Health & Fitness News & Notes

TIPS FOR FAMILY FITNESS FUN
Everyone knows that it is important to turn off the TV, DVD, Gameboys etc. in order to prevent the development of childhood obesity. But without their "screens" available, many children complain that they are bored. With this in mind, Shape Up America! and Sweet 'N Low have partnered on a set of ideas for parents to use to help children become more active and live a healthier lifestyle. Lists of tips are available at http://www.shapeup.org/fittips/index.php

LAUNCHING MYPYRAMID FOR PRESCHOOLERS
MyPyramid for Preschoolers was launched on October 26th by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is designed for children 2 to 5 years of age. You can do many things to help children develop healthy eating habits for life. Visit the web at http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html to access this newly added resource to USDA's MyPyramid.gov.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLAN
http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/

INVESTMENT IN BICYCLING AND WALKING WILL SAVE BILLIONS
On November 4th the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presented the "Active Transportation for America" report to Congress via Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The report quantifies - for the first time - the national benefits of bicycling and walking. Putting figures to facts, the report documents the transportation, energy, climate, public health, and economic benefits of bicycling and walking. Read more here. The full report is at http://www.railstotrails.org/whatwedo/trailadvocacy/atfa/index.html.
[Source: Parks and Recreation Weekly News Brief, November 4, 2008]

BICYCLE COMMUTER ACT PASSES HOUSE, SENATE
Bicycle commuters will now be extended similar benefits to people who take transit or drive to work - an incentive to encourage greater energy independence, improve air quality and health, and even help tackle climate change. Check with www.bikeleague.org as they work on the implementation process.

NEW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
The US Department of Health and Human Services has published guidelines that outline exercise recommendations for healthy adults and older adults and are an update from the 1995 guidelines. These recommendations are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. They are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. There are several websites offering information on these guidelines:
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/index.html
http://www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/
ACSM and AHA Guidelines
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/10/20081007a.html

HEALTH & FITNESS RESEARCH ARTICLES
From the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health:
http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/updates/index.htm