Issue 17- AUGUST 2016 | NCPPA.org
August 9, 2016

Welcome to Issue 17 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.
Upcoming Events
Your Weight Matters National Convention August 25-28
Washington, DC

1st Complete Streets Conference   November 15
Sacramento, CA


American Public Health Association's 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo 
October 29- November 2
Denver, CO

* ISPAH International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health November 16-19
Bangkok, Thailand
Activity in the News
Let the Olympics Inspire Your Fitness Goals  Read

How Much Are Couch Potatoes Costing the World?   Read

New Formula for Exercise? Study Suggests 1 hour of Activity per 8 Hours of Sitting   Read 

What Does Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Mean for Kids? Read

Spooked by Obesity Trends, the US Military Is Redefining Its Basic Fitness Standards  Read

Americans Weigh 15 Pounds More Than They Used To   Read

To Boost Memory: Study, Wait, Then Exercise  Read 

How Exercise Keeps Your DNA Young  Read

Closest Thing to a Wonder Drug? Try Exercise  Read 

How Exercise Can Help Postpartum Depression  Read 

D.C. Youths Need Safe Places to Play Close to Their Homes  Read

Physical Fitness Cuts Your Risk of Death, Even Decades Later Read

Being Unfit May Be Almost as Bad for You as Smoking Read

Health Risks Of Low Physical Activity May Include Death; Couch Potatoes 21% More Likely To Die Early   Read

Even Small Burst of Exercise Can Make Kids Healthier Read

Wellness Programs Take Aim At Workplace Stress Read
Join Us!
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.
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
Milestone! 100 Members of Congress Support the PHIT Act 
The PHIT Act recently received support from the 100th Member of Congress when Congressman Scott Dejarlais, a doctor from Tennessee signed on as a co-sponsor in the House of Representatives. 

The inactivity pandemic is a national problem that transcends politics.  At a time when partisan politics are at an all-time high, the PHIT Act is truly bi-partisan as the 100 supporters are almost evenly split between Democrats (55) and Republicans (45). The bi-partisan support for a health-related tax bill makes the PHIT Act extremely unique and could be the key to its success. The 100 supporters are made up of 87 Congressman and 13 Senators. 
#PassThePHITAct Read

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
RECAP: 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Meeting 1  July 14-15, 2016 marked the first meeting of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) Advisory Committee.  Seventeen of the nation's leading physicians, scientists, and public health researchers were officially sworn in by Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo, and charged with examining the strongest science in physical activity and health.  Their efforts will generate a comprehensive scientific advisory report that will ultimately inform the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 

Please consider s ubmitting comments to the committee  here .

**Miss the first meeting of the 2018 PAG Advisory Committee? Get caught up: http://bit.ly/2asbXOr 

The next meeting of the committee will occur Fall 2016.  Join the  PAG Supporter Network   for email updates.
Help Requested: Transportation Performance Measures
In late Spring, the US Department of Transportation released a  Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on 5 performance measures on transportation, including: performance of major roads, congestion mitigation and air quality. None of them include the needs of people who walk, bike and/or take transit.

If the rules are implemented as is, they could incentivize building and widening roads without consideration of the needs for non-automobile travelers. They do not hold state and metropolitan areas accountable for making biking, walking, rolling and taking transit accessible. 

We respectfully ask that your organizations consider submitting comments on the proposed rule and have included a template letter below  (the template includes both a health and 'transportation for everyone' argument). You could use one or both of these options. T he deadline for comments is August 20th. 
  •  Submit Comments Here
  • For background information Here
  • Sample/Template letter Here
** Thank you TAP Coalition for providing the update!
Final Rule: Local School Wellness Policies 



A local school wellness policy is a written document of official policies that guide a local educational agency (LEA) or school district's efforts to establish a school environment that promotes students' health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. Learn More
Research, Reports, and Announcements
Celebrating 100 Years of Service
 On August 25, the National Park Service turns 100. The centennial will kick off a second century of stewardship of America's national parks and engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs.

In celebration of the upcoming National Park Service Centennial, the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service kicked off the Find Your Park movement to inspire all people to connect with, enjoy, and support America's national parks. 

We encourage everyone across the country to #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque and celebrate! Learn More 
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