Voices of the NPAP
Ebony James, MS, RD
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Which of the 8 Sectors are you involved in and why did you choose that particular sector?
Public Health. The health of Americans is one of the most important sectors because it touches everyone regardless of income, ethnicity, religion, etc. I believe by improving the Public Health sector we will be able to make a huge impact on our communities and the world.
What's most exciting to you about the U.S. having a National Physical Activity Plan?
In the past it seems as if efforts have been disjointed, so the most exciting thing about the U.S. having a National Physical Activity Plan is the potential to have a more unified approach in promoting and implementing an infrastructure that supports physical activity in each of the 8 sectors.
What will success of the NPAP look like to you in 3 years, 5 years? 10 years?
In 3 years – Declaration (and also the incorporation) by physical activity and related organizations to support the National Physical Activity Plan. In 5 years – Visible proof in national policy that physical activity is a necessary component to living a healthy lifestyle and policies (and funding) support programs and entities that promote physical activity. In 10 years – Physical activity communicated and promoted as a right and required part of daily living for people of all ages and not seen as just an elective activity or hobby.
