Your Monthly News and Updates from The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) | | Updates from the Physical Activity Alliance | | |
Move In May!
At the Physical Activity Alliance we recognize the month of May as a powerful reminder of how physical activity supports our nation’s health across every stage of life and condition we face. This month brings together several important observances:
🏃♀️ Physical Fitness and Sport Month
🚲 Bike Month
☺️ Mental Health Awareness Month
👵 Older Americans Month
🦴 Arthritis Awareness Month
🧠 Stroke Awareness Month
Each of these themes underscores one vital truth: movement is good for you!
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2025 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge
We're off to the races on the 2025 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, an annual competition involving the offices of the US Congress in a bid to achieve the highest level of physical activity. The Challenge, sponsored by Myzone, is held annually May 1-31 for the duration of National Physical Fitness and Sport Month, and open to all members of Congress & their congressional staff and interns, committee staff and leadership staff. As of May 8, the office of Senator Rick Scott is in the lead followed closely by 2 time defending champs in the office of Senator Lummis!
| | Announcements, Releases, Reports, and Research | | |
Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act Reintroduced
A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a commonsense, cost-saving solution to empower more Americans to invest in their health through physical activity. As Congress works through the ongoing budget reconciliation process, PHIT offers a timely and fiscally responsible opportunity to address rising healthcare costs and improve nationwide access to preventive health solutions. The bill is led by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), reflecting strong bipartisan support for expanding access to fitness through the tax code. Learn More
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Physical Activity and Public Health Specialist Certificate (PAPHS)
The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) has developed, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recommended essential competencies for staff assigned to physical activity efforts that will lead to improved public health. The set has been revised and expanded, in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine, for the Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS) certification. Learn More
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Free Course! Community Physical Activity Leader (CPAL.
The course will train people to become Community Physical Activity Leaders, developing and leading physical activity programs in their communities. Completed as a partnership between Special Olympics, Move to Live More and American Council on Exercise, the course features examples of leaders running programs outdoors, online, in schools, libraries, places of worship and community centers. Learn More
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Support Active People, Healthy NationSM
We are proud supporters of CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation initiative which aims to get 27 million more Americans more active by 2027. Want to join us in supporting? Learn more. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter to get access to local success stories, best practices, compelling communications materials, and the latest science and data. #ActivePeople
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New Report: Maryland Complete Streets Leadership Academy
In 2024, three Maryland communities participated in the Smart Growth America Complete Streets Leadership Academy (CSLA). The new report examines the achievements and lessons learned during the Maryland CSLA, outlining both the challenges with and recommendations for creating safer, more accessible communities. More
CSLA has supported nearly 20 cities, towns, and counties across the U.S. in making their communities safe, accessible, and connected by improving road design and transportation infrastructure.
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Celebrating 20 years of Walk with a Doc!
Walk with a Doc recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Dr. David Sabgir hosted the very first Walk with a Doc event at a park in Columbus, Ohio on April 9, 2005. Over the last 20 years, thousands of doctors across 40+ countries have led walks in their communities to inspire healthier, happier lives - one step at a time.
Learn how you can start or join a Walk with a Doc program at walkwitahdoc.org
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– Exercise May Lessen Cancer Treatment Side Effects, Including Brain Fog, Fatigue Read
– Army to Replace Athletic Trainers With Strength Coaches Read
– Increasing Exercise in Midlife Aids Brain Health Read
– Move More, Think Sharper: How Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health in Aging Read
– The Army Is Losing Nearly One-Quarter of Soldiers in the First 2 Years of Enlistment Read
– A Three-pronged Approach to Exercise Read
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The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity. We use our collective voice to lead efforts that create, support, and advocate for the policy and systems changes necessary to empower people to enjoy physically active lives. We are leading the movement to make physical activity more accessible, frequent, and integrated into the day-to-day lives and health of all people.
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