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Meeting Minutes
The President's
Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
(PCPFS)
June 21, 2002
Hubert H. Humphrey
Building
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Prepared for
PCPFS
Prepared by
Elements in Style, Inc.
15065 Joshua Tree Road
North Potomac, MD 20878
Call to Order
Chairman Lynn Swann called the meeting
to order at 8:08 a.m. He welcomed participants, introduced
staff members, and stated that the Council can make
a difference in communicating the benefits of an athletic
and healthy life to the country. Tynetta Dreher conducted
the roll call (see Appendix A: Attendee List.)
Introduction of New Council Members
In roundtable fashion, members introduced
themselves and noted primary interests: PCPFS's Executive
Director Lisa Oliphant has a personal passion for fitness,
was an ice dancer, and competed as a ballroom and Latin
dancer. Vice Chair Dot Richardson "believes in sports,"
completed her residency in orthopedic surgery, achieved
World Champion status in softball, and won two Olympic
gold medals in softball. Fitness expert Denise Austin
promotes fitness and helps families and children exercise
via videos and a TV show. Director of the Ohio Department
of Health Nick Baird's concerns include improving the
health of Ohioans and increasing the capacity of the
public health sector. President of Trek Bicycle Corporation
John Burke coaches children in basketball and educates
children about adopting a healthier lifestyle. Paul
Carrozza, Owner and President of RunTex, is focused
on getting baby boomers and seniors exercising. Katherine
Cosgrove promotes one-on-one training as well as corporate
fitness, and relates the benefits of productive, healthy
employees to the bottom line. President of the Dwarf
Athletic Association Pamela Danberg won a silver medal
for the breast stroke at the Paralympic level; is involved
in the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC); and promotes sports
for the disabled. Coach Dan Gable, a former champion
wrestler (with 202 wins and 1 loss) and Olympic coach
has a passion for fitness and getting the most from
people. Ivette Lirio, a secondary school physical education
teacher, coaches girls' soccer, serves as an adjunct
professor, and participates in the Students Against
Destructive Decisions movement. Former swim competitor
and USA Weekend Contributor Teddy Mitchell's
primary interests are researching effects of physical
fitness on health and ensuring this generation is healthier
than the last. Charles Moore, 1952 Olympic gold medalist
in the 400-meter hurdle, advocates best practices in
corporate giving and confessed to becoming "a serious
fitness person" at age 72. Derek Para is passionate
about skating, won two medals in the 2002 Olympics,
is concerned about the high percentage of Hispanic Americans
who are not fit, and wants to spread the fitness message
to people of all ethnic backgrounds. Professional Athlete
and 12-year Dallas Cowboy veteran Emmitt Smith is a
proponent of physical education and fitness and advocates
"kids giving back to kids." Lloyd Ward, Chief Executive
Officer, USOC, said sports is his true love and he wants
to expand the focus on sports beyond athletic competition
to advance the values of citizenship. Mr. Swann, ABC
Sportscaster, National Spokesperson for Big Brothers
Big Sisters, and former Pittsburgh Steeler promotes
the benefits of sports (i.e., opening doors and creating
opportunities) and wants to make sure the young grow
healthily, adults who "have gotten away" from sports
are reinvigorated, and seniors understand it's never
too late to work out.
PCPFS Overview and Presentation
of Awards Programs
Ms. Oliphant introduced Christine
Spain, Director of Research Planning and Special Projects
and Program Officer for the President's Challenge program;
Janice Meer, Public Affairs Specialist and Program Officer
for the Presidential Sports Award; Ms. Dreher, Staff
Assistant; Joey King, Public Affairs Assistant; Dona
Shamburg, Office Support Assistant; and Leslie Liff,
Clerical Assistant.
Remarks
Assistant Secretary for Health Eve
Slater referred to Council members as the role models
that the Nation desperately needs. She urged members
to not look to the Department for guidance and direction,
but to take the initiative and call Ms. Oliphant with
ideas. Dr. Slater provided a brief overview of the advances
in medicine, listed health and mortality statistics
and related expenditures, noted the President's Healthy
US initiative, and cited the Department's and Council
members' roles as missionaries broadcasting its behavioral
messages to youth. Dr. Slater acknowledged that the
Nation is being sidetracked by the burdens of bioterrorism
and emergency preparedness, stressed the importance
of physical activity in preventing type II diabetes
and obesity, and the Department's commitment to public
communities. According to Dr. Slater: a little activity
makes a difference, and physical activity is a cost-free
intervention. Rather than dwell on theories to explain
why the trends in the country are in all the wrong directions,
she recommends determining what motivates athletes and
how to motivate the inactive, and ensuring an early
start to learning about nutrition and exercise. Dr.
Slater concluded her remarks noting the Department's
commitment to public communities. She repeated the adage
"all public health is local" and examples of experiments
in helping communities understand and address issues
directly. She congratulated and welcomed Council members.
PCPFS' Mission and Programs
According to Ms. Oliphant, President
Bush rewrote the executive order authorizing the Council,
the mission remains the same, and he expects the Council
to leave a lasting legacy. Ms. Oliphant listed reasons
for inactivity, obesity, and overweight (i.e., lack
of motivation, knowledge of health impacts, time to
exercise, and access to outlets and teams; a mind set
that activity is not meant for older Americans; and
beliefs of not being athletic). She also outlined the
FAST response: Facilitate awareness (of activities
and motivation). Activate the public (through
the Presidential and other awards programs). Support
the decision (to be physically active) and provide answers
to questions and best practices. Transform lives
(of Americans of all ages through lifelong engagement
in physical activity and sports). She said that PCPFS'
mission involves working with partners to provide incentives,
tools, and resources. According to Ms. Oliphant, the
Council was created under the Eisenhower administration
in response to study findings that American children
were not as fit as their European counterparts. Now
the Nation has doubled and tripled its numbers of overweight
and obese children and adolescents, and the Council
is focused on Americans of all ages. Ms. Oliphant acknowledged
the small staff and budget, and said the Council is
responsible for leveraging resources for programs. She
concluded her remarks noting that the Council offers
the following: (1) unique members; (2) Presidential
awards; (3) a large and expanding library of resources
that are accessible to lay persons (publications,
a web site, downloadable documents, links, and scientific
information); (4) a network of organizations, associations,
and corporations; and (5) the Presidential seal (a stamp
of credibility).
PCPFS Awards Programs
Ms. Spain described the President's
Challenge program; the changes it has undergone in 21
years; and the Bush Administration's addition of three
programs (Active Lifestyle, Physical Fitness, and Health
Fitness). The program booklet, which includes resources
and scientific information in an understandable form,
is sent to all schools in September, she said. The awards
program has the Presidential seal, requires no equipment,
is not a curriculum, works well with clubs and camps,
is easy to do, and is free. According to Ms. Spain the
program is regulated and counts participation by the
number of awards disseminated (more than 6 million).
She asked Council members to talk about the program
(and Mr. Swann promised to promote it at Big Brothers
Big Sisters).
Ms. Meer described the President's
Sports and Fitness Award (formerly the Presidential
Sports Award) as containing 68 categories. She said
it is easy to understand, administer, and adapt. Individuals
and families fill out a log, return it, and receive
a certificate signed by the President and a patch. Ms.
Meer described user groups, noted that yoga will be
added, and marching was added this year. She described
length of participation; the number of participants
(9,000); and the award (as an underutilized resource).
She asked the Council for help in increasing participants.
Ms. Meer explained the difference in number of participants
between the programs: the Sports Award has no memorandum
of understanding, the program loses money, and the people
working with the program spend their own money.
Partner Presentation
Bill Dietz, Director, Division of
Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) commended the members'
roles as spokespersons, noted that the Council's message
must be consistent with science, and described CDC's
history and responsibilities— prevention and reduction
of diseases. He contrasted the focus on infectious diseases
50 years ago with the current focus on chronic illness
and its relationship to cost, morbidity, and mortality.
Dr. Dietz stressed the importance of physical activity
and nutrition. He said CDC is playing a substantial
role in addressing diabetes and obesity, looks forward
to a CDC/Council partnership, conducts surveillance
and determines the prevalence of diseases, and has prioritized
the getting of more information about fitness and youth.
Dr. Dietz outlined CDC's commitment to translate research
into practice by citing recommendations from the Surgeon
General's report: Adults should be active 30 minutes
of most or all days of week (which does not specify
exercise or 30 sequential minutes). Furthermore, CDC
provides an important guide for communities: Increasing
Physical Activity: A Report on Recommendations of the
Task Force on Community Preventive Services, which
documents community-based recommendations and interventions
to increase physical activity; communicates positive
messages (some view the term "exercise" negatively);
and implements strategies (for example, CDC funds 12
programs in places such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania).
Dr. Dietz concluded his presentation:
He explained the linkage of environmental changes to
health policies (protection from second-hand smoke to
banning smoking in public places; and promotion of neighborhood
safety, community design requiring sidewalks and zoning
regulation to increasing the percentage of the less
than 30% of children who walk to school). He also expressed
hope that the Council will echo the importance of physical
activity for enhancing daily life, preventing diseases,
and making the necessary environmental changes to promote
health.
Discussion ensued. Mr. Swann suggested
that the Council should find vehicles and alliances
to create a program to obtain data useful to CDC. Furthermore,
the Council needs to quantify what it does to determine
any impact after 2 years. Dr. Dietz responded to Mr.
Ward: (1) CDC's annual budget is $29 million and it
gives $5 million to 12 States for program implementation.
(2) CDC is a willing implementation partner, has worked
closely with Healthy People 2010; but does not have
a long record collaboration within the States and the
Council.
Call to Action
Mr. Swann affirmed the Council members'
purpose—to disseminate the President's message about
physical fitness and sports in their personal and official
functions for 2½ years. He also acknowledged joining
their "tremendous ideas and vast web of contacts, resources,
skills, and abilities" with CDC, the Department of Education,
and the private sector to benefit the Nation.
Formation of Subcommittees
According to Dr. Richardson, the Executive
Order suggests forming four Council subcommittees: Programs,
Communication, Events, and Information. (She also added
that the Council should develop a slogan and recruit
individuals who were not appointed to the Council to
form a task force. Ms. Oliphant agreed on the concept
of an extended Council family.) Members returned to
discussing subcommittee activities. Specifically, Ms.
Oliphant said they should have conference calls once
each month with assigned members and others who are
interested. Staff members will be responsible for disseminating
summaries to the Council monthly. Mr. Swann envisioned
examples of Council communications: amassing a large
group of individuals who are influential in professional
sports to talk about physical fitness; providing groups
with CDC data to deliver the Council's message; publishing
articles in magazines about programs; and encouraging
Council members to speak about the Council at engagements.
The Council's web site and publications will include
communications and information. Mr. Ward suggested adding
a resource acquisition subcommittee, which after discussion,
was named Resource Identification and Utilization subcommittee
to work with the staff to figure out a way to maximize
efforts and dollars. Mr. Swann mentioned developing
a traveling exhibit with potential partners, having
the resource subcommittee screen the effects of relationships/partnerships,
and protecting the Presidential seal and logo.
Vote: The Council voted unanimously to form
three subcommittees comprised of seven members each:
(1) Programs and Events, (2) Communication and Information,
and (3) Resource Identification and Utilization.
Members assigned themselves to subcommittees
(see Appendix B: Subcommittee Assignments). Mr. Swann
said the subcommittees are responsible for conducting
research, deciding what to present to the Council, and
presenting the Council's "marching orders." Dr. Richardson
added that committees will organize and assemble information
for the Council, and members can insert information
during subcommittee meetings. Members who are unable
to attend subcommittee meetings should appoint a representative
and inform the staff before the meeting, said Mr. Swann.
The representative may not vote, but can provide information.
Action Steps: (1) Members will receive a
list of subcommittee members with contact information.
(2) Staff persons will coordinate meetings. (3) Chairpersons
will ensure information is reported to the Council.
Strategies Roundtable
Mr. Swann said the Council's first
order of business is to "get the message out" via the
Communication and Information subcommittee. Meanwhile
Events and Programs can work toward having information
for people, finding programs that work, assembling existing
programs the Council can tie in with and drawing attention
them, developing partnerships and rolling out events,
finding events Council members can attend, and creating
events. Ms. Oliphant suggested that the subcommittees
identify key issues and propose ways of coordinating
their work. She said Mr. Parra's concern about addressing
lifestyle issues in the Hispanic community as well as
reaching out to underserved communities have communication
and resource identification components. Mr. Carrozza
suggested announcing the new Council with a national
message or slogan to get into shape, finding events
that complement the Council's mission, and using the
web site as a resource for events. Ms. Oliphant said
she will facilitate any national publicity efforts with
White House media affairs personnel. Mr. Swann warned
that all efforts should include coordination with CDC
to make sure information is correct and consistent.
According to Mr. Ward Council members
are ambassadors of A Healthy US. The first job of the
Communications subcommittee should be to develop a PowerPoint
presentation with key talking points. Ms. Oliphant said
she will provide a one-page fact sheet of key talking
points, and Dr. Mitchell volunteered to develop a PowerPoint
presentation for Council members to use. Dr. Richardson
said CDC should provide the data for the presentation
and Ms. Oliphant should include information on the history
of the Council. Mr. Moore urged notifying newspapers
about the new, reinvigorated, re-energized Council and
Mr. Smith said the Council should approach the media
with a complete package for the public. Ms. Oliphant
insisted that the Communication and Information subcommittee
first work with the office to develop a strategy (to
identify who the Council will reach out to, what its
message will be, and the order in which it will proceed).
Members proposed the following ideas: having a phased
out program; having a mission statement and pillars;
publishing a story on the new Council with a profile
of members, announcing the Council's intent; publishing
the results of the meeting, what the Council has decided,
and two or three things to keep the media baited; disseminating
a statement to the press stating "we are here, we met,
we have four pillars of responsibility" and promising
one thing for the future; telling the press "We will
be out in the community—look for us"; capitalizing on
the movement that has already been created; obtaining
exposure on TV; developing public service announcements;
getting TV stations committed to providing physical
fitness updates monthly; and enabling Sports Illustrated
for Kids to interview Council members.
Mr. Smith recommended that subcommittee
members have discussions, formalize efforts and determine
which avenues to penetrate. Dr. Mitchell described the
Aerobics Center's Tip of the Day video broadcasts, and
Ms. Austin noted tips of lifetimetv.com. Other suggestions
included creating web site linkages (to the Council,
CDC, and other sites); reviewing and updating the awards
programs; encouraging involvement with successful, local
programs (versus trying to create new ones); and laying
out a national program. Members concluded the discussion
suggesting ways to tie into the President's slogan A
Healthier US and agreed on the need for a national campaign
with local activation.
Responding to members' questions,
Ms. Oliphant explained that PCPFS has its own media
operation, that the designation of subcommittees will
lead to the Council's forming a strategic plan, and
that this plan will give members a "sense of where they
are going." She warned members that they have a broad
mandate, huge issues to tackle, and will hear a lot
of ideas; and she urged them to pick a few key goals.
She concluded by stating the Council will focus on all
Americans; however specific audiences will include children;
families; parents; older Americans; and audiences where
disparities have been identified (inactive, prediabetic,
hypertensive, and Hispanic populations). Mr. Para said
the Council's message should address accountability—each
person is responsible for his or her own health.
Proposed Priorities and Strategies
for PCPFS
Members acknowledged the difficulties
in setting priorities for the Council. Dr. Richardson
asked members to identify one or two goals they would
like to accomplish in 2 years. A summary of responses
follows: Dr. Ward—Make physical education (PE) in grades
K-12 mandatory nationwide and focus on the family. Mr.
Smith—Make PE mandatory from K-12 and focus on the 30-minute
time frame (while removing myths about time needed for
physical activity). Mr. Parra—Make PE mandatory from
K-12 and educate families about adopting healthy lifestyles
and participating in activities outside
of meals. Mr. Moore—Make PE mandatory and break the
"30-minute-exercise" mind set. Dr. Mitchell—Make PE
mandatory and focus on family activities. Ms. Lirio—Support
mandatory PE and focus on families (including senior
citizens) through the parks system. Mr. Gable—Focus
on adaptive lifestyles (i.e., transitions from certain
points in life, going from student to professional).
Ms. Danberg—Stop the sedentary lifestyle and fast food
epidemic, and increase the number of Presidential awards
to 8-10 million (and use them as tool to get mandatory
PE in schools). Ms. Cosgrove—Promote family education/unity
and the 30-minute explanation that exercise is achievable.
Mr. Carrozza—Make sure children are having fun with
PE (change sports every 6 weeks) and know how to create
endurance throughout their lives (based on the Kid's
Triathalon model (swimming, biking, running). Mr. Burke—Focus
on the President's Challenge program (clean it up and
put it in all schools) and take this product and weave
it into the Council's message. Mr. Baird—Focus on "Everybody
Wins" and create awareness that everyone has the ability
to take small steps to improvement.
Ms. Austin said she agreed with the
other members; Dr. Richardson summarized that members
would feel successful if PE becomes mandatory; and Mr.
Burke said giving out more Presidential patches (and/or
bumper stickers and medals, said Ms. Danberg) would
be one way to judge increased physical activity in all
age groups. Discussion then turned to ways of determining
how many people participate in the President's program
and why nonparticipant's do not. Ms. Oliphant said the
Council cannot collect data, but can work with other
organizations that can collect information and provide
best practices. Mr. Burke recommended doubling the number
of adults and children who receive the Presidential
patch in 2 years. He volunteered to obtain and analyze
nonparticipation information in 2 weeks. (It was noted
that a summary of comments from professional organizations
and a report compiled under the Clinton Administration
should be reviewed instead.) Mr. Burke also suggested
that program people should look at what is liked and
not liked to make sure the Council has the right product
to incorporate within its message. Dr. Richardson and
Ms. Oliphant agreed that the subcommittee could determine
how consumers respond to the programs in 2 weeks.
According to Dr. Richardson, although
the Presidential award could measure the PE goal, getting
families educated on the 30-minute time frame and the
cumulative effect of daily activities challenges the
Communication and Information subcommittee; incorporating
nutrition concepts challenges Programs and Events; and
changing the mind set and adapting a healthy lifestyle
(which includes sleep) challenges both. Dr. Mitchell
said avoiding risky behaviors is easy to weave into
the message as part of a healthy lifestyle; however,
Mr. Ward urged members to avoid "scope creep" and to
focus on Healthy US—Everybody Wins by focusing on PE
in schools, a family lifestyle, and the message of 30
minutes of physical activity daily. Ms. Cosgrove urged
the Council to "ride the wave" and issue a press release
on its accomplishments. Other members suggested focusing
on enhancing the President's program and having the
President appear at the school with the most participants
(Mr. Smith); having the Challenge award model the national
spelling bee (Mr. Burke); recognizing that May is fitness
month (Ms. Austin); sponsoring an annual fitness award
with essay contest (Mr. Carrozza); reaching out to all
health and fitness organizations and forming a task
force (Dr. Richardson); and finalizing a Council product
so that members will repeat the same message (Mr. Burke).
Mr. Ward restated a focus for the Council, and members
agreed.
Action Steps: (1) The Council supports the
"A Healthy US" message, adds "Everybody Wins," and
adopts the following focus areas: Mandatory Physical
Education in Schools (this concept is leveraged by
the President' Challenge program); a Family and Lifestyle
Focus; and 30/60 Minute Magic Focus (daily activity
time for adults/children). (2) Ms. Oliphant will clear
the proposed contribution and focus. After obtaining
approval, the one-page message will be developed.
(3) PCPFS staff will forward the message and mission
to Dr. Mitchell who will create a PowerPoint presentation.
Dr. Richardson concluded the discussion.
She asked for an immediate press statement (stating
the Council met, has an action plan, and is excited
about its mission) and asked members to e-mail their
program ideas to subcommittee staff persons.
Physical Activity and Prevention
at HHS
Randolph Wykoff, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Health (Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion) observed that the Council has the opportunity
to be creative, think outside of the box, reinvigorate
public health, and "count as an entity." He distributed
and described handouts to the members (see Appendix
C: Healthy People Handouts). Dr. Wykoff said Healthy
People 2010 data can be used in the Council's PowerPoint
presentation. He stressed that physical activity is
important, it is a budget issue, and it is 1 of the
nation's 10 leading health indicators (listed on a book
mark and on page 25 of the book and CD distributed to
members). Dr. Wykoff asked that Council messages mention
that people feel better when they are working out; make
the connection between physical activity and health;
and stress health benefits (not appearance) as well
as participation (not competition). He referred members
to www.healthfinder.gov for consumer information and
concluded that in following the Surgeon General's Call
to Action, his office does not have enough money to
work alone and needs to form partnerships.
Concluding Remarks
Dr. Richardson's concluding remarks
included (1) asking Ms. Cosgrove to follow up with the
newspaper story ; (2) reminding Dr. Mitchell to incorporate
the "important stuff" in the PowerPoint presentaiton;
(3) encouraging members to make sure the Council message
is about health participation, not competition; and
(4) encouraging subcommittees to meet within 2 weeks
and share communications among themselves. Members confirmed
subcommittee assignments; designated chairpersons; and
agreed to have chairs schedule meetings. Ms. Oliphant
said PCPFS staff will set up conference calls for subcommittee
meetings and that the four absentees will assign themselves.
The staff will e-mail members individually with instructions
for using the PCPFS bulletin board and posting meeting
times, she said. Lastly, Ms. Oliphant promised to ask
the legal representative if the PCPFS' budget can be
increased, if the Council can meet more than once
per year, and if donations can be used to increase the
budget.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:12
p.m.
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