Regular physical activity, fitness, and exercise are critically important for the health and well being of people of all ages. Research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals can benefit from regular physical activity, whether they participate in vigorous exercise or some type of moderate health-enhancing physical activity.

The Wellness Committee proposes to develop a strategic vision of health and wellness for the Wellness Program at Headquarters. Additionally, we propose to disseminate this strategic plan to all American Indian and Alaska Native communities interested in developing and/or strengthening their own health and wellness programs. A goal of the strategic vision is to empower individuals and communities to take responsibility for their health by nurturing peer leadership and attempting to change the social culture of the community into one that is fitness oriented. This challenge can be accomplished by selecting two to three Wellness Coordinators from your current staff and allowing five to ten percent of their staff time to be devoted to planning, implementing, and evaluating the strategic vision as developed for the IHS. These coordinators would be responsible for leading Wellness Committee members in developing the Agency's strategic vision for wellness and fitness.