March 2008

News from the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch

The PAN Branch Welcomes Jenni Albright, Julie Francis and Sherry Lehman

Jenni Albright has accepted the position of Evaluation and Surveillance Manager for the Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Branch. In this role, she consults with all seven PAN Units to coordinate an overall evaluation plan for the Branch. She also joins the evaluation and epidemiology staff of other NC Division of Public Health programs and state agencies to utilize and strengthen statewide surveillance systems that monitor the prevalence of overweight/obesity, eating behaviors, physical activity behaviors, and the establishment of environments and policies that support those behaviors. She guides the PAN Branch in using evaluation and surveillance data to plan future programmatic and policy work.

Jenni has been an employee of the PAN Branch since August 2005. Her experiences of leading the 2005-06 evaluation of the Winner’s Circle in Schools program, leading the development of the Eat Smart, Move More County Profiles in 2006, and serving as acting coordinator for the NC Arthritis Program in 2006-07 have helped prepare her for this new role.

Jenni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University and a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Julie Francis serves as the State Health Plan Worksite Wellness Specialist for the Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Branch, NC Division of Public Health. Prior to joining the Worksite Wellness Team, Julie gained experience within the field of nutrition as a clinical dietitian, weight loss nutritionist, and WIC Program nutritionist.

Julie graduated with her MS in Nutrition in August 2005 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), and recently completed a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management. Prior to entering the field of nutrition, Julie completed a BS in Biology at the University of Pittsburgh.

Outside of work, Julie remains active in her field, as the Secretary of the North Carolina Dietetic Association and a member of both the American Dietetic Association and the Raleigh District Dietetic Association.
Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their families, as well as running, swimming, cycling, cooking, baking, and dining out.

Sherry Lehman has recently joined us from the Department of Public Instruction. She comes to us with experience in school health from a coordinated school health perspective. Sherry will continue to share her school health experience as a School Staff Wellness Specialist in the PAN Branch. She is a part time employee and manages a part time mental health practice during her free time. Sherry has a master’s degree in counselor education and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina.

Programs, Projects and Initiative

The National President’s Challenge (NPC)

The NPC is a six-week physical activity challenge designed to get all Americans aged 6 and older up and moving. The NPC runs from March 20-May 15, 2008. Registration opens on March 1. Participation is free. An individual must create a log on www.presidentschallenge.org and be active at least 30 minutes (60 minutes for kids ages 6-17) a day, 5 days a week for six weeks. A free certificate will be available for anyone who completes the program.
More information including a toolkit to help implement the program at a worksite, in a school, or within a community group is available at www.presidentschallenge.org. (From CDC/NSPAPPH Physical Activity One-Way Listserv, March 6, 2008)

Success Stories

Taylorsville Increases Use of Matheson Park

A local park gains popularity after receiving a face-lift, read the story at:
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/programs_tools/community/
success_stories/Alexander_Walking.html

Featured Resources and Research

Student Health and Academic Achievement Publications

Paper by Murray, Low, Cross, Davis, Hollis, Adetunji (Journal of School Health, November 2007). This report examines how school health program interventions that fit within the eight Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) components improve academic success among students. The authors conclude that school health programs hold promise for improving academic outcomes for students. Read the article at: Coordinated School Health Programs and Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Active Living Research Brief- The Active Education

The Active Education: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Academic Performance Research Brief by Active Living Research summarizes the peer-reviewed research on the relationship between physical activity and academic performance among children and adolescents. For more information go to: www.activelivingresearch.org/alr/alr/files/Active_Ed.pdf
(From [Enewsletter] NCPPA News 2/20/08)

Legislation

There are no updates at this time.

Grants

Saucony Run For Good Foundation Offers Funding for Children’s Running Programs

Deadline for Applications: June 13, 2008

Established to help end childhood obesity by providing financial support to nonprofits across the United States that support children’s running and fitness programs, the Saucony Run For Good Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program. Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of the Stride Rite Corporation, is a global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel. The grants are open to nonprofit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids.

Eligible applicants are programs whose participants are 18 years of age or less, have 501(c)(3) status, and can demonstrate that their program positively impacts the lives of participants through their increased participation in running. The foundation has two grant cycles per year, with up to seven awards granted each cycle. Grants are in amounts up to a maximum of $10,000 each. For more information go to: www.sauconyrunforgood.com/.
(From [Enewsletter] NCPPA News 2/20/08)

Help My Town

Applications will be accepted : February 1 – March 31, 2008.

Need a helping hand with:
 Lights or bleachers for the baseball, soccer or football fields
 Books for the school, library, or literacy programs
 Playground equipment for the park
 Boys & Girls Clubs Programs
 New uniforms for Little League teams
 Red Cross health and safety programs
 Swimming and lifeguard training
 Equipment or supplies for a local food bank
 YMCA/YWCA tutoring or job training initiatives
 Other great ideas?
Here’s how it works:
1. Ask for help by giving us some information about you and your project.
2. Forward a link to your application to friends and family so they can add their comments and, more importantly, their support.
3. Keep in mind that awards will be based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within your community.
Application & Rules can be found here: www.myhometownhelper.com/Apply.aspx

NIKE Let Me Play Fund Essay Contest

Deadline for Applications: Applications will be accepted continually thru March 31, 2008.

The Nike Let Me Play Fund provides resources for female sport teams-from new playing fields and uniforms, to new score clocks and travel costs to and from tournaments. Whatever it may be to make a team a success-Nike wants to hear about it. Anyone can apply; male, female, coaches, parents, administrators. You must be 13 years or older as of September 17, 2007. You must be affiliated with a nonprofit team or organization.
The maximum award is $5,000 and it may be distributed in cash, equipment and/ or Nike product. Awards may only be used for the project you submit. For more information go to:
http://letmeplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/fund_rules.pdf
(From [Enewsletter] NCPPA News 2/20/08)

Women’s Sports Foundation Seeks Applicants for Ambassador Team Awards

Deadline for Applications: July 18, 2008

The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Ambassador Team Awards program will provide a total of $50,000 in grants to teams of female high school students that demonstrate leadership in their communities by inspiring girls to get involved in sports and physical activity. Teams will create their own projects designed to get girls in their local community to be physically active. To be eligible, teams must be school, amateur, community, and/or nonprofit affiliated teams whose members are all of the following: female; enrolled in 9th-12th grade; and residents of the United States, its territories, or protectorates.

Twenty teams will be awarded $2,500 each. Team awards are to be used for equipment, apparel, travel, or training costs for the team. Prizes will be made payable to the school, nonprofit institution, or 501(c),(3) organization. For more information go to: www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/funding/featured.html?record=34
(From [Enewsletter] NCPPA News 2/20/08)

Training and Professional Development