Physical Activity Update | Eat Smart, Move More…NC

The N.C. Division of Public Health announces the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Eat Smart, Move More…North Carolina Community Grants Program for state fiscal year 07/08. Competitive grant applications will be accepted from local health departments and their community partners.

The Eat Smart, Move More…North Carolina Community Grants Program will provide funding, based on availability, from $10,000 – 20,000 to local communities committed to implementing strategies that address the nutrition, physical activity, overweight and obesity goals and objectives of Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina’s Plan to Prevent Overweight, Obesity and Related Chronic Diseases. The North Carolina Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Branch in the Division of Public Health will be responsible for the administration of these grants funds.

Only one application per health department or health district will be accepted.

Also required:

All those interested in applying for grant funds MUST submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI is due by the close of business on June 29th, 2007. Letters of Intent must be emailed to marybea.kolbe@ncmail.net
The LOI must include the name of the local health department, along with the name, title and email address of the primary contact person.
All those who submit a LOI email will receive a confirmation email of the receipt of their LOI.

The RFA guidance document and application form has been sent to county Health Promotion Coordinators and Health Directors via e-mail. The RFA can also be downloaded from www.EatSmartMoveMorenc.com

Move More Scholars Institute

An article about the Move More Scholars Institute, a 4-day training course for community-based physical activity practitioners in North Carolina, was published in the July edition of the Journal of Preventing Chronic Disease. The article describes the planning of, implementation of, and initial response to the Move More Scholars Institute. Read the article at the CDC’s website.

Programs, Projects and Initiatives

Nomination of James W. Holsinger, Jr. to be Surgeon General

Statement by Secretary Michael Leavitt:
I am pleased the President has nominated such an impressive individual to be the 18th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Holsinger’s significant experience as a physician, educator and leader make him an excellent choice to serve as “America’s doctor.”

A cardiologist, Dr. Holsinger has served as the Secretary for Health and Family Services for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Chancellor of the University of Kentucky Medical Center and held numerous academic and administrative appointments. Dr. Holsinger’s 26-year career with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs culminated in appointment as Under Secretary for Health in 1992. In addition, Dr. Holsinger served over 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Major General in 1992. His lifetime of knowledge in providing medical care, teaching, and delivering public health and medical services to children and vulnerable populations will enhance the Office of the Surgeon General’s mission to improve the health of all Americans.

With our nation facing many important public health issues such as childhood obesity, his experience and expertise is a great addition to the HHS leadership team.I look forward to working with Dr. Holsinger and I encourage the Senate to act quickly on his nomination.

For more information about the Office of the Surgeon General, please go to www.surgeongeneral.gov. (From CDC’s and NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, June 11th, 2007).

Active Aging Week Celebrates Healthy Lifestyles

September 25 - October 1, 2007

As we enter what the World Health Organization coins the “age of aging, “health and wellness for the 50-plus population has become one of the most pressing issues of the day. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) recognizes that one of the most effective ways to stay healthy is to stay active.

In response to the impending boom in the number of older adults worldwide, the ICAA will be promoting Active Aging Week, with this year’s theme being “Choose an active life.”

Active Aging Week is an annual event held the last week of September (culminating on October 1, International Day of Older Persons) with the goal of giving as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. During the week, host organizations provide a variety of free activities, such as classes, educational seminars, access to fitness facilities, health fairs and community walks.

“We chose this year’s theme to emphasize that we all have a choice to contribute to our own health and well-being,” says Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA. “Current research suggests that the top concerns of older adults include running out of money and losing their health. Staying active is a means of preserving ones health which, in the long run, will save huge costs in healthcare.”

In past years, thousands of organizations have participated in Active Aging Week, influencing hundreds of thousands of older adults’ lives. Events are held at senior living organizations, seniors centers, health clubs, parks, recreation centers and apartment/condominium complexes that are age-restricted or age-qualified. This year’s event is sponsored by Philips Medical Systems, Thorlo, Inc and The Theraband Academy.

“For many participants,” states Milner, “Active Aging Week is their first introduction to physical activity as an older adult. Many come to the realization that choosing an active life will lead to improved health and longevity.”

During the last week in September older adults and their families will have the opportunity to take part in events that are fun, informative and best of all, free. For more information on Active Aging Week, Plus, look for announcements of local events in newspapers, radio and television broadcasts, and posted on bulletin boards or find out how to choose an active life by participating in Active Aging Week, go to www.icaa.cc.

Or contact Colin Milner, CEO International Council on Active Aging, Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only), telephone: 604-734-4466, Cell: 604-763-4595, Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc. (From USC-PRC).

Success Stories

Alliance for a Healthier Generation Monthly Success Stories Newsletter

Each month, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation will highlight schools from around the country that have improved the health of their students and staff by increasing opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating. Each issue will also feature resources for teachers and schools, as well as news from other organization working to improve kids’ health. To submit a success story go to The Alliance for a Healthier Generation website.

Featured Resources and Research

Medical Panel Outlines Measures to Improve Treatment, Prevention of Childhood Obesity

A panel of health experts representing 15 major medical associations last week released recommendations to help physicians better prevent, diagnose and treat childhood obesity, the Associated Press reports. The group, convened by the American Medical Association (AMA) and funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that physicians use clinical, blunt terms to describe children’s weight problems. Specifically, the panel advises physicians use the terms “overweight” and “obese” to describe conditions currently called “at risk for overweight” and “overweight,” respectively, under CDC guidelines. In recommending the changes, panel members say current terminology defines the problem inadequately and allows physicians to avoid counseling patients in need of intervention.

Panel members note that physicians must still be sensitive and tactful in applying more direct labels to avoid damaging children’s self-esteem during weight counseling. The panel also recommends that physicians assess children’s weight and body mass index at least once a year and evaluate nutrition and activity habits for all pediatric patients during regular checkups.

The voluntary guidelines, posted on the AMA’s Web site, have been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dietetic Association and the American College of Preventive Medicine.
While AMA officials say they have no plans to endorse the changes, CDC will consider whether to adopt the recommendations. For more information go to this site.(From RWJF News Digest: Childhood Obesity 6/15/07).

North Carolina Researchers to Study Parks’ Promise as Obesity Prevention Tool

Researchers from North Carolina State University are launching a study to determine strategies for increasing the effectiveness of community parks, particularly their potential to increase physical activity and prevent obesity, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. Using a $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, researchers will study parks in Durham, N.C., an area chosen for its high concentration of urban parks.

This summer, researchers will begin collecting data on park use through focus groups discussions. Researchers will ask local residents about their time spent in local parks, and potential barriers to park use, such as inconvenient locations, and extreme traffic or safety concerns. In addition, they hope to identify recreational programming and attractions that could increase children’s interest in local parks and ease parents’ concerns. Researchers will analyze the data next year and plan to produce a report for city planners by 2009. (Raleigh News & Observer, 6/7/07; North Carolina State release, 6/6/07).
(From RWJF News Digest: Childhood Obesity 6/8/07)

NEW Publication from Action for Healthy Kids: Model Projects of Action for Healthy Kids Teams

A new Action for Healthy Kids field report, Ideas, Commitment, Action, Results: Model Projects Advancing the Cause of School Wellness, features the projects of the Michigan, Alabama, and Ohio Teams to improve school wellness practices The report highlights innovative strategies of the three projects that can be adapted and replicated by other Action for Healthy Kids Teams for implementation in their states and local school districts. Each project set out to address unmet needs in schools across the state, and to achieve specific goals in improving school wellness.

The projects defined how and where Teams’ resources would be expanded, and explored new tactics to impact students’ health and learning.

Read more about these three model projects by downloading the field report from the Exclusive Reports page of the Action for Healthy Kids website (From Action for Healthy Kids June Newsletter).

The Harvest Foundation Supports $1.56 Million Initiative to Catalyze Martinsville/Henry County, Virginia into a Healthier Community.

The Harvest Foundation and BikeWalk Virginia today announced an innovative three-year initiative designed to improve the quality of life and economic vitality in Martinsville/Henry County Virginia. The $1.56-million initiative represents the largest investment by a foundation for this type of program, and it will begin to transform this southern Virginia community into a place with ‘complete streets’ that encourages and supports a livable, healthy, and sustainable community.

Complete Streets, a growing national movement, is the concept of planning, designing and building the necessary infrastructure that provides safer mobility and access to destinations, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists. It also begins to address the fundamental challenges of placemaking and how communities might be able to support comprehensive planning and policy development that is aligned with cultivating choices for people to be active. It is expected that this initiative will catalyze the necessary policies, programs, and infrastructure to promote high levels of walking and bicycling, and as a result create a unique national model for how a community improves its economic vitality through transportation investment that emphasize better health outcomes.

“We know from experience that Virginians are yearning for communities where walking and bicycling is safe, inviting, and fun - and that such places are healthier, cleaner, greener, and more attractive to families, businesses, and tourists.” says Allen Turnbull, Executive Director of BikeWalk Virginia. “We’re excited to be helping Martinsville/Henry County blaze a new path to prosperity through this initiative.”

BikeWalk Virginia will partner with several local and national organizations to reengineer the community into a place where bicycling and walking are deeply valued and integral features of a vibrant and healthy life in the region.

The National Complete Streets Coalition will cultivate a planning process that ensures future road investments create streets that are safe and inviting for everyone - young to old - and all abilities, whether walking, bicycling or in an automobile. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership will assist in reviving the bygone behavior of the walk to school for thousands of students.

The League of American Bicyclists will develop a process that teaches children and adults safe bicycling skills, and provides the support they need to ride for fun and fitness. The University of North Carolina will be collaborating with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on developing a comprehensive evaluation component that will help to inform other communities how to implement the successes and opportunities realized by this program.

“This proposal represents a new direction in philanthropic support transportation investment. It also emphasizes how foundations begin to support strategies that stimulate community change at multiple levels,” says Richard Killingsworth, Executive Director of the Harvest Foundation. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure that our investment helps revitalize our public spaces and creates a uniquely attractive, vibrant and healthy place that speaks to our vision of Martinsville/Henry County becoming a community of choice.”

“I know this project will affect the lives of thousands of people in our community and will help draw visitors who will see something unique in Martinsville. This is another step towards revitalizing our community making it an even better place for people to live, work and play. It is conscientious and thoughtful approach of connecting Martinsville’s public spaces while investing in the health of our
community’s best asset —- it’s citizens.” says Mayor Kimble Reynolds. Martinsville and Henry County are making critical investments in a variety of land use, economic development, street design, public space, and transportation programs. Through extensive collaboration and partnering the city and county hope to revitalize this region into a place that addresses the core needs of its residents and people looking to visit or move there soon. This initiative adds to this work by undertaking a challenge of creating a living legacy project that offers solutions that will restore hope and pride to this amazing region.

“This initiative will bring tremendous national resources to our doorstep in pursuit of a far-reaching vision that will help our community thrive.” says Henry County Administrator Benny Summerlin.

This funding will significantly leverage how public space is created so that the design of it, such as streets, will over time, transform places into desirable destinations and ultimately have them attract people to Martinsville/Henry County, so they can experience why this place among many others is truly a “community of choice” that values the way it is designed to influence positive health outcomes.

BikeWalk Virginia is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to create a safer Virginia, where Virginians practice safe biking and walking and enjoy “complete streets;” a cleaner Virginia that is less reliant on motorized transport and where greenspaces are preserved for generations to come; a healthier Virginia with communities designed for active living and increased recreational opportunities, where children are able to walk or bike safely to school; and a wealthier Virginia which benefits from reduced transportation and medical costs as well as enhanced tourism.

The Harvest Foundation supports health, education, and welfare initiatives that serve our vision of cultivating Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia as a “community of choice.” The Harvest Foundation was established in 2002 from the sale of Memorial Hospital. For more information visit the Harvest Foundation Website.

For additional information: BikeWalk Virginia: www.bikevirginia.org. (From USC-PRC).

Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCF) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)’s Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of cancer: a global perspective”, is publishing a 2nd report. The Second Expert Report is a rigorous review and evaluation of 7,000 studies on diet, physical activity and overweight in relation to cancer risk. It is a landmark document, in which an expert panel of world-renowned scientists assesses decades of research results, draws conclusions and issues recommendations for cancer prevention. Visit this link for more information.

The Second Expert Report will be available in a 500-page, soft-cover edition with 200 charts and graphs. Included with it will be a CD containing the most complete bibliography and presentation of the data ever compiled.

To order a free soft-back version of this report or a deluxe hard copy, follow this link. (From CDC’s and NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, June 28th, 2007).

Council of State Governments (CSG)- Legislator Policy Briefs

Two new resources targeting legislators are available from the Council of State Governments on their website, www.healthystates.csg.org.

Find at the above site two Council of State Government Legislator Policy Briefs published in May 2007: Preventing Diseases Through Physical Activity and School Wellness Policies (From CDC’s and NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, June 28th, 2007)

Legislation

No updates at this time

Grants

Do Something Offering Weekly Grants for Young Social Entrepreneurs

Deadline for Applications: On going

Do Something is a not-for-profit organization that works to inspire, support, and celebrate young social entrepreneurs and community activists. The organization is accepting applications for the following grant programs: Do Something and GameStop are offering grants of $500 each to young people, age 25 and younger, in the United States or Canada who have a great idea for a community-action project and need support to turn their idea into reality. GameStop grants are given out weekly.

Do Something and Plum TV are offering grants of $500 each to social entrepreneurs, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. who have recently created a sustainable project, program, or organization and need funding to further the growth and success of their program. Plum TV grants are given out weekly.
For more information on these grant opportunities go to this website.
(From NCPPA News 6/18/2007)

Ludwick Family Foundation

July 1 and September 1, 2007

The Ludwick Family Foundation will award 20-25 grants to help nonprofit organizations purchase equipment and other tangible items that can help them achieve their missions. Funded items can include new vehicles or equipment, equipment replacement and modernization, improvements to facilities, and educational materials. Initial request forms will be accepted from July 1st until September 1st. For More information go to this site.
(From AFHK June 2007 Funding Alert)

Bikes Belong Offers Funding for Bicycle Advocacy and Facilities

Deadline for Applications: August 27, 2007 & November 26, 2007

Bikes Belong is a national coalition of bicycle suppliers and retailers working together to put more people on bicycles more often. Bikes Belong welcomes grant applications from organizations and agencies within the United States that are committed to “putting more people on bicycles more often. The Bikes Belong Grants Program funds projects in two categories: 1) facilities; and 2) advocacy.

For the facility category, Bikes Belong will accept applications from nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and departments at the national, state, regional, and local levels. For the advocacy category, Bikes Belong will only fund organizations whose mission is expressly related to bicycle advocacy. New organizations that are not yet legally nonprofit organizations may submit an application with the assistance of another nonprofit that has agreed to serve as fiscal agent.

Bikes Belong will not fund individuals. Because of the program’s limited funds, it rarely awards grants to organizations and communities that have received Bikes Belong funding within the last three years. Applicants can request up to $10,000. In very limited cases, Bikes Belong will consider amounts over $10,000. The organization awards an average of fifteen grants per year.

Bikes Belong reviews applications on a quarterly cycle. Applications must be postmarked by the due date to receive consideration for the ensuing decision. Applications and more information are available from the Bikes Belong website. (From NCPPA News 6/18/2007)

Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust

Deadline for Applications: September 17th.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust’s Health Care Division is accepting applications for programs that respond to the health care and wellness needs of financially needy residents of North Carolina. The Health Care Division funds through two program areas: Providing Treatment and Supporting Prevention.

The grant process is a two-step process that starts with a consultation with a foundation program officer. For more information about the grantmaking process and scheduling a consultation go to this site.
(From the Action for Healthy Kids June 2007 Funding Alert).

Saucony Run for Good Foundation Offers Grants for Running Programs for Children

Deadline for Applications: October 8, 2007

The Saucony Run for Good Foundation, a grant program to encourage active and healthy lifestyles in children, is now accepting applications.

The grants are open to non-profit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids - which in turn will help them live longer, healthier lives.

As a company by runners, and for runners, Saucony understands the benefits of running extend way beyond strong legs and healthy hearts; research shows running can also help children do better in school, manage stress, and reduce childhood obesity. For more information, download this PDF from the Saucony Foundation. (From NCPPA News 6/18/2007).

School-Based Interventions to Prevent Obesity

Deadline for Applications: October 16 (recurring program with 3 grant cycles)

This funding opportunity announcement encourages the formation of partnerships between academic institutions and school systems in order to develop and implement controlled, school-based intervention strategies designed to reduce the prevalence of obesity in childhood. This initiative also encourages evaluative comparisons of different intervention strategies, as well as the use of methods to detect synergistic interactions between different types of interventions. For more information go to this link(From NCPPA News 6/18/2007).

Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging

Deadline for Applications: October 17, 2007

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the commitment and achievement
awards for Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging. Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging is
a collaborative effort with the President’s Council for Fitness and Sports, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging, and the National Blueprint
Initiative and Active for Life.

Applications are due October 17, 2007 and the winners will be announced at the annual New Partners for
Smart Growth Conference in Washington, D.C., February 2008. More information about the award is available
on the EPA website and general information about Building Healthy communities for Active Aging can be found at the the Aging Initiative webpage.

Training and Professional Development

Safe Routes to School Web Seminars

July 10-12, 2007

The National Center for Safe Routes to School is partnering with the Institute of Transportation Engineers to offer a series of Safe Routes to School Web seminars July 10-12, 2007.

The series includes:

Overview of Safe Routes to School Program
Identifying Barriers and Engineering Solutions to Safe Routes to School
School Area Traffic Controls

The seminars focus on the transportation professional’s role in creating safe routes to school. Registration for the series is $200. Individual course registration is $75 for each module. Early registration closes July 6. To register and for detailed course descriptions, go to this link. (From CDC’s and NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, June 28th, 2007).

2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit

November 27-29, 2007
Washington, DC

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host the 2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit: Creating a Culture of Wellness. This groundbreaking event will unite health professionals, business entrepreneurs, and government leaders at all levels who are dedicated to health promotion, chronic disease prevention, health preparedness, birth defects, disabilities, genomics, and wellness. More information is available from this site. (From NCPPA News 6/18/2007).

Nrg Summit = Teens x (Industry + Technology)

September 25, 2007
Lancaster, PA

Teens, adults, and industry across the nation will come together for a hands-on, action-packed day focused on specific ideas, technologies, and ways to make healthy changes happen. Anyone interested in supporting energy-balanced lifestyles in schools & communities won’t want to miss this unique event.
Named for the text version of the word “energy,” the Summit features:

*Keynote speaker Kevin Carroll, the inspiration behind Livestrong bands
*Break-out sessions providing expert insights on how to turn nutrition and activity plans into reality
*Interactive exhibits by companies offering cool technology to promote & implement such choices

Using online features, the Summit will also mark the national launch of the nrg – Powered by Choice campaign, empowering teens to lead the change for more balanced nutrition and activity choices.

This exciting event is hosted by the Penn State Institute for the Collective Advancement of Activity & Nutrition (I-CAAN) and the state coalition PANA (Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition & Activity).

“Early bird” attendee rates expire on June 27, so register as a Summit attendee or sponsor/exhibitor today at the Summit website!

For more information on nrg, visit www.poweredbychoice.org. Please direct any questions to Rebecca Stametz, I-CAAN / PANA Cause Campaign Coordinator, at 717-540-2636 or rstametz@psu.edu. (From the CDC’s and NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, June 11th, 2007).