As the Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, I am excited about the release of the National Physical Activity Plan because I believe it will provide the necessary momentum to start a health social movement. At this time, it is important for everyone—regardless of sex or age—to get on the bandwagon.

Physical activity is the “silver bullet” for living a healthier lifestyle given its ability to strengthen muscles and bones, decrease the chance of becoming depressed, and increase our chances of living longer. Quite frankly, exercise can revolutionize lives and give us the energy needed to live more fulfilled lives. It is imperative that we, as health and fitness professionals, work to change social norms. Exercise is vitally important for everyone and should be encouraged in every sector, including at work, school, home, and in our communities. This point needs to be reiterated on our Web sites and during every speech we make. Too often we focus on weight—the number on the scale—when we should focus on overall health and well-being. Physical activity need not be considered an additional chore on our task lists. Instead, physical activity can be fun and incorporated into our day. For example, it is possible to reap health benefits by simply walking briskly for 30 minutes most days of the week.

We’re all aware of the substantial benefits that come with being physically active such as a decreased incidence of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Everyone can take steps today. I realize that change will not happen overnight, but if we work within our sphere of influence and among our friends and family, change can happen. Lives can be improved. We can make a difference!

As a former physical therapist with 20 years of experience, I know the difference getting up and moving can make. And, I’m concerned that the country is not moving enough. This Plan, I believe, has the ability to put us on the right course.  

How will you work within your sphere of influence to impact social norms?

How will your organization promote the National Physical Activity Plan?

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?

A new year…a new me! I can’t even imagine how many Americans have that thought running through their heads when January 1 roles around and it is time to ponder one’s goals for the new year (I am stopping short of calling the thought a resolution)…in fact, the media reported just this week that the 3rd most popular New year’s Resolution (oops..there it is-THAT word!) is to “get fit”.

The landmark Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans have provided a great goal for people to reach for…and the Nation’s first National Physical Activity Plan is a roadmap to help them get there. Dr. Russ Pate’s 11/17/09 blog post provides an excellent introduction to the Plan. The ultimate success of the plan will produce a marked and progressive increase in the percentage of Americans who meet the guidelines throughout life.

The National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) is spearheading the implementation of the Plan. The sector approach adopted by the plan will allow us to address a variety of themes such as environmental design (office buildings, communities, worksites, and schools) and integration of physical activity fully into our lives-whether it be while working, learning or playing (think physical activity/education in schools; parks and recreation programs and facilities; worksite physical activity programs, and shared use of schools, corporate campuses, etc.). Successful implementation will also involve systematically working towards environment and policy changes in a variety of sectors, at the local, state and national levels that will integrate physical activity into a variety of areas. Of course, public health and education immediately come to mind but it will be important to also focus on unorthodox areas (in terms of physical activity) of government policy such as transportation, economic recovery, climate change, and community development. Policy changes are not however, limited to government-they can reach into corporate culture as well as how physical activity is treated as part of health care and health insurance.

Implementation of something this large would needless to say be a monumental task for one organization; however by many organizations working together it becomes not only manageable but realistic and tangible as well. NCPPA is looking for key organizations that are willing to commit to providing the leadership of the various strategies and objectives contained within the plan. In many cases, there may be a strategy that your organization has already deemed a priority and in other cases, it may be something new but of interest to your organization. The Plan’s ultimate success lies in the partnership of organizations that is being created to “get down and dirty”…to actually take the Plan and put it into action. 

Plans are well underway for a National Plan initial launch in early May, however the groundwork is beginning now. Is your organization willing to commit to leadership on one or more strategies? If that is not possible, is your organization willing to co-lead or work on a strategy? Would your city, county, etc. like to be involved in a local launch? If you would like more information on getting involved in implementation of the National Plan, please contact us.

“Name that Cause!”  What are your ideas for the name brand or tag line for a shared cause to improve physical activity choices in homes, schools, worksites, and communities?  What would attract organizations and individuals to join a shared cause to improve physical activity choices in homes, schools, worksites, and communities?