Taking it to the streets: the National Health and Fitness Coalition gets America active

Recognizing that millions of lives are at stake in the United States and throughout the world, the National Health and Fitness Coalition plans to intensify its efforts to get people moving in response to Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the U.S. Surgeon General. In this groundbreaking report, released last July, the nation's highest medical authority issued a stark warning: physical inactivity is hazardous to your health.

"The Surgeon General's report represents the support physical educators and fitness professionals have needed for years," says Laura Gladwin, chairperson of AFAA's board of certification and training. "However, this report will not lead to instant adherence. It is unrealistic to believe Americans will stop what they are doing and make immediate behavior changes to get physically active. AFAA believes with the continued guidance and support of its dedicated certified professionals, the health and well-being of an increasing number of Americans will gradually begin to improve over time."

Supporting this change are professionals such as the AFP Fitness Practitioner(Reg). The AFP is a unique advocate who employs the skills of an advanced wellness adviser to guide people toward a healthful, active life. The instructor assists individuals at every stage with the most reliable information and technology regarding exercise, diet, preventive habits and specialized lifestyle needs. In other words, the AFP puts the Surgeon General's report into action.

The Surgeon General's report, which was timed to capitalize on attention focused on the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, also revealed 60% of Americans currently do not exercise enough to enjoy any health benefits, and 24% are completely sedentary. The consequences of an inactive lifestyle are many and severe. These include increased:

* risk of coronary heart disease.

* incidence of colon cancer.

* level of hypertension.

* symptoms of depression.

* likelihood of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

* chance of premature death.

Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a report co-sponsor, physical inactivity has ripple effects that go far beyond unnecessary illness and premature death. The cost to our health care system of treating millions of cases of preventable diseases -- a legacy of the historic reliance on reactive rather than preventive medicine -- runs into billions of dollars each year, helping to fuel the federal government,s budget deficit and raising our national tax burden.

On the positive side, the report summarizes research which shows even a modest amount of physical activity can produce a variety of beneficial effects. These include lowered stress, improved mood, weight loss, greater comfort for chronic sufferers of conditions such as low back pain, heightened immune system response and increased life span. The report's major conclusions include the following.

* People who are inactive can dramatically improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis.

* Physical activity doesn't have to be strenuous to produce health benefits.

* Greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the amount (either duration, frequency or intensity) of physical activity.

The Surgeon General's report recommends individuals accumulate an average of 30 minutes of activity five times per week. Persons concerned about weight loss and body fat should raise their level of activity to 50% to 60% of maximal aerobic capacity for 50 to 60 minutes. Activities can range from gardening, walking and playing with children or grandchildren to participation in competitive sports, strength training and group exercise classes.

The National Health and Fitness Coalition, a group of organizations representing fitness providers to the public, is dedicated to advancing the cause of fitness through legislation as well as increasing the number of people involved in exercise programs. Each organization has pledged its support of the U.S. Surgeon General's report and all coalition members' programs.

For more information, contact AFAA at (800) YOUR BODY.

National Health and Fitness

Coalition Members

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF) American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Council on Exercise (ACE) American Physical Theraphy Association (APTA) American Running & Fitness Association (ARFA) Association for Worksite Health Promotion (AWHP) Association of Hospital Health and Fitness Centers (AHHFC) Cardinal Business Media, Inc. (Club Industry) Congress for National Health and Fitness Fitness Management Heart Communications International Association of Fitness Professionals (IDEA) International Heath, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) International In-Line Skating Association (IISA) International Spa & Fitness Association (I/SPA) Jewish Community Centers (JCC) National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) National Club Association (NCA) National Fitness Leaders Association (NFLA) National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) U.S. Water Fitness Association (USWFA)