Issue 15- JUNE 2016 | NCPPA.org
June 2, 2016

Welcome to Issue 15 of the Activity Advocate, NCPPA's comprehensive e-newsletter on physical activity. The Activity Advocate includes policy, news, conference and event, organization and research updates all focused on physical activity.
Become a Member!
NCPPA would like to welcome our newest members:

- Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)

- Suquamish Tribe

- Walden University

We invite you to join us as we advocate for policies that encourage Americans of all ages to make physical activity a regular part of their day.
Activity in the News
The Missing Sound Bite in the Presidential Campaign Read

Fit to Lead   Read

Heisman Trophy Winner: Physical Education Saved My Life Read

Youth Sports Participation Is Up Slightly, But Many Kids Still Left Behind Read

Too Fat to Fight: Is the Obesity Crisis a National Security Risk? Read

Exercise Cuts Cancer Risk, Huge Study Finds Read

Finding Success with After School Programs  Read

Congress: Support, Don't Stymie, Student Health and Nutrition Read

EEOC Issues New Rules for Wellness Programs  Read

First National Survey of Neighborhood Parks Shows Low Use by Adults, Seniors and Females Read
Upcoming Events
* ACSM's 63rd Annual Meeting, 7th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine  May 31- June 4
Boston, MA

National Youth Sports Week  July 10th - 16th, Washington, DC

* Your Weight Matters National Convention August 25-38
Washington, DC

1st Complete Streets Conference   November 15
Sacramento, CA
The CEO Pledge for Physical Activity
The CEO Pledge for Physical Activity is NCPPA's national campaign to encourage   every CEO In the United States and beyond to recognize physical activity as an important driver of employee health and business performance.   Learn More
Follow Us!
Policy Update
EEOC Issues Final Rules on Employer Wellness Programs 
On May 17, 2016 the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two rules specifying how employer-sponsored wellness plans can comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). 

The final rules, which will go into effect in January 2017, apply to all workplace wellness programs. 

The ADA final rule can be found here.
The GINA final rule can be found   here .

The EEOC also published question-and-answer documents on both rules. ADA Q&A - GINA Q&A
PHIT Act Update Supporters of PHIT, including several NCPPA members, have achieved an unprecedented level of bipartisan support, including  83 cosponsors (48D-35R). #PassThePHITAct

The Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT Act) (H.R.1218 & S.2218) is legislation pending in Congress that would expand the IRS definition of a "medical expense" to include physical activity as a form of prevention. Learn More
Physical Activity Recommendations (PAR) Sign-On Please see the PAR sign-on letter being sent to the chairmen and ranking members of the House E&C Committee and the Subcommittee on Health.  Click here if your organization would be willing to sign onto the letter.    

The Physical Activity Recommendations for Americans Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish physical activity guidelines every ten years based on the latest scientific evidence.
Research, Reports, and Announcements
June Is Men's Health Month 
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men's Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Learn More
2016 Project Play Summit 
At the 2016 Project Play Summit, 450 leaders gathered to share learnings and discover opportunities to build healthy communities through sport. P anels explored ways to grow youth access to sport and first lady Michelle Obama issued a direct appeal to stakeholders to close the gap for children from low-income homes. A live-stream audience followed along, with the event trending on social media during the day.

The full list of sessions and panels, and associated materials, can be found on the 2016 Project Play Summit events page
UFIT USA Taskforce & Launch of the Marseille Declaration  
On May 16,  2016, NCPPA participated in two exciting launches (1) the UFIT USA Taskforce Launch and (2) the Global Launch of the Marseille Declaration.  A number of key players in the fitness sector were present for the launches and signed the Marseille Declaration.  Both initiatives are the kick off to a social change movement aiming to  increase fitness opportunities for people with disabilities and by that striving for more inclusion in society. Learn More about UFIT here.
New Report Grades Each State's Support for Walking, Biking, and Active Communities  The Safe Routes to School National Partnership and the Y have released Making Strides: 2016 State Report Cards on Support for Walking, Bicycling, and Active Kids and Communities, to help state leaders and decision makers understand how states are investing transportation dollars, committing resources and establishing policies to support walkable communities.

How is your state doing? Find out here!
The 2016 Shape of the Nation™ Report  
The 2016 Shape of the Nation™ Report  by SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators and Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the 2016 Shape of the Nation™ shows most states are dropping the ball on keeping kids active and fit and preparing them for a healthy future.  

The 2016 survey and state policy analysis finds areas of both improvement and decline since the 2012 Shape of the Nation. A majority of states have adopted legislation, requirements or guidance for physical education programs, but most do not require a specific amount of instructional time and more than half allow exemptions, waivers, or substitutions. Read
WHO ARE WE?
The National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity is a diverse blend of associations, health organizations, and private corporations advocating for policies that encourage Americans of all ages to be physically active.
NCPPA Policy Agenda

We want this newsletter to be as useful and informative as possible - so please send us your feedback and suggestions regarding current content and future topics we should address. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ayanna McKnight
Fellow
NCPPA