Published: April 02, 2008 12:31 pm            

Communities asked to commit to be fit

Submitted by the North Georgia Health District



The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is launching the inaugural National President’s Challenge, a 6-week physical activity challenge that encourages all Americans to get up and move at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The Challenge kicked off on March 20, 2008, and culminates on May 15, 2008.

Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson, the acting surgeon general, joined in this challenge and encourages all of us to make this commitment to fitness and health.

“Our goal is to have Americans of all ages and abilities take steps to improve their health," Galson said. "I encourage you to use this challenge as a way to motivate everyone around you — colleagues, family and friends. Everyone can be involved in making ‘active’ activities part of a regular family, work or recreational routine. Whether exercising in the morning with colleagues, going for a walk after dinner, hiking on the weekend, going to the park instead of the movies, or playing basketball in the driveway, the opportunities for physical activity are endless.

"The epidemic of overweight and obesity has been recognized in America for some time. However, the number of children who are overweight or obese in this country is at an all-time high. I have recently been tasked by the president and the secretary of Health and Human Services to launch a Surgeon General’s Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, ‘Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future.’ Children need education on making healthy lifestyle choices and they need role models to help them achieve success.”

Galson encourages groups such as the Medical Reserve Corps to start initiatives with the local schools, working directly with school children on physical fitness and nutrition initiatives. “The impact this group could have is incredible," he said. "There are only benefits to be had and everyone is invited to join.”

To register for the challenge, access the partnership tool kit, and learn more, visit the Web site at www.presidentschallenge.org.

If you have questions about the Healthier Medical Reserve Corps group, please contact Joanne Mauro at (706) 272-2125, extension 306.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.