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The Presidents Challenge

CONTENTS

PCPFS News:
  Executive Director
  PAG Call
  PAG - AAHPERD
  Poster Contest
  Research Digest
PC News:
  New Brochure
  National Challenge
  2009 Emblems
  Presidential Signature
  Emblem Phase-out
  Sit & Reach Box
  Testing Score Pads
Slow and Steady:
  Staying Fit
Upcoming Events:
  Conferences
  Activities
Special Feature:
  Just Have A Ball
News and Research:
  PEP Grants
  Rock Hard Core
  Anger Expression
Fitness Question
Special Thanks
Spotlight
  PTA
Feedback


Your it Image

Fitness is Fun!
January 2009

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

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

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

Executive Director Changes
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize outgoing PCPFS Executive Director Melissa Johnson for her tireless efforts and dedication over the past five years. Under her direction the PCPFS has formed many great partnerships, launched new programs and continued to be the Nation’s source for physical activity and fitness information. We look forward to hearing about her next Challenge and know that she will continue to be a great voice for the PCPFS and the President’s Challenge.

RADM Penelope Slade-Sawyer, P.T., M.S.W. will serve as the acting-Executive Director for the PCPFS during this transition process. She currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health in the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and will continue this position while overseeing the PCPFS. “Penny” is not new to the Council having served as the acting-Executive Director previously in 2003. We welcome her back!

Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter Network Conference Call
On January 6, 2009, Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, welcomed over 700 people on a conference call to launch the Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter Network. This network is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in collaboration with The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. According to Johnson, the number of people on the call shows the interest and enthusiasm generated by the guidelines which were officially launched on October 7, 2008.

The call assisted in providing information about the Physical Activity Guidelines and a panel of supporters spoke about actions they were taking to promote the Guidelines. The panel of supporters included Dr. Bill Kraus, Dr. Jim Pivarnik, Joe Moore, and Sheila Franklin.

Dr. Kraus with the American Heart Association (AHA) stated that the AHA adopted the Physical Activity Guidelines as the official position of the AHA. The AHA recognizes a need for an increased level of physical education and communication to patients in a clinical setting. Also, the START! Campaign, a program of the AHA, stresses the importance of walking and can be a beneficial program for employers to effectively improve employees’ heart health. Finally, the partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the AHA encourages children to make healthy lifestyle choices. All of these initiatives support and correspond with the Physical Activity Guidelines.

Dr. Jim Pivarnik, President-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) addressed the overarching goal of the ACSM ensuring an effective and consistent understanding of the use of the Guidelines. He also said that this is only the beginning of the effort and that continual efforts must be made to promote and enact the Guidelines. ACSM supports the Guidelines in many ways including an online resource center, regional chapters, and affiliations with other organizations to ensure these groups are aware of the Guidelines.

Joe Moore served as another panelist representing the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). He spoke of the positive response from the club industry and that communicating the Guidelines is a top priority for IHRSA. Activities that IHRSA uses to promote the Guidelines include an announcement sent to over 10,000 clubs, a press release supporting the launch, and a future goal is the creation of a database with media materials to assist in the promotion of the Guidelines.

Sheila Franklin, Executive Director for the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) spoke of the Guidelines and how they impact policy decisions and science based research. The NCPPA is looking through the Guidelines and pulling out “sound bites” of all of the materials to create an informational sheet. Franklin also discussed the creation of a national plan for physical activity currently in planning stages. More information may be found at http://www.physicalactivityplan.org.

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…
Get ready for the PC POSTER contest - start noting the different sports, cities and activities on this year's PC poster. To view the poster visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/pdf/PosterLo.pdf. Please keep in mind this is a large file and may take a few minutes to download.

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:

New President’s Challenge Information
The new President’s Challenge brochure is now available. You can download a copy by visiting http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/downloads.aspx and clicking on “2008-09 President’s Challenge Brochure”.

National President’s Challenge - Hold the Dates!
Back by popular demand, the second National President's Challenge is scheduled for May 1 - July 24, 2009. Everyone aged 6 and older is encouraged to Rise to the Challenge. This Challenge is for people of all levels of fitness and physical activity - - for those who haven't worked out for years, for elite athletes, and everyone in between. You can challenge yourself with your own personal goals. Every little bit will count, although the more you do, the more points you will gain for yourself and your state. All participants will be recognized with a certificate of participation, and the top five winning states will again be honored for the highest amount of points. You can do this Challenge on your own, with a friend, your family, school or company. This is perfect for both individuals and groups. Stay tuned for more information!

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.

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.

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.


Slow and Steady – Winning Resolutions

TIPS FOR STAYING FIT BY COACH STACY FOWLER, M.S., C.P.T.
So here are some tips to keep that Holiday Jingle Jangle – the inevitable 1-5 pounds of additional fat brought on by 3,000 calorie feasts -- from taking over your waistline during the Holiday season.

As the ball dropped at Times Square on New Year's Eve, so began a new round of resolutions. Do these look familiar?

  • Lose weight
  • Get in shape
  • Eat better
  • Get healthy

They’re all noble resolutions, for sure. But most of us who resolve such broad and unspecific self improvements – well, we usually fall off the wagon before the end of January. So what’s the secret to winning resolutions? Stick by the old adage, “slow and steady wins the race.” Rome wasn’t conquered in a day, and neither will you lose weight, get in shape, eat better or get healthy without a specific and realistic game plan. Gradual lifestyle changes tend to be the ones that stick – and goals that are personal tend to be more achievable. Here are ten specific resolutions that promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit and won’t lead you to thinking you might have bitten off more than you can chew:
  1. Sit up straight: I know, I’m sounding like your mom. But if you want to create the illusion of looking ten pounds lighter, work on your posture. Standing, walking and sitting up straight make you look younger, stronger, thinner and more confident. Slow and steady – every time you hear a commercial on the radio or television, check your posture.
  2. Eat more fruits and vegetables: You know the drill – fruits and vegetables are the original health foods. They provide much needed vitamins and minerals as well as critical dietary fiber. Slow and steady – set your sights on colors. This week concentrate on green – dark leafy green vegetables, and green apples, grapes and kiwis. Next week concentrate on another color like red or yellow.
  3. Cut out fat: That’s actually not very good advice, as fat provides the body much needed Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Slow and steady – include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados. Limit your trans-fats such as those found in meats, cheese and processed foods.
  4. Move: You’re not going to transform your body in a day. Slow and steady – start with a short walk most days of the week and build up to daily 30 minute walks. If you don’t enjoy walking, try bike rides, swimming or dancing. Start up a weight routine at your local gym or recreation center – or create a home gym. Consult with a trainer who can get you started on the right routine for you.
  5. Reduce the junk: Junk foods, that is – and if you have a sweet tooth, this might be the hardest resolution to keep. Slow and steady – instead of eliminating soda altogether, cut your intake in half. For example, if you drop your consumption from ten to five cans of soda per week, you’ll lose 12 pounds per year! Substitute healthy, low calorie water drinks such as Propel or drink green tea instead. Bring a nutritious lunch to work – you’ll save both money and calories. Keep some healthy snacks on hand in your desk and eat those in the middle of the afternoon instead of heading to the vending machine for that candy bar. And don’t deny yourself entirely those sweet and salty treats – just learn to eat them in moderation.
  6. Eat slowly and focus on your food: I have a bad habit of eating too fast – a throwback to my days of coaching and eating on the run. Slow and steady (literally) – it takes the brain about 20 minutes to signal the stomach that you are full. It just makes sense to eat slowly so that you don’t overeat before you realize that you’re actually full. Eating slowly can save you about 200 calories per meal. Eating without the TV can also save you calories – plus, you’ll tend to savor and appreciate your food more. Start your meals with smaller portions – you can always go back for more if you’re still hungry.
  7. Write it down: Research has shown that by writing down what you eat and how much you exercise you can double your results. Wearing a pedometer will garner similar results. Slow and steady – wear your pedometer and log your daily steps in your calendar. Your goal is to build up to 10,000 steps per day. Each day add 200-500 steps until you reach the goal. Log your daily food intake in a similar fashion – and don’t forget to include those mindless munchies that may account for so much of your daily eating!
  8. Stop stressing: Our minds are a lot like our cars – if they’re constantly running, they’ll wear out. Slow and steady – treat your mind as well as you treat your car and let it rest some each day. Take time to breathe deeply for a few minuets each day. Better yet, take up yoga and get a massage every now and then.
  9. Make time for you: Your day job never seems to wrap up at 5:00 and those late nights damage your social life as well as your health. Slow and steady – that tendency of yours of trying to “squeeze one more task in before you go home”? Get over it! One hour before quitting time you need to decide what absolutely has to be finished and what can wait until tomorrow. Learn to delegate where you can, and remember, you can say “no” sometimes. Spend those newfound minutes each day on your health and relationships. One more thing – go play! Recreation can refresh both your mind and body.
  10. Motivations to go: Load up your life with positive elements. Slow and steady – choose some fun music to sync to your iPod while you work out. Find some inspiring quotes that inspire you and tape them to your computer monitor, dashboard, or cubicle. These are taped to mine:

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." Leo Tolstoy
"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back." Babe Ruth
“Don't wait for your ship to come in; swim out to it." Anonymous

Resolve this year to be healthy – but keep it real. Take things slow and steady – focus on feeling healthy and the “looking good” part will follow. Stop seeking excuses for why you can’t get in shape. Instead, find reasons to get up and move more. Like I always say, “When you’re moving you’re improving!”

“When you’re moving you’re improving!”

Coach Stacy Fowler, M.S., C.P.T.
President, Colorado Governor's Council for Physical Fitness
You can contact her at proudcoach@earthlink.net.

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
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: Just Have A Ball

Just Have A Ball Just Have a Ball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises the awareness of play as a way to combat childhood obesity in Mississippi. In 2007, the Child and Youth Prevalence of Overweight Survey (CAYPOS) found that 25.3 percent of Mississippi elementary students grades K-5 are obese with another 18.3 percent overweight.

In an assembly format, Just Have a Ball promotes to Mississippi elementary students the advantages of play and the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Each student takes home a sports ball that does not require other equipment. Balls are also given to the Physical Education program to assist them in meeting the Mississippi Healthy Students Act mandate of 150 minutes per week of activity based instruction. In addition, Just Have a Ball supports the Office of Healthy School’s initiative to promote family and community involvement in the school environment. Since its inception in January 2008, Just Have a Ball has given approximately 5,700 Mississippi elementary students a sports ball.

The mission of Just Have a Ball is to increase the opportunities for Mississippi elementary students to be physically active. Just Have a Ball is a simple, but effective tool for combating childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that young people say they like physical activity because it is fun. Just Have a Ball supports a child’s natural tendency towards play as a method for staying physically fit and active. Exercise sounds hard and daunting, but play is fun and accomplishes the same results! Research confirms that play not only keeps our children happy and healthy, but it also helps to stimulate brain development and attentiveness in children. Play also promotes social interaction that leads to skill development in coping, conflict resolution, creative thinking, communication, and imagination.

Furthermore, volunteer spokespersons – such as current and former professional athletes – reinforce the importance of play and motivate children to participate in this effort. We have all witnessed the excitement and joy of a child when presented with a gift. Just Have a Ball uses this simple foundation to expose children to healthy lifestyles. The gift is reinforced with simple instructions on how to play and endorsed by credible figures.

In conjunction with the Office of Healthy Schools, Just Have a Ball provides lesson plans to the Physical Education (or designated teacher) on ways the students can play and contests to engage the students in by using their sports balls. The program is also measured by working with the school’s wellness coordinator, nurse (or designated employee) and community leaders to survey the students and schools.

Youth Philanthropists Wilson (10 years old) and Hartwell (seven years old) Furr founded Just Have a Ball. Positive leaders with a sense of social responsibility, they identified a need in their community and through Just Have a Ball, they are addressing the need and seeking a solution.

Wilson and Hartwell are Peer to Peer Just Have A Ball Assembly Speakers. The Mississippi Preventing Obesity with Every Resource (POWER) Project recommends in their 2007 Environmental Scan of Childhood Obesity Efforts strategies that youth engage in planning and delivering programs. The report specifically states that youth can best reach their peers. Youth philanthropy has a proven, substantial impact on participants and communities.

Contact Us
Allison Fisackerly: Parent, Member of International Ballet Competition Board, Former Grassroots Manager for two national trade associations, Former Political Action Committee Director for a national trade association. allisonf1@mac.com

Luis Bruno: Executive Chef to Governor of Mississippi, Author of Don’t Feel Guilty, Eat It! Community Leader and Healthy Living Speaker for organizations such as Marathon Makeover, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, The American Heart Association, The Junior League of Jackson Kids in the Kitchen and numerous others.

Denise Furr: Community Advocate and Parent, Realtor, Member of Jackson Association of Realtors and Mississippi Association of Realtors, Advisory Board Member of Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Former Executive Director of LifeShare Foundation, Past Member of Mississippi Children’s Home Society, Past Junior League of Jackson Promotions Director of Mississippi Children’s Museum, Past Chairman of Pepsi Pops. 601.503.4000


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 deadline for submission of applications is March 6, 2009. Applications may be submitted in paper format or through www.grants.gov. The full RFP and application information has been posted at http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/applicant.html. A summary of the program is below.

Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress (PEP)

Who is offering this grant? The program is offered by the US Department of Education (ED)—Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS).

What is the purpose? The program provides grants to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for K-12 students in order to help them make progress toward meeting state standards for physical education.

What types of activities might be supported? Funds may be used to provide equipment and support to enable students to participate actively in physical education activities. Funds may also support staff and teacher training and education. Supported equipment includes Heart rate monitors; fitness assessment technology; adventure equipment; fitness center equipment; weight lifting equipment; lifetime fitness equipment such as: bicycles, cross-country skis, snowshoes, ice skates, snowboards, etc.; among others.

Who can apply? Local education agencies (school districts) and community-based organizations are eligible to apply.

When is the application due? 3/6/2009—This competition is now open!

When should I get started? PEP grants are major undertakings, and these grants have become extremely competitive. You should begin preparations IMMEDIATELY.

How much is available? $78,000,000 is expected to be available in 2009 for new and continuing grant awards. Of that amount the total available for new awards is not yet known. ED is anticipating approximately 88-95 new awards.

How much can I request? The average award size is $100,000 to $500,000 per year for one to three years.

Do I have to offer a match of any kind? Yes, you are obligated to match 10% the total project cost the first year and 25% of the total project cost each year for the second and third years. In-kind matching is acceptable—a cash match is NOT required.

When will the awards be made? Awards are typically made in August-September following the application’s due date, though awards were announced in July in 2008.

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.

Walk This Way for a Rock-Hard Core
MSNBC.com
This exercise not only makes it easier for you to carry an actual suitcase as you’re sprinting through an airport, but also does much more: It challenges your obliques while strengthening your forearms, deltoids, and trapezoids, says Dan John, a national masters champion in Olympic lifting.

To read more, please visit http://health.msn.com/fitness/mens-fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100218839.

Exercise Helps Overweight Children Reduce Anger Expression
Sciencedaily.com, December 3, 2008
The first published study on the topic looked at 208 typically sedentary 7 to 11-year-olds who participated in a 10-15 week afterschool program or maintained their usual inactive routine. The Pediatric Expression Scale, used to gauge common anger expressions such as slamming doors and hitting, was given before and after the program.

To learn more, please visit http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124130951.htm.


FITNESS QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

With the cold weather, how are you adjusting your exercise routine?

Fitness question responses from the month of December:


I work in an office building that is a former warehouse! It is 400 yards long. During my lunch break, I throw on sneakers and briskly walk the length of the building for a half hour. I figure that I walk about 1600 yards. It certainly brings up my heart rate. Plus, I eat less afterwards and it makes my mind sharper for the rest of my work day.
~Linda C.

During the winter months in Wisconsin, you have to go to the gym (unless you ski, snowshoe or cross country ski). I do the treadmill, stationary bike and some weights. Still, I have to walk the dogs, but depending on the weather day-to-day, that’s usually a shorter amount of time for me.
~Lynn M.

In winter, we find alternatives to walking outside. Often we go to a small mall nearby which has a covered walkway outside. We make 2 rounds inside and then we warm up, make 3 rounds in the walkway, where we don’t have to worry about snow and ice. We get nice sun and fresh air.
~Kusum G.

As Thoreau wrote in Walden, “[firewood] warmed me twice-once while I was splitting them, and again when they were on the fire, so that no fuel could give out more heat.” Splitting firewood is a great core workout, and those rare occasions when you split a log with a single strike is as satisfying as a 300 yard drive in golf.
~Tim W.

I discovered that my cable provider Time Warner has Exercise TV on Demand. I can tune in to 200 different exercise programs- from wild and crazy aerobics to strength intervals and yoga. My living room becomes my gym. I’ve bought 3-5 and 10 lb weights. I have bands and a ceiling fan for cooling the room off!
~Marsha W.

I use gymnastic rings hanging from basement ceiling during cold weather. I do dips, pull-ups, rows, front levers and I even attempt an iron cross. Besides myself, my 3-year-old daughter loves hanging from them and pretending she is a gymnast! We are building tremendous strength in our upper body, core and stabilizer muscles!
~Doug J.


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!

PTA

PTA With more than 5 million members, PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. PTA promotes parent involvement in schools and mobilizes its members to take action on issues that benefit students, families, schools, and communities. Children’s health and wellness has been a top concern for PTA since its earliest days, and PTA continues to advocate for the national, state, and local levels for policies that promote the health and wellness of children. Further, through the PTA Healthy Lifestyles initiative and other programs, PTA promotes physical activity and healthy eating in school communities across the nation. The PTA national organization provides local PTAs with the resources they need to implement such programs, and helps ensure that parents have access to the most current and reliable information to help their families incorporate healthy habits into their day-to-day lives. A collection of parent resources on health and wellness is available on the PTA national website at http://www.pta.org/parent_resources.html. To learn more about what PTA can do for your school and community, visit http://www.pta.org/.


FEEDBACK:

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A program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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