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This information was printed from The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports,
located at http://www.fitness.gov
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From the Executive Director
Melissa Johnson

It is hard to believe that summer is already here, a time that finds many of us enjoying outdoor pursuits with family and friends. At the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS), we’ve taken steps to help promote outdoor activities.  President Bush jump started our efforts to do so in May by inviting our Council members to join him and Secretary Leavitt on a mountain bike ride at the Secret Service Training Facility in Beltsville, Maryland.  The President definitely demonstrated that he is extremely fit.  He challenged us to keep up, and it wasn’t an easy challenge to meet.  To listen to the President's remarks, please visit this link (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070505-1.html). View a photo from the event here (http://www.fitness.gov/images/councilmembers/council members-bush-leavitt-05.05.07.jpg).

We followed President Bush’s lead by launching the President’s Great Outdoors Challenge (http://www.presidentschallenge.org/greatoutdoorchallenge/index.aspx). This addition to the President’s Challenge program makes it easy to log and track outdoor activities.  I hope you’ll use this as a means or reminder to engage a child in your life in some type of outdoor activity.  We are working with the federal land management agencies to promote more outdoor activity among people of all ages, with a strong focus on children.  As we have learned from our colleagues working in public lands management and the recreation fields, this work is important to ensuring we have a future generation of children who care about our public lands and the survival of these natural habitats.  Can you imagine if you didn’t have access to a favorite park, forest, nature trail, river, or pond because it is no longer there or because it isn’t clean enough for you to enjoy safely? 

Council member Dr. Ed Laskowski shares some of his insights on outdoor activity and other important issues including the role of strength and stability training (http://fitness.gov/enewsletter/Summer07_cm_activities.htm). We know the majority of Americans are not active enough to improve their health let alone working to develop core strength and stability.  The development of these attributes early in life and the maintenance of them as we age is especially important for preventing falls and the conditions that may arise from those falls. 

We have been working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (http://www.epa.gov/), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/), National Council on Aging (http://www.ncoa.org/), and other organizations on the EPA’s Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging initiative. One result of this work is the development of a new awards program administered by the EPA (http://fitness.gov/enewsletter/Summer07-hhsnews.htm#buildinghealthycommunities). The awards will recognize communities that work together to incorporate smart growth and active aging principles.

The Department’s efforts to ensure healthy aging through prevention continue with a cross-country bus tour hosted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/).  The tour is part of the HHS initiative, A Healthier US Starts Here (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MyHealthMyMedicare/02_HealthierUS.asp#TopOfPage). I’ve had the privilege of attending some of the events held in conjunction with tour stops in select cities. Check the calendar to see if the tour is making a stop in your hometown and come check it out (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MyHealthMyMedicare/Downloads/PreventionBusSchedule.pdf). (PDF file)

All my best,

Melissa Johnson, M.S.

Council Members' News and Activities

Council Member News:
A conversation with Council Member Edward Laskowski, M.D., Co-Director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

PCPFS News covered a range of topics with Dr. Laskowski from core strength and stability to outdoor activity.

PCPFS News: While we know most Americans aren’t active enough, it seems that even fewer attempts are made by people who are active to improve strength and stability, which can be particularly important for people as they age.  Can you share some general insights about the benefits of core strength and stability?   

EL: In addition to aerobic conditioning, strength and stability training are key components for the maintenance of overall fitness.  The best brace you can give yourself is your muscle brace, and strength training helps to protect joints as well as to optimize function in daily life and sport performance.  Stability training is vital also.  You need strong muscles for stability, but you also need specific stability training to get your muscles working together to stabilize your joints.   Stability training can take the form of exercises such as single leg balance for athletes and Tai Chi for older adults wanting to gain balance to help prevent falls.

PCPFS News: What advice can you give to the general public related to improving core strength and stability?     

EL: Technique is key with respect to strength training.  It's not "just do it," but "do it right."  Proper technique during weight training is crucial to ensure optimal benefit and prevent injury.  A good strength training program should consist of a mix of exercises that both isolate and integrate specific muscle groups.  When performed, these exercises should be controlled and smooth and promote muscle balance.  Core strength is important for the athlete as well as the "weekend warrior" or anyone interested in personal fitness.  The "core" is much more than just the abdominal muscles, it's the link between the upper and lower body.  A strong core is key for just about any sport or activity, including running, soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, football, and hockey.  Back pain is so prevalent in America today and core strengthening can help to protect your back from injury.

PCPFS News: Switching gears, June is Great Outdoors Month.  You are an avid outdoor activity enthusiast, which is something that the PCPFS is working with federal land management agencies to help encourage more of, particularly among children.  Did someone influence your participation in outdoor activities?  Any thoughts on how we can ensure people continue to utilize outdoor space for recreational and physical activity purposes?   

EL:  The first part of my surname, "Laskow", means "forest," so I think I was destined for the outdoors.  My dad loved to be outside playing sports and doing yard work, and my mom is a great gardener, so it was natural that I spent a lot of time outdoors growing up.  I believe it is important to provide opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor activity.  The Rails to Trails Conservancy (http://www.railtrails.org/index.html) is involved in converting old railroad beds into bicycle and pedestrian trails, an excellent example of utilizing existing resources and converting them into public recreation areas.       

PCPFS News: Studies have found that a parent or caregiver, someone close to a child can influence a child’s physical activity participation, which can include outdoor activities.  As in your case, adults who engage in an outdoor recreational activity were most likely introduced to some type of outdoor activity (hiking, fishing, paddling, camping) when they were children.  Can you share your experience raising your own kids?

EL: We love to do outdoor activities together as a family.  We have always taken our two daughters with us on outdoor activities since they were very young.  We backpacked in Colorado with the kids in child carriers when they were infants; their first big hike with us was a six mile roundtrip when they were 4 and 3 years old.   When they were young, we also took them biking with us in a bike trailer.  As they grew older, they became active participants with my wife and me in hiking, biking, running, snow skiing, snow shoeing, and rock climbing.  Being outside and being active is just something we do as a family.  After dinner, we often walk outside around our neighborhood and catch up on the day's events.  Plus, we now have 2 new puppies who are enjoying being active with us.  

PCPFS News: What do you feel is the biggest benefit to you when you do an activity outdoors?   

EL:  There is something special about outdoor exercise that uplifts our spirit and connects us with nature.  The sun has a powerful motivating force, and the fresh air and wind can be invigorating.  In Minnesota, winters can be rather cold and long.  We have found that the winter passes much more quickly if we can get outside and do winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.  You notice so many more wonders of creation when you are outside...  the animals, birds, flowers, and trees.  We've seen everything from elk to bears to foxes to eagles during our outdoor pursuits. 

PCPFS News:  You participated in the mountain bike ride with President Bush.  Do you think he lived up to his reputation as the fittest president?

EL:  It was truly a privilege to mountain bike with President Bush.  He is amazingly fit and an accomplished mountain biker.  I love to ride on the road and bike trails, but I had not done any previous mountain biking.  I definitely had all I could handle trying to keep up with the President on the wooded trails for 90 minutes.  President Bush "walks the talk" of fitness, and he is a role model for incorporating fitness into a busy lifestyle.

Council Member Activities
The Council Members were in Washington May 3-5 for a series of activities including a council meeting, awards luncheon with the United State Olympic Committee (http://www.usoc.org/), and, as noted in our conservation with Dr. Laskowski, a mountain bike ride with President Bush and Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. (See below for the remarks the president gave prior to the bike ride.)

Lifetime Achievement Award (http://www.fitness.gov/about_lifetime_award.htm)
At the awards luncheon, the members honored three of the six inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) winners (http://www.fitness.gov/about_lifetime_award_winners_2007.htm), Dr. Ken Cooper, Jack LaLanne, and M.B. “Bud” Seretean.  Judi Sheppard Missett, Bonnie Prudden, and Joe Weider will be awarded at future ceremonies in 2007, since they were unable to attend the event on May 3rd.

Community Leadership Award (http://www.fitness.gov/about_community_award.htm)
The Council members also announced the Community Leadership Award (CLA) winners (http://www.fitness.gov/about_community_award_winners_2007.htm).  These 37 winners were selected by Council members based on the contributions they have made within their communities or organizations to promote more active lives.

The timeline for the 2008 awards has been altered.  Nominations for both awards are due October 1, 2007.  Individuals nominated for the 2007 LAA who were not selected will be automatically considered for the 2008 award.   Submitting a new nomination is not required.  CLA nominations are not reconsidered in future award cycles.  An individual is welcome to submit a new nomination.  Nomination forms and submission information can be found by clicking the respective links above to each of the awards.

Remarks of President Bush:
May 5, 2007 - Thank you all for coming. This is Physical Fitness Month, and I'm with members of the President's Physical Fitness Council. Their job is to encourage all Americans, young and old, to exercise.

I love exercise. Today I'm going to ride, with a group of friends, on a mountain bike. But the message to all Americans is to find time in your schedule to walk, run, swim, bike, to take care of yourselves.

I appreciate Mike Leavitt, who is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for joining us today. He knows what I know, that if someone takes care of their body through good exercise, that it is--it's the beginning of really good health policy for the United States.

It doesn't take much time to stay fit--30 minutes, 5 days a week; 30 minutes of walking, 30 minutes of running, 30 minutes of biking, 30 minutes of swimming on a regular basis will help deal with a lot of health issues here in America. I have found that exercise not only is a good excuse to get outdoors; it helps relieve stress as well. And so, on behalf of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, I say to America, get outside, take time out of your life, schedule yourself, be disciplined, and exercise.

Feature Article:
Physical activity: Prevalence and related issues among Hispanic women

Obesity and diabetes threaten the health care of the nation.  Each is estimated to contribute to more than 100 billion dollars in health care cost annually.  Physical activity is the protective armor necessary to fight against both conditions which contribute to heart disease. (1, 2)  In the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Jones (2003) writes that understanding barriers to physical activity is a first step in removing them, and that racial and ethnic minority women report lower levels of physical activity than do white women. (4)

A major goal of the Healthy People 2010 objectives is to increase the quality of life for all Americans and to decrease health disparities that exist between ethnic groups. Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of people of Hispanic descent in major cities throughout the country.  The United States has been referred to as the “melting pot.”  The implication is that America does not discriminate but accepts different ethnic groups into the country and assists them in obtaining the resources that are needed for prosperity and health.  Physical activity, overweight and obesity are two of the major leading health indicators identified in the Healthy People 2010 objectives.  Two of the four pillars of Healthier US focus on being physically active and eating a nutritious diet.  The remaining two are: getting preventive screenings and making healthy choices.  Being physically active reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure and relieves the pain of arthritis and the symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat.  Seven out of ten deaths in the United States are caused by behavior patterns that can be modified. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor across the spectrum of preventable diseases that lower the quality of life and results in premature death.  In addressing the issue of physical activity among Hispanic women, it is important to consider the influence of their culture as well as acculturation. 

Current Status of Physical Activity among Hispanic Women
As reported in the Healthy People 2010 report related to physical activity and fitness, more Hispanics (54%) than African Americans (52%) or American Indians (46%) reported having no leisure time physical activity. (5)  Women in all ethnic groups had fewer leisure time physical activities than men. Latinos are reported to be highest among all ethnic groups in leisure time inactivity. Mexican-American women had the highest rate of no leisure time physical activity when compared to Mexican-American men and non-Hispanic black women. Mexican-American women and other women of color, over the age of 40 and without a college education had the lowest levels of participation in leisure time physical activity when compared to white women. (6)  Gardening and/or yard work and walking were cited as the most frequent leisure time physical activity in almost all subpopulations. (7)

Hispanic women are more likely to be sedentary than the general population. Factors that influence physical activity in Hispanic women include self-efficacy, having concern for own and family health, social support and social norms for physical activity, serving as a role model to others, and perceived neighborhood resources. (8)

Evenson et al. examined the association between acculturation and physical activity among first generation Latina (Hispanic women) immigrants from North Carolina. (9) Forty-one point nine percent of  the Hispanic women surveyed reported insufficient physical activity, 37.4% met recommendations for physical activity and 20.7% reported no moderate or vigorous activity.  However, Hispanic women with a higher English language acculturation were more likely to be physically active than women with lower English language acculturation. Mexican American women had a higher prevalence of physical inactivity than Mexican American men even after adjusting for age, education and income. (10)

Lack of time is a reason that is often given by women for not engaging in non- work related physical activity. Heesch & Masse examined the time commitments of African American and Hispanic women and assessed the relationship between time commitments and perceived lack of time for physical activity. (11)  The results revealed that these women spent 28 hours per week in sedentary leisure-time activity.  The inference is that physical activity is associated with the role of worker, housekeeper, mother and wife and that there is no time or energy left for leisure-time physical activity.  An investigation of the lifelong physical activity patterns of sedentary Mexican American women revealed a lifelong pattern of low occupational and leisure activity and low to moderate household activity.  The prevailing life-style consisted of sedentary occupations and no leisure activities.  Household, occupational, and leisure activity is considered sufficient physical activity. (12)

Social cognitive correlates of leisure time physical activity among Latinos were examined by Marquez & McAuley. (13)  Latinos high in leisure time physical activity whether male or female, received more social support from friends to exercise, and placed greater importance on physical activity outcomes than male or female Latinos who were low in leisure time physical activity.

Barriers that Need to be Addressed
1.  Focus on the overall health benefits of physical activity, not just weight loss.  Cultural differences exist related to weight and body image. Hispanics and other ethnic groups may associate physical activity more with weight loss which may not be viewed as important.  Emphasis should be placed on the benefits of physical activity as it relates to wellness, disease prevention, increased vitality and mood enhancement.

2.  Examine cultural influences and the impact of acculturation.  The Hispanic culture may place more value on rest and relaxation and hence view leisure as a sedentary activity.  In the acculturation process, it is important to value the importance of both.

3.  Stressing the importance of physical activity in the aging process is essential to the education of Hispanic girls and women. Osteoporosis, arthritis and other bone and joint problems are sometimes viewed as synonymous with aging.  It is well documented that regular physical activity is especially important for people with joint and bone problems and that weight bearing exercise and walking helps to strengthen bones.

4.  Promoting the value of life-long physical activity for Hispanic girls. Cultural influences may deter girls from leisure time physical activity.  This issue needs to be addressed so that girls learn skills related to physical activity that can be carried over into adulthood and old age.      

Summary and Conclusions
There is a reason to be concerned about the levels of inactivity and obesity found in Hispanic women.  Overwhelming evidence links obesity to a number of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and ischemic heart disease. (14)

Lastly, it is important for policy makers to have accurate information regarding the levels of physical inactivity and obesity within the Hispanic community, and to understand how values vary across different ethnic and racial groups.

References
1.  U.S. Department of health and Human Services, Office of the Asistant Secreatary for Planning and Evaluation.  Physical activity: fundamental to preventing disease.  June 20, 2002.  Available at http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/physicalactivity/. Accessed April 4, 2003.
2.  Hu FB, Li TY, Colditz. GA, Willett WC, Manson JE. Television watching and other sedentary behaviors in relation to risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in women. JAMA 2003;289:1785-91.
3.  Jones, W.K. (2003).  Understanding Barriers to Physical Activity is a First Step in Removing Them.  American Journal Preventive Medicine. 25 (3Si).
4.  Schoenborn CA, Barnes PM.  Leisure-time physical activity among adults: United States, 1997-1998.  Advance data from vital and health statistics; no. 325.  Hyattsville, MD: National Center for health Statistics, 2002.
5.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Healthy People 2010. 2nd ed. With Understanding and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health. 2 vols. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, November 2000.
6.  Ransdell, L.B. & Wells, C.L. (1998). Physical Activity in urban white, African-American, and Mexican-American women. Medicine Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(11); 1608-15.
7. Crespo, C.J., Keteyian, S.J., Heath, G.W. & Sempros, C.T. (1996). Leisure-time physical activity among US adults. Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 156(1); 93-8.
8.  Keller, C. & Fleury, J. ( 2006) Factors related to physical activity in Hispanic women. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 21(2); 142-5.
9. Evenson, K.R., Sarmiento, O.L. & Ayala, G.X. (2004) Acculturation and physical activity among North Carolina Latina immigrants. Social Science Medicine, 59(12); 2509-22.
10. Crespo, C.J., Smit, E.; Carter-Pokras, O., Andersen, R. (2001)  Accultration and leisure-time physical inactivity in Mexican American Adults:Results from NHANES III, 1988-1994. American Journal of Public Health, 91(8);1254-1257.
11.  Heesch, K.C. & Masse, L.C. (2004) Lack of time for physical activity: perception or reality for African American and Hispanic women? Women Health, 39(3);45-62.
12. Cromwell, S.L. & Berg, J.A. (2006) Lifelong physical activity patterns of sedentary Mexican American women. Geriatric Nursing, 27(4);209-13.
13.  Marquez, D.X. & McAuley, E. (2006) Social cognitive correlates of leisure time physical activity among Latinos. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(3);281-9.
14.  Solomon, C.G., & Manson, J.E. (1997). Obesity and mortality: a review of the epidemiologic data.  American Journal of Clinical Nuturition. 66:1044S – 1050S.

Mark Your Calendar

JUNE
Great Outdoors Month (http://www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org/)
28-29: Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Meeting (http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/)
30-7/6: National Clean Beaches Week (http://www.cleanbeaches.org/)

JULY
9-13: Annual School Health Conference (http://www.ashaweb.org/annual_conferences.html)
11-14: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference (http://www.nsca-lift.org/)

AUGUST
5-11: National Health Center Week (http://www.healthcenterweek.org/)

SEPTEMBER
Fruit and Vegetable Month (http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/)
Sports and Home Eye Safety Month (http://www.preventblindness.org/)
29: National Public Lands Day (http://www.publiclandsday.org/)
25-10/1: Active Aging Week (http://www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm)

OCTOBER
International Walk to School Month (http://www.iwalktoschool.org/)
1: National Child Health Day (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/childhealthday/guide.htm)
3: Walk to School Day (http://www.walktoschool.org/)

Grant Applications:
National Institutes of Health
Amendments to PAR-06-103 and PAR-07-259, Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment (R21 and R01, respectively), regarding submission and expiration dates
(NOT-CA-07-017)
See announcement (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-07-017.html).

More information on grants and other governmental funding mechanisms can be found on Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/). In addition, the NCPPA E-newsletter (http://www.ncppa.org/enewsletters.asp) lists grants available from a variety of national organizations.

President's Challenge Program Updates

Take the President’s Great Outdoors Challenge!
To promote more outdoor activity among people of all ages, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports launched the President’s Great Outdoors Challenge.  The program continues to use the President’s Challenge website and awards; however, the website has been modified slightly to allow outdoor activities to be logged quickly and easily.  To get started, visit this link (http://www.presidentschallenge.org/greatoutdoorchallenge/index.aspx).

Don’t Miss the Deadline
July 1, 2007 is the deadline for schools to apply for the State Champions recognition program.  Get more information on the State Champions program, including an entry form (http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition/state_champs.aspx).

Science Board News and Notes

Science Board Chair
Maureen Weiss, Ph.D., professor in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, will serve as the next chair of the Science Board.  Dr. Weiss will serve a one-year term beginning in December when outgoing chair Debbie Young, Ph.D. completes her term.

Science Board Members Serve on Federal Committee
Current Science Board member Edward Howley, Ph.D. and former member Russell Pate, Ph.D. were selected to serve on the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/04/pr20070427a.html). 

The committee will survey the history of physical activity guidelines in the U.S., and be introduced to the systematic evidence review process that will form the basis of the deliberations.  The committee will also examine and summarize research that can be used as the basis of the guidelines and make suggestions on what should be included.  The department will consider the research and the committee’s recommendations as it develops guidelines. The first meeting of the committee will take place in Washington, D.C. at HHS headquarters June 28-29, 2007 (http://www.health.gov/PAguidelines/).

Members Report on Promoting Parks, Recreation, and Public Health
The April supplement of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (JPAH) presents information on collaborative efforts among park, recreation, and public health professional to promote physical activity.  Science board members Barbara Ainsworth, Ph.D. and Jim Morrow, Ph.D. each served as co-authors on articles featured in the supplement.  Dr. Ainsworth also co-authored an article featured in the regular April 2007 issue of JPAH, “The role of park proximity and social support in shaping park visitation, physical activity, and perceived health among older adults.”

Read abstracts or order articles from the supplement or any other issue of the JPAH (http://www.humankinetics.com/JPAH/journalAbout.cfm).

In order to find the supplement discussed here, please click on “Back Issue Contents” and select Supplement 1 from the Volume 4 drop down menu.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Meeting Sessions
Science Board members Maureen Weiss, Ph.D. and Thom McKenzie, Ph.D. (San Diego State University) together with Alan Smith, Ph.D. (Purdue University) presented at the PCPFS session at this year’s ACSM annual meeting.  Dr. Weiss chaired the session entitled, “Physical Activity, Sports, and Youth Development.”

The PCPFS Science Board (http://fitness.gov/about_scienceboard.htm) recommends session topics and speakers each year for the ACSM Health and Fitness Summit and annual meeting.  Look for the PCPFS sessions at next year’s meetings!

What's New at HHS

Physical Activity Guidelines Development
The first meeting of the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee will take place on June 28 and 29, 2007 at HHS headquarters in Washington, DC.  The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited.  Register to attend the meeting, and learn more about the advisory committee members (http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default.htm).

National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit
The HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are hosting the 2007 prevention summit November 27-29 in Washington, D.C..  This year’s meeting takes the place of the Secretary’s National Prevention Summit and the CDC’s National Health Promotion Conference, National Conference on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, and the National Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Conference.  The call for abstracts has closed.  Conference details including registration information (http://www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/index.htm).

Innovation in Prevention Awards Call for Nominations
HHS is accepting nominations for the 2007 Innovation in Prevention Awards, which seek to identify and celebrate organizations that have implemented innovative and creative chronic disease prevention and health promotion programs. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 PM EDT, June 29, 2007.  Nominate a program or obtain additional information on the 2007 Innovation in Prevention Awards (http://www.prevent.org/content/view/118/). Winners will be recognized at the National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit (see above for details).

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
As part of its prevention and wellness initiative, A Healthier US Starts Here, HHS will continue its CMS sponsored cross-country bus tour to promote the importance of prevention.  More information about the initiative, including a calendar of tour stop locations and dates (updated weekly) (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MyHealthMyMedicare/02_HealthierUS.asp#TopOfPage).

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
“The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women," a publication of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of NIH, contains new information on women and heart disease and offers practical suggestions for reducing the risk of heart-related problems.

The handbook also describes the warning signs of heart attack and how to get help quickly, provides information about healthy eating to reduce heart disease risk, and includes a sample eating plan and a chart on how to properly read a nutrition label.

"The Healthy Heart Handbook" is available online (http://emall.nhlbihin.net/product2.asp?sku=07-2720) or can be ordered for $4.00 from the NHLBI Information Center by calling (301) 592-8573 or (240) 629-3255 (TTY).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The National Fruit and Vegetable Program has a new name, “Fruits and Veggies—More Matters,” and a new website (http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html) .

"Reducing Children's TV Time to Reduce the Risk of Childhood Overweight:  The Children's Media Use Study" (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/pdf/TV_Time_Highligts.pdf) (PDF file) is a highlights report on the results of a study to understand the barriers and opportunities for reducing the amount of time children spend watching TV.  

“The State of Aging and Health in America 2007 Report” (http://www.cdc.gov/aging/saha.htm) from the CDC and the Merck Company Foundation presents the most current national data available on 15 key health indicators for older adults related to health status, health behaviors, preventive care and screening, and injuries. The “State-by-State Report Card” provides similar information for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

And elsewhere…

USDA- Forest Service
On May 22, 2007, the Forest Service announced the awarding of $500,000 in grants to 24 Forest Service applicants to help get more children active and interested in the outdoors.  More than 250 groups applied for the awards, which target underserved and urban youth and focus on recreation and conservation education, the development of broad-based partnerships, and innovative techniques to get kids outside.  More information about the projects (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/woods/index.shtml).

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA has a new awards program.  The Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Award (http://www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/awards/index.htm) recognizes communities that take an inclusive approach to promoting smart growth and active aging concepts.

Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging is a collaborative effort with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the CDC, the National Council on Aging's Center for Healthy Aging, the National Blueprint Initiative, and Active for Life.

Award applications are due October 17, 2007 and the winners will be announced at the annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Washington, D.C., February 2008.

Florida
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed an Executive Order establishing the Florida Governor's Council on Physical Fitness (http://www.healthyfloridians.com/council.html). Among the Council’s anticipated duties:

• develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians' level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutritional practices;
• review the implementation of daily physical education courses for elementary school students (grades K-5) and the feasibility of providing similar physical education courses for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) by the year 2012;
• evaluate the nutritional value of school lunches, availability of certified physical education teachers and the possibility of school districts maintaining independent fitness advisory panels.

New Jersey
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services plans to open its new Office of Nutrition and Fitness this summer.  The office will coordinate the State’s fitness and nutrition programs and work to implement the recommendations of the NJ Obesity Prevention Task Force in an effort to combat obesity among residents. View the press release (http://www.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/dhss/njnewsline/view_article.pl?id=3041).

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
NATA and the NCAA released “Collegiate Athletic Injuries—Trends and Prevention,” (http://www.nata.org/collegiateinjurystats07/) a report featured in a special edition of the Journal of Athletic Training that synthesizes 16 years of data from the NCAA Injury Surveillance System and covers 15 collegiate sports.

PBS
Connecting Kids to Nature (http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/earthday.html), a special section on the PBS Parents website, provides information on the benefits of getting kids outside.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
“The Built Environment and Physical Activity: What is the Relationship?” (http://www.rwjf.org/pr/synthesis/reports_and_briefs/issue11.html) is a report and policy brief provided by the RWJF Synthesis Project.  The report examines the existing evidence on the relationship between the environments in which we live and work and levels of physical activity and the policies that influence these environments and behaviors.  To download the report or the 4-page policy brief, visit

The Healthy Eating Research program, funded by RWJF, recently released the research brief, “Promoting Good Nutrition and Physical Activity in Child-Care Settings.” (http://www.healthyeatingresearch.org/uploads/PromotingGoodNutritionResearchBrief.pdf) (PDF file)

Smart Growth Network
“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities and Youth Obesity: Lessons Learned from the National Forums and Regional Dialogues of the NACo Center for Sustainable Communities” (http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=New_Technical_Assistance&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23285) (PDF file) is a report based on a series of listening sessions and forums conducted by the National Association of Counties, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and other state and local government organizations.  The document identifies steps counties can take to promote healthier schools and communities and combat obesity, especially among youth, minority populations, and the poor.

Council of State Governments
“Preventing Diseases through Physical Activity” (http://www.healthystates.csg.org/NR/rdonlyres/BEE2060B-CB0B-4EF2-B830-E361D928B17C/0/PreventingDiseasesThroughPhysicalActivityFINAL.pdf) (PDF file) is the title of a new policy brief for State legislators issued by the Council of State Governments.  The sixteen page document provides legislators with basic facts on physical activity participation in the U.S., suggests actions they can take to improve physical activity in a variety of settings, and describes policies that have been implemented in select States.  The document was produced through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.