News and information from the National Physical Activity Plan 09/2015

By
Oliver Bartzsch
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Coming Soon:  
Call To Action on Walking and Walkable Communities
The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) is pleased to announce the release of “Step It Up!” the Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Walking and Walkable Communities.
On September 9th in Washington DC, US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, Md, MBA is expected to release the Call to Action and call on all Americans, organizations, and communities to take action to increase walking and walkability.
The NPAPA will attend the release of the Call to Action and will assist with dissemination efforts. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for live updates during the release.
On release day, the NPAPA plans to announce several anticipated projects that will be undertaken in support of the Call to Action. One such activity will include a special Q & A session with Russ Pate, NPAPA Chair, and Jim Whitehead, ACSM, to discuss the implication of the Call to Action as well as what it means for the physical activity and public health field.
Stay tuned for other exciting news related to the Call to Action! Together we can increase walking in all segments of the American population and create walkable communities across the country.

 

NPAP in the News:
American Heart Association Call to Action Follow Up
 
A new commentary is available on Global PA Net’s website discussing an American Heart Association (AHA) call to action, which was featured in April’s Circulation issue, to all its volunteers and members asking them to act locally, regionally, and nationally to promote increased physical activity and structured exercise in the daily lives of all Americans.
Specifically, AHA encouraged the use of the National Physical Activity Plan as a guide to change policy and environmental level factors influencing physical activity among all segments of the population. Read the full commentary here.

 

Recent physical activity publications: 
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JPAH Supplement on Walking and Walkability
In June, the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (JPAH) released a special supplement themed “Walking and Walkability: Approaches to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health” which highlighted approaches to increase population levels of physical activity through walking and improved walkability. The articles focus on 1) improving the physical environment to support walking, and 2) the role of personal motivation for walking.
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Active Living Research Research Review
Creating Places That Promote Physical Activity: Perceiving in Believing
 
According to a new research review from Active Living Research, environments that seem safe and aesthetically appealing can lead to more physical activity. The review examines how rates of physical activity are related to perceived aesthetics, safety, and comfort of public places. Recommendations for environments to increase physical activity include planting vegetation in open spaces, installing amenities such as seating, fencing, and water fountains to playgrounds, and ensuring parks are well-lit.
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Recent MMWR Reports: 
  • Bicyclist Deaths Associated with Motor Vehicle Traffic – United States, 1975-2012.
  • Active Transportation Surveillance – United States, 1999-2012.

 

New Physical Activity Programs:
Beat the Street – UK Program Promotes Physical Activity
 
 

 

Physical Activity Policy Updates:
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Physical activity, Living healthy, Access, Youth development, and Safety (PLAYS) in Youth Sports Act

In June, Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced a legislative bill to advance the positive impact of youth sports. The Physical activity, Living healthy, Access, Youth development, and Safety (PLAYS) in Youth Sports Act already has 6 co-sponsors but more are needed.

To help increase support for the bill we encourage you to:
  1. Contact your Representative and ask him/her to co-sponsor the P.L.A.Y.S. Act
  2. Join the NPAPA as an organizational supporter of the P.L.A.Y.S. Act – contact the National Council on Youth Sports to add your organization to the list: [email protected]
Learn more about the bill here.
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ESEA Reauthorization: Every Child Achieves Act
Before the August recess, the Senate passed their ESEA Reauthorization bill, the Every Child Achieves Act, with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans, 81-17. The bill includes the following physical education provisions:
  1. Physical education is listed as an acceptable use in Senator Alexander’s consolidated grant program.
  2. Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) is included. (but not funded)
  3. Physical education is now a core subject.
Unfortunately, the House bill has eliminated all of physical education content. As such, it may be difficult to ensure that these provisions are retained in the final bill given the vast differences between the House and the Senate bill. Learn more here.

Every Body Walk! Video Competition  

1 month left to submit!

What does walking mean to you?

The Every Body Walk! Collaborative is still accepting submissions to its video competition. Create your own short video and submit before October 1, 2015.

The winner will be highlighted at the 2nd National Walking Summit and will be featured on the Every Body Walk! website.

 

Have you ‘Liked’ our new NPAPA Facebook page?
Are you interested physical activity? If so, be sure to receive the most up to date physical activity announcements by following the NPAP Alliance on social media. We are excited to introduce our new Facebook page. ‘Like’ and share our page today and we will do our best to keep you informed of all things physical activity!

 

Upcoming Webinars 
The 6 E’s of Walk to School Day Encouragement
Safe Routes to School
Wednesday, September 2nd at 1pm ET
Call to Action on Walking and Walkable Communities:
What Does It Mean for You and Your Community?
America Walks
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 1pm ET
 
Upcoming Conferences
  
EveryBody WALK! 2015 National Walking Summit 
Washington D.C.
October 28-30. 2015
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
October 31-November 4, 2015
Physical Activity Section Program
Active Living Research 2016
Clearwater Beach, FL
January 31-February 3, 2016
*Abstract Deadline: August 28th*
6th International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health
Bangkok, Thailand
November 16-19, 2016
Sedentary Behavior and Health Conference
The University of Illinois and SHAPE America
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
October 15-17, 2015
Read also our most popular topics on Physical Activity Plan
Oliver Bartzsch
Oliver Bartzsch is an experienced medical professional with over 15 years of professional experience. With a passion for medicine, fitness, and personal growth, he is always willing to challenge himself to accomplish tasks and especially to provide accurate medical information to people. Oliver is a long-time medical editor for multiple sites. With more than 10 years of medical writing experience, he has completed over 350 projects with both individual and corporate clients.

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