Issue 31 | July 2023| {View as Webpage}

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Your Monthly News and Updates from The Physical Activity Alliance

Updates from the Physical Activity Alliance!

Results! 2023 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge


The results are in for the 2023 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge. This year’s contest on Capitol Hill saw category wins from Senator Rick Scott (pictured), Senator Cynthia M. Lummis, Senator John Thune, and the office of Representative Michael Cloud.


Winners

  • Highest Average Myzone Effort Points – Senator Rick Scott
  • Highest Average Myzone Effort Points – State Office Readiness, US Senate Sergeant at Arms
  • Total Team Myzone Effort Points – Senator Cynthia Lummis
  • Most Participants to Reach WHO Physical Activity Guidelines – Senator John Thune
  • Individual Point Leader – Logan Sicker (The Office of Representative Michael Cloud)


What is the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge?


The Congressional Physical Activity Challenge is an annual competition engaging the offices of the US Congress in a bid to achieve the highest level of physical activity. The Challenge is held each May for the duration of National Physical Fitness and Sport Month and open to all members of Congress & their DC based congressional staff and Interns, committee staff and leadership staff. This contest is facilitated through a collaboration between Myzone and the Physical Activity Alliance, with participants using the MZ-Switch heart rate monitor to record their activity levels at all times.

ICYMI: Webinar Recording

Physical Activity & Older Adults


Our July 2023 webinar focused on Physical Activity & Older Adults. Listen to PAA alongside speakers from HHS, Tivity Health, and AARP Livable Communities discuss the key findings from the NEW! Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults, and how we are working to create physical activity opportunities for older adults across the US! Watch

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The purpose of this section is to provide physical activity resources, articles, research, and education as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities


An estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of global population worldwide – experience a significant disability today. Persons with disabilities have the right to the highest attainable standard of health as those without disabilities. However, the WHO Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities demonstrates that while some progress has been made in recent years, the world is still far from realizing this right for many persons with disabilities who continue to die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than others. Read the report.

Announcements, Research, Reports, and Releases

New! President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Holds First Meeting


Last month, the 27 newly appointed members of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition held their first public meeting. The focus of the meeting was for new members to discuss priorities for the remainder of the council’s term. The meeting was open to the public and recorded. Watch


As a federal advisory committee, the Council aims to promote healthy, accessible eating and physical activity for all Americans, regardless of background or ability. Committee members include athletes, physicians, fitness professionals, nutrition experts and entrepreneurs who are appointed by the president and serve through the Secretary of Health and Human Services. More Info on the Council

NEW! Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a report showcasing evidence-based interventions to support physical activity among adults ages 65 years and older.


The report extends the work of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and provides details on how to help older adults achieve the recommended 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening physical activity weekly. Read the report.

US Research Shows Record Numbers Taking Part in Outdoor Exercise Read


Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors in 2021 and Changes from 2019 to 2021 Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021 Read

Awareness and Knowledge of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition Read


Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Mortality from Influenza and Pneumonia: A Cohort Study of 577, 909 US Adults Read

Do You Live in One of America's Fittest Cities?


Arlington, Va. and Washington, D.C. topped the 2023 ACSM American Fitness Index (Fitness Index), a ranking of America’s 100 most populous cities based on health indicators to determine which cities are the fittest. This marks Arlington's sixth consecutive year named "America's Fittest City,"


Explore the 2023 Summary Report for the full rankings, new insights on the Fitness Index indicators, and inspiration from cities working to make changes. More

Physical Activity: An Untapped Resource to Address Our Nation’s Mental Health Crisis Among Children and Adolescents Read


Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community

Read

New Video: Get to Know the Move Your Way Campaign!

The Power of Parks to Promote Health: A Special Report


The Trust for Public Land (TPL) recently released its annual report which ranks park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities as part of its annual ParkScore®️ index. TPL ranks these cities by comparing five park categories: equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage. Report 'The Power of Parks to Promote Health'. Read the report.

In The News

– The Army Is Desperate for Smart, Fit Soldiers. How These $200M Fit Camps Get Recruits Into Shape Read


– How Youth Sports Affect America’s Kids Listen


– To Improve Your Work Performance, Get Some Exercise Read


– Active Aging: Physical Activity Has a Direct Impact on Life Quality Read


– IOC Reiterates Its Support for the Hamburg Declaration to Tackle Physical Inactivity Read


– Is Physical Activity Good for Bone Density? A New Study Reveals the Answer Read


– Short Sleep Negates Benefits of Exercise for the Brain, Study Says Read


Strength Training: Way to Living Longer and Better Read


How Much You Exercise May Impact Your Flu and Pneumonia Risk Read

Upcoming Events


● Active Schools National Summit...

July 19-23

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● PAPH 2023...

September 19-26

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● APHA’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo...

November 12-15

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● Movement Is Life Summit...

November 30 - Dec1

More

Who Are We?

The Physical Activity Alliance is the nation’s largest and most inclusive community of physical activity advocates, researchers, academics, and practitioners. 


Guided by the National Physical Activity Plan, our mission is to create, support, and advocate for policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives. 


Together, we envision an active and healthy nation where the opportunity for physical activity is easily available in the daily lives of Americans. #MoveWithUS

Physical Activity Alliance | [paamovewithus.org | Move With US!

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