Be Active Your Way Blog - Building Healthy Communities

Communities + Employers = Increased Physical Activity

sFranklin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:25:00 -0400

Everyone knows that physical activity is good for us... right? Okay, maybe not everyone, but certainly the vast majority of adults and many, many children, as do policymakers, healthcare professionals, etc. Yet so few of us regularly attain the daily recommendations in the National Physical Activity Guidelines. The million dollar question is: WHY?

The most popular reason listed is time, or lack thereof. For many adults, the amount of time they spend at work and commuting to/from work is in excess of 10 hours a day. Add in other responsibilities - such as children, or perhaps, classes - and there is not much left of their waking hours. While a federal mandate reducing work hours for all would be great, it is clearly not realistic. But, what can be done is to look at how physical activity can be incorporated into the commute and/or the work day, and what role a community plays in helping to make this happen.

Take the commute. There are a variety of ways that physical activity can be integrated into commuting. The National Physical Activity Plan's Transportation and Active Living sector has identified several immediate priorities dedicated to active transportation. Employers, federal and state legislators, as well as communities and individuals themselves must work together if policy change that will encourage active commuting is going to happen.

Communities can insure that bike racks are installed at transit stations and that commuter parking lots are safe, well lit, and in inclement weather, provide clear sidewalks. Communities could work with employers to institute a bicycle sharing program with locations at local transit stations as well as in areas conducive to places of employment. Such programs allow individuals to "borrow a bike" for a very nominal fee and are increasing in popularity.

And now for the workday... when thinking of communities, we often silo them as their own entities, with their own activities and priorities for serving their residents. We don't often think of them working in partnership with the companies, etc. that may be in their boundaries. Working together with employers, communities can make great strides in helping more people log increased physical activity during the workday. Perhaps a brochure could be developed for those working in the community, highlighting facilities, parks, etc. that are available for physical activity. Another thought is using the employees as focus groups to help determine development and expansion of things like walking trails. Is there a lovely corporate campus headquarter that might be the perfect setting for construction of a non-motorized trail that could serve the needs of both the employees and community residents? Can special rates be offered for a community fitness facility to those that are working in the community but might not be residents? Employees might be new recruiting ground for volunteer youth sport coaches or additional teams for existing or new adult sports leagues.

What ideas do you have for how communities can work together with companies, etc. to make it easier for employees and residents to engage in fitness activities?

Wellness for Our Military Families

TRichards — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:08:00 -0400

The Joining Forces initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to mobilize support for our service members and their families, calls attention to a critical wellness need in our country.

"The stress of war, multiple deployments, and frequent moves can affect the wellness of military families," notes the Joining Forces website. "Children and spouses can experience anxiety, changes in relationships with family and friends, isolation or emotional challenges in dealing with deployments, illness or injury, and high mobility."

To help meet the wellness needs of our military families, the International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) President/CEO Joe Moore joined Mrs. Obama on the South Lawn of the White House on May 9th to announce the launch of the IHRSA Joining Forces Network - an affiliation of health clubs throughout the country that will offer free memberships to immediate family members of actively deployed reservists and National Guard members. The announcement took place at a health and wellness event for military families hosted by Mrs. Obama; the event combined the Joining Forces and Let's Move initiatives.

"The freedoms that each of us enjoys every day are possible because of the sacrifices that our nation's military families bear," said Joe Moore, IHRSA's President and CEO. "Joining Forces offers us an opportunity to provide these families with the support they are due."

The IHRSA Joining Forces Network hopes to offer at least 100,000 free health club memberships throughout the country - the equivalent of more than 18 million days of free access to health clubs and an estimated value of more than $30 million.

Participating clubs also may provide additional benefits, such as childcare, children's programming, group classes, discounts for veterans, and discounts for active duty families.

"Rooted in communities all across America, IHRSA health clubs stand ready to serve our nation's military families," said Moore. "We are here to offer them safe, supportive environments where they can exercise and find encouragement in their efforts to stay well through healthy lifestyle choices. We are deeply honored to be part of the Joining Forces and Let's Move initiatives."

Beginning June 1st, eligible military families can find participating clubs in their area online at www.healthclubs.com. The website also offers a free digital subscription to Get Active! Magazine, a consumer resource dedicated to promoting the benefits of safe and effective exercise, and offers useful advice on making healthy lifestyle choices.

We know, of course, that a free membership can't fully mitigate the stress of family life during a time of deployment, but we are confident that every offer of support matters. What are some other ways that physical activity organizations can support the troops? We'd love to hear what other organizations are doing.

Engaging Communities in Fitness: A Range of Options

JPivarnik — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:30:00 -0400

One measure of the richness of any community is its diversity. Variety of geography, age, ethnicity, culture and other traits is at the heart of American life and values.

As diverse as we are, though, and as differently as we choose to live, we have much in common. Deeply rooted in our shared, human physiology, for example, is the need to move. We all benefit from physical activity and exercise. Whether in a schoolyard or a nursing home, condo or campground, in the pink of health or post-chemo, the power of exercise can help us keep healthy or recover. The research is unmistakable, but more compelling for most people is the empirical evidence - how good they feel when they get regular exercise for recreation and as part of daily living.

But, how to get everyone to understand the need to be physically active? How to ensure they have ample opportunities to exercise, and how to motivate them to do it? The answers, fortunately, are as diverse as our communities themselves. I was reminded of this on May 31, when we kicked off the second World Congress on Exercise is Medicine with a community walk in Denver. Everyone - from schoolkids to the Senator to the "Biggest Loser" star - had a great time, and finished the walk just a bit healthier than before.

Just move!

At heart, physical activity is about movement. As two-legged creatures, we are made to walk. The setting may be a mall, trail, sidewalk or office park. No gym membership or special equipment needed; shoes are optional but recommended. The pace may be slower in the retirement home than the high school, but the benefits are just as real. Accumulating daily steps toward the Federal Physical Activity Guidelines is a big contribution toward better health for all. We should share the Guidelines widely and help people find ways to meet them.

But, walking isn't everyone's cup of tea, and it isn't enough for some. Communities with plenty of parks and playgrounds, sports leagues for all and safe, walkable neighborhoods have a leg up and tend to measure better on the ACSM American Fitness Index.

The "Law and Order" Principle

Crime shows tell us the perpetrator needs motive, means and opportunity. Same for exercise: We need to tell our diverse communities why they should be physically active; provide a variety of ways for them to enjoy activity, and help them fit it into daily life. If a personal trainer is too costly, let's offer free or low-cost classes at community centers. When it's too cold to jog, open a skating rink. Those who aren't up to running the mini-marathon can do the 5K family walk.

When the community's health is a priority, people find ways to encourage healthy lifestyles. The challenge is for each of us - government, businesses, nonprofits and community groups of every stripe - to find what works for us and then make it happen.

What can you do to foster active lifestyles in your community?

Speaking Up for Physical Activity

rPate — Wed, 25 May 2011 09:50:00 -0400

In all likelihood, if you are reading this blog, you're already well aware of the myriad of benefits associated with being regularly physically active, and you likely meet or exceed federal physical activity guidelines. What you may be less aware of are the ways in which you can become a voice for physical activity promotion in your community, so that your neighbors, colleagues, and friends can also realize the benefits of being more active.

Maybe you've noticed that physical education is no longer required in your children's school, that there are unsafe sidewalks in your town, or no bike racks where you work, while others never give you thought to such issues. As an individual, what can you do? With May being National Physical Activity Month, you can use the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) to become a voice for change that echoes for months to come.

The NPAP is a document comprised of recommendations for changes in the environments in which we live, work, play, travel, and learn, such that they better support physical activity. Most of the recommendations made in the NPAP are written with policymakers in mind. Maybe as an employer, school board member, or parent, you are policymaker, with the ability to alter an environment so that it's easier for others to be more active. If so, the buck may start and stop with you. But maybe you're not a policymaker, what then? Then, you can become a voice for change, an informed advocate with the power to influence those in position to make change.

With recommendations from across a number of societal sectors - including Education; Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports; Business and Industry; and Transportation, Land Use, and Community Design - the NPAP is your roadmap for becoming an advocate at local, state, and even national levels.

For example, if you want to be a voice for more physical activity opportunities for youth in your community, approach the local school board or P.T.A. with the information from the Education sector, citing specific recommendations from the NPAP that call for community partnerships that will create such opportunities.

As another example, maybe you know that if there were just more bike lanes and sidewalks where you live, more people could safely walk to the store, or bike to work. Here, you can become an advocate for change at local and state levels by meeting with your elected officials or members of your state's Department of Transportation, armed with "real world" recommendations for change that have been proven effective.

There could not be a better way to celebrate National Physical Activity Month than to model healthy physical activity behavior, while also becoming an educated advocate for physical activity. So please use the Federal PA Guidelines to become or stay a model of healthy behavior, and use the NPAP to become a strong advocate for change to improve the lives of others.

How are you advocating for change?

Innovative Physical Activity Joint Use Agreements

sFranklin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:44:00 -0400

Public park and recreation agencies and school districts in many areas have utilized Joint Use Agreements (JUA) for years. The National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity (NPLAN) "defines a JUA as a formal agreement between two separate government entities - stating terms and conditions for shared use of public property or facilities." Pooling of resources allows for more effective use of government dollars, which in today's economy takes on even greater meaning as well as a heightened sense of urgency. Groups advocating for physical activity have recently begun encouraging more towns, cities and counties to consider such agreements as a way to increase the number of physical activity opportunities for their residents.

Consider the following... School playgrounds are open to the community on weekends in San Francisco as a result of a joint use agreement between the school district and the city. The City of Seattle took things a bit further... they designed and implemented a program that centralized scheduling of both school and recreation facilities, which streamlined the reservation policy and increased access. In several communities, schools and cities have combined their resources to build new recreation facilities that serve the needs of both the schools and the community (NPLAN).

The National Physical Activity Plan includes JUAs as important strategies in both the Education sector and the Parks, Fitness Recreation and Sport (PFRS) sector. The Make the Move Report - 2010-2011 National Implementation of the U.S. Physical Activity Plan lists increasing the number of JUAs by 10% over the next 5 years as a priority for the PRFS sector. The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is co-leading this strategy with the National Recreation and Park Association.

I encourage advocates to look beyond government though for JUAs and to consider the possibility of public-private agreements. The Wheaton Park District used an innovative approach to increase their number of (much in demand) soccer fields. A large corporate campus sat at the edge of park district and had plenty of flat (this was Illinois!), green space that was there purely for its aesthetic value. The two organizations signed an agreement that stated the park district would mow the grass in return for its use as soccer fields evenings and weekends. I dare say there are many possibilities like this across the country.

Perhaps there is a private health club located near a school. Use of the club may be sparse during the day... what a great opportunity for a PE class! Maybe there's a camp nearby used only in the summer... strike a deal for use of its athletic facilities. Many places of worship even have recreational facilities. The possibilities are endless to increase spaces and places for people of all ages to engage in physical activity - if you just think the outside the box a bit!

What kinds of unique joint use agreements can you think of? Are there facilities in your own community that you could see working with to increase the opportunities for physical activity?

Achieving Population Changes in Physical Activity through Targeting Specific Settings

rPate — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:04:00 -0400

“One day, all Americans will be physically active and then will live, work, and play in environments that facilitate regular physical activity.” This is the stated vision of the US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP), and it speaks to the importance of targeting specific settings. Success of the NPAP will come, in large part, as the result of local actions that target specific settings such as schools, workplaces, community streets, and parks. The NPAP is chock-full of Strategies and Tactics aimed at specific settings. Here are just a few examples of Strategies and Tactics taken directly from the NPAP that target such settings.

In targeting the workplace, the first strategy from the Business and Industry Sector aims to identify, summarize, and disseminate best practices, models, and evidence-based physical activity interventions in the workplace. Within this strategy are several, more specific tactics including: Recognize organizations that are examples of best practices; Recruit key business and industry leaders to play central roles in influencing their peers. Are there businesses that you are aware of that can serve as models of an active workplace for other employers?

Within the first strategy from the Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports sector there is an emphasis on local facilities providing access for all members of the population. One specific tactic is: Provide programs in parks, recreation, fitness, and sports that are appropriate for individuals of both genders, diverse cultures, abilities, developmental stages and needs and that have demonstrated positive physical activity outcomes. Do you know of programs that have demonstrated positive outcomes, meeting the needs of a diverse community?

Increasing physical activity through active transportation is a very attractive option on many levels. The NPAP has a sector devoted to this which includes the following tactic: Support and increase incentives for community projects to create safe and accessible active transportation networks, including not just roadways with pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodation, but also networks of greenways, trails, and multi-use pathways. How would you go about rallying support for such initiatives in your community?

Because of their broad reach, schools represent an ideal target environment for increasing physical activity in youth. Within the NPAP’s Education sector, there are many specific recommendations for doing just that. One such recommendation includes working with teachers through requiring pre-service and continuing education for physical education and elementary classroom teachers to deliver high-quality physical education and physical activity programs. As a concerned parent, school board member, or citizen, what steps are you taking to ensure regular physical activity for all students in your area?

Part of the process of evaluating the NPAP is documenting actions targeting specific settings. Based on the examples you see above, or any other of the NPAP’s strategies and tactics, please tell us what is happening in your area by going to http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/contact.php.

Get Active America! – A Community Approach

TRichards — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:08:00 -0400

At a time when policymakers are pulling levers to transform our sick care system to a genuine health care system, we have redesigned our flagship health promotion program, Get Active America, beginning May 2, 2011, to position health clubs as leading voices in their communities for healthy and active lifestyles.

The cornerstone of Get Active America is outreach to encourage the club’s whole community – club members and nonmembers – to pursue an Active Lifestyle award, such as the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, that will ultimately establish long-term, healthy physical activity habits. In this manner, Get Active America! supports the goal of the Let’s Move campaign, championed by First Lady Michelle Obama, to inspire at least one million Americans to be active for 5 days/week for at least 6 out of 8 weeks. We are looking forward to reporting the great contributions of IHRSA members to the First Lady and her Let’s Move team.

We are also encouraging participating clubs to reach out to other local leaders to increase the impact of their efforts.

We’re anticipating that local governments will be interested in a Get Active America partnership in the spirit of Let’s Move Cities & Towns. Perhaps the leaders of local faith communities will be eager for IHRSA clubs to sign up their members for an Active Lifestyle award and share the message of health and wellness. And, certainly, there must be a local service organization near every club that could benefit from a warm-up exercise and healthy living discussion before its next meeting, no?

Of course, participating clubs will also connect directly with youth and seniors. We’re recommending that clubs offer to bring Get Active America to schools and senior centers through classes or seminars. Or, better yet, invite young people and seniors to pursue an Active Lifestyle award by, for example, offering use of the club at discounted rates during off-peak hours.

The outreach possibilities are limited only by imagination. We know that participating clubs may run into a logjam of local bureaucracy or shortsighted skeptics, but they are empowered by the truth that a health club can transform the members of a community in a way that few institutions of our society can hope to match. Undoubtedly, health clubs provide a service – health and wellbeing through exercise – that is vital to any community.

We don’t know yet the ultimate impact of Get Active America, but we’re hoping that it will lead to several innovative community health models through exercise.

What are other organizations doing to encourage innovation in the promotion of physical activity at the community level?

Active Aging Week 2011

CMilner — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:15:00 -0400

A myriad of activities can enhance health and well-being. The key is to find the right ones for an individual. One example of how we can encourage people to find what works for them is ICAA’s Active Aging Week.

Now in its ninth year, Active Aging Week, September 25–October 1, promotes the benefits of active, healthy lifestyles for adults over 50. During that time, host sites invite older adults in their local communities to experience free wellness activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Below are some insights from veteran organizers as well as some general planning tips for participating in this kind of health promotion event:

Save the dates. Give people plenty of notice to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Initiate planning early. Begin your planning cycle as early as possible to have time to develop a vision and create support materials.

Target the audience. Consider the target audience for your activities. The identity of your target audience will influence the goals you set, the partnerships you seek, and both the activities and approaches you use.

Decide on goals. Consider the specific goals you want to achieve through your activities, and let those goals guide your planning. Your objectives will focus your decisions through the planning stages. Plus, determine how to measure the success of your efforts.

Seek out partnerships. Determine the resources you will need and approach other organizations about forming alliances. These resources might include staff, facilities, expertise, contacts and funding, for example. Others to contact include organizations that might provide speakers and/or volunteers, or offer cash or in-kind donations.

Have a checklist. Make sure you know what you need to do, and when, in the months leading up to the event. To help Active Aging Week organizers, ICAA provides a general “five-month plan” listing the major planning stages, as well as a planning checklist of more detailed tasks (see below).

Work with colleagues. Bring colleagues into the planning process, as they can help in selecting goals, promoting the health promotion event, and supporting or leading activities. Also, seek out colleagues who have the skills to help with specific planning tasks, such as writing press releases or creating marketing approaches

Call in volunteers. Start a volunteer team and involve this group in creating a vision, spreading the word about activities, and carrying out plans

Use ICAA resources. Visit the ICAA website for free support materials used to help Active Aging Week hosts plan and implement this event. Resources include fact sheets; formats for media advisory, press release and calendar announcements; logos; posters; certificates of participation; and more. A bevy of “planning guide” articles offers programming inspiration and practical information, while planning worksheets include a marketing matrix and lists that hosts can customize to meet their needs. To access these resources, go to the ICAA Web site.

Active Aging Week activities may be the opportunity individuals need to step outside their comfort zone, finding that perfect activity that lets them be active their way. How can you take advantage of ICAA resources for Active Aging Week to help launch people on their way to healthier, active living?

Addressing a Communities Fitness Needs: One Person at a Time

LCulver — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:52:00 -0400

Physical inactivity is a leading cause of death in the U.S. due to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Physical activity is critical in the prevention of the detrimental effects of aging, obesity (33 to 35% of the US adult population), and chronic illnesses. The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, has also documented the importance of physical activity in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases . Despite well‐documented evidence of the benefits of physical activity, we still have not approached the recommendations of the HHS Physical Activity Guidelines .

What is the problem? Approximately 70% of US adults are underactive, 40% of American adults do nothing to exercise, and 50% of individuals who start an exercise program drop out after 6 months. (SportsEconomics: Battling Attrition – A Study in Improving Member Retention at Health Club Facilities. SportsEconomics Perspectives, Issue 3. 2001.)

Barriers to implementation by physicians include limited time, lack of tools and skills, and lack of reimbursement. Patient barriers to exercise include lack of time and confidence, presence of an injury, and incomplete/improper information regarding exercise relevance, content and dosing. Research shows that exercise advice given by a primary care physician may be effective in increasing physical activity in the short‐term [after two months], but not in the long‐term [after four and twelve months], due to insufficient support, accountability, and implementation strategies.

Who is currently in position? The health and fitness industry is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for easily accessible, supportive, and guided fitness venues. They clearly have a role but health clubs average a loss of 1 to 6 of every 10 members, and experience a mean attrition rate of 40% annually., Furthermore, program planning at most health clubs is targeted towards individuals who have already committed to making physical activity a habit (which may explain why so many new members drop off).

Who else can help? Successful exercise among those individuals who see more barriers than benefits to exercise depends on four key provider-driven characteristics: clear, credible data; specific, attainable goals; directed programming; and appropriate reinforcement/support.

What’s Our Solution? Conduct Annual Physical Therapist‐based Fitness Physicals to establish objective, norm‐referenced baseline measures of strength, flexibility, postural habits, cardio respiratory fitness, risks for injury, and readiness for change. Develop individual fitness plans to specifically address findings; provide patient education, support, and ongoing feedback; establish multi‐modal fitness strategies including home exercise, private fitness training, and/or group fitness classes to best fit patient’s lifestyle, level of confidence and commitment, and experience; provide structured accountability and positive re‐enforcement systems.

What is your organization doing to engage communities to be more physically active?

Written by: Jennifer M. Gamboa, DPT, OCS, MTC

Program Spotlight 12/21/10

SLier — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:42:00 -0400

This week’s spotlight shines on the Spring Training program offered by Girls in the Game, a Chicago-area organization dedicated to improving girls’ health and fitness.

Program Basics

Girls in the Game was founded 15 years ago by a group of women who recognized that their participation in sports as girls helped them develop the strength, voice and confidence they needed to succeed as adults. Since 1995, Girls in the Game has emerged as a leader in girls’ health and fitness, serving 2,500 girls in Chicagoland each year. Girls in the Game's comprehensive, evidence-based programs address the health needs of girls ages 6 to 18, and equip girls with the skills and confidence they need to become healthy, successful young women. Girls in the Game’s After School programs use sports and fitness, health and nutrition education, and leadership development activities to help girls form healthy habits to benefit them now and in the future. Girls meet after school, once a week, and are engaged in sports, health and leadership programming tailored to the specific needs of elementary and middle-school girls.

Spring Training is Girls in the Game's train-the-trainer program that gives qualified youth service professionals the tools and training they need to run a Girls in the Game program at their school, park or youth center. With Spring Training certification, youth service sites and their representatives are certified to run a designated Girls in the Game program for either elementary, middle or high school girls. Created specifically for girls ages 8-14, the program is currently implemented in 30 different schools and sites around the Chicagoland area.

Measuring Success

Kristi Skala is the Training and Evaluation Manager for Girls in the Game. She reports that the success of the Spring Training program is evaluated in a number of ways. Youth service providers who participate in Spring Training evaluate the quality and content of the training itself. They are also provided with three months of follow up support so that potential problems can be addressed and questions answered. Additionally, outcome evaluations will be performed on participants of programs implemented by the first five pilot sites to ensure program fidelity and monitor progress.

Challenges

Research demonstrates the importance of both gender specific and sports programming, and many underestimate the need for structured sports and fitness programs for girls. As Skala points out, girls today still do not have as many sports and fitness opportunities as boys have. This lack of understanding or awareness of the need for gender-specific healthy lifestyle programs for girls often leads to challenges in finding staff and resources to implement Girls in the Game’s programs.

Implementation in Your Community

Skala believes that the Girls in the Game model is highly transferable. In fact, Spring Training exists to give youth service providers the tools to implement Girls in the Game programming in their own communities. Sites that aren’t ready for the full Spring Training program can benefit from one day workshops on a variety of topics. These trainings can help youth service providers run their own programs more effectively and efficiently, while ensuring that youth have a positive and healthy experience.

How are the health and fitness needs of school-aged girls addressed in your community? Share your comments!