The launch of the National Physical Activity Plan is set for May 3, 2010.  This date will represent the culmination of a two year long effort to produce the first U.S. National PA Plan.  The goal is to kick off a long-term social movement to have more Americans meet federal PA Guidelines.  We’re highly encouraged by the attention the Plan and its launch are garnering from top public health officials as well as grassroots organizations at local levels.  However, before the some critical steps must be taken, each offering opportunities for individual and organizational involvement. 

Draft 1 of the Plan was disseminated for comment in January.  Did you see it?  If not, please contact us so that you can review and comment on subsequent drafts.  Working Groups representing each of the 8 societal sectors targeted in the Plan are now reviewing those comments in preparation for Draft 2, which will be disseminated for comment in mid March. 

It is important that this second draft be as widely disseminated as possible.  We will engage all those who have been involved in the process to date, as well as those who sign on now in reviewing  Draft 2.   Once the Draft 2 comments are reviewed and integrated, the final version of the plan will be prepared for the May 3rd launch.

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan will be a web-based document.  This format will allow for ease of use, significant reach, and regular updating as progress is made.  A simple click of the mouse will enable a business owner, school principal, urban planner, or elected official to advance any one recommendation action or series of recommended actions.

How would you like to be involved with the National Physical Activity Plan?  How can the plan best be implemented?

This week, we present research and programmatic approaches to understanding and improving children’s social interactions through physical activity:

Forget Goofing Around: Recess Has a New Boss (Source:  New York Times) Urban schools are instituting organized, mandatory physical activity during recess. 

Research shows link between physical activity and social skills in children (Source:  University of Michigan Health System) Research presented to the American College of Cardiology suggests a link between social skills and physical activity in children.

How can programs maximize both physical activity benefit and social development?  Share your thoughts!

Do you think it’s easy for adults to meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans? Even though we’re in a profession dedicated to promoting health and well-being, do you often struggle to personally meet the Guidelines? I know I do. As professionals dedicated to helping others increase their physical activity, I think it’s important for us to acknowledge the challenges we might face ourselves and share those things that have worked for us in hopes of inspiring others to meet the Guidelines.

Here are some of the things that have worked for me: There are hand weights and elastic bands next to my desk at work. There’s a pair of walking shoes ready to go by the door. I have a few exercise posters just inside my top desk drawer. These few changes to my environment have helped me come closer to meeting the Guidelines. I often pick up the weights or bands and do a series of exercises while on conference calls, in between checking emails, or before starting an administrative task. The walking shoes often come on when I see that I have 10 to 15 minutes before my next appointment. A quick walk or a few flights of stairs gets my heart pumping, and also allows me to focus on the next meeting. I do all these things in my street clothes, no need for changing or showering.

My office does some interesting health promotions, all with the intent of getting staff more active. By taking part, I’ve done a lot of things I wouldn’t have normally tried such as: taking a yoga class, assisting in a volunteer project helping an elderly neighbor (shoveling snow off a roof), participating in a corporate triathlon relay, and recording my monthly steps. This variety of activities really helps me meet the Guidelines. The variety is actually kind of fun. My company’s not trying to get all of us into yoga, or running, or counting our steps…they’re just trying to get us active in something, this week and next week, and the week after. 

Supportive friends and relationships also help me meet the Guidelines. Instead of getting grief or mockery from co-workers who may see me doing arm curls, or see some perspiration (sometime even sweat) on my face, I get compliments about doing something healthy. When I ask for others to join me on the quick walk around the block, I actually get a few who say “yes.” When I ask for help in meeting one of the company’s health activities, my co-workers understand the importance, and lend support. 

I believe changes to your environment, choosing a variety of activities, and getting support from friends and colleagues is integral in helping most of us and our clients meet the Guidelines. So even though I sometimes struggle meeting the Guidelines, I’m finding ways to help me be active.

What environmental changes have you recommended to others to help them reach greater levels of physical activity? 

What variety of activities have you incorporated to promote more activity? 

How have you created or cultivated supportive friends and relationships for your clients?