 1st would be the perfect date for two reasons: 1-my husband and I are taking a long over due vacation to the Caribbean and I want to make sure he is only looking at me, and 2-if I make the foal 11 months away this will become a life-style-change and not a diet-plan. The ultimate goal is to change the way I eat and exercise to make it become a natural part of my life… just like brushing my teeth.
~Nicole K.

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!

AOM

PTA America on the Move Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities across our nation make positive changes to improve the health and quality of life of all their citizens. The Foundation's flagship program, America on the Move (AOM), initiates and maintains meaningful and measurable individual, social, and environmental behavior changes that support healthy eating and active living habits. AOM's science-based programs provide the support and tools that help individuals of all ages manage weight effectively through energy balance - a balance of energy in calories consumed with the amount of energy burned through daily activity. AOM programs are implemented through communities, employer groups, schools and other organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.americaonthemove.org.

FEEDBACK:

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Fitness is Fun! February 2009

Fitness is Fun!
February 2009