Issue 61 | August 2026 | {View as Webpage}

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Your Monthly News and Updates from The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA)

Updates from the Physical Activity Alliance

Physical Activity Track Draws Record Participation at CMS Connectathon

The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) recently led the Physical Activity Track at the CMS HL7 FHIR Connectathon, bringing together a record number of health systems, technology developers, researchers, and other stakeholders to test and advance the implementation of interoperable physical activity assessment, prescription, referral, and follow-through workflows using the  HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide.

Participation in the Connectathon is a critical step in advancing our vision of making physical activity assessment and referral a standard part of healthcare delivery.  


The event also provided an important opportunity to engage directly with CMS, health systems, EHR vendors, and implementation partners while aligning our work with emerging federal priorities around chronic disease prevention, quality measurement, and coordinated care. 

Physical Activity Alliance to Launch National Implementation Collaborative

PAA is launching a National Implementation Collaborative for It’s Time to Move to bring together stakeholders across the continuum of care to share best practices, implementation experiences, and lessons learned. The collaborative will provide policy updates, highlight successful initiatives, and support the integration of physical activity assessment, prescription, referral, and community-based resources into healthcare systems. Contact us for more info!

New Resource! Promoting Physical Activity in the Modern Workplace

We are excited to share a free new resource for employers: “Promoting Physical Activity in the Modern Workplace”, Please share widely and encourage the leaders to sign the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity. More

Announcements, Releases, Reports, and Research

Changes in US Youth With Neighborhood Built Environment Supports for Physical Activity by Sociodemographic Characteristics, 2016–2017 to 2022–2023 Read

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Recently Released Their Report on Wearable Technologies: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Clinical Decision-Making Read

Can You Guess Which City Is America's Fittest in 2026? ACSM recently released its 2026 American Fitness Index, once again naming Arlington, Virginia, America's Fittest City. The Fitness Index evaluates the 100 largest U.S. cities using a composite measure of health behaviors, health outcomes, community infrastructure, and local policies that support active living. More

Talk to Your Patients with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions about Physical Activity Read

This Doctor's Journey to Lifestyle Medicine Started at the Gym Read

2026 State Report Cards Are Here! This year, Safe Routes Partnership’s Making Strides 2026 Report Cards moved from a static PDF to an interactive online format, building on more than a decade of tracking state policies that support safe, everyday physical activity. More

Public Perception of Lifestyle Medicine and the Integration of Behavioral Health: A Nationally Representative Survey of U.S. Adults 18+ Read

Understanding Physical Activity Demands and Reported Perceptions of Fatigue in Children with Developmental Disabilities Read

A Framework for Defining Quality Youth Sports Environments In July 2026, NCCOR convened researchers and practitioners for the Defining Quality Youth Sports Environments workshop, introducing a draft framework for quality youth sports and highlighting organizations that exemplify its key dimensions. Explore the recordings and resources to learn how high-quality youth sports environments can support youth well-being and success.

How Do Different Exercises Target Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol? Read

Scientists Reveal a Powerful Link Between Physical Activity and Bone Strength Read

Complete Streets, Stronger Economies Read

Risk Reduction of Cognitive

Decline and Dementia Read

Dangerous by Design 2026 Read

Community Roundtable on Advancing CER to Promote Health and Prevent Disease Read

Physical Activity Delays Ovarian Aging in Part Through Adiponectin-related Signaling Pathways Read

Designing Activity-Friendly Communities Read #ActivePeople

Upcoming Events:

  • Sept 9: Webinar: Becoming An Employer of Choice: How Wellbeing Creates Business Value More
  • Sept 9: From Perk to Strategy: A New Framework for Workplace Wellbeing More
  • Sept 29-Oct 1: 2026 NRPA Annual Conference More
  • Oct 19-20: PCORI Annual Meeting More
  • Oct 20-22: Safe Routes to School 2026 National Conference More
  • Nov 4-6: National School District Wellness Convening (NSDWC) Read
  • Nov 8-11: ACLM Lifestyle Medicine 2026 Conference More
  • Nov 17-19: Medical Fitness 2026 Annual Conference More

Activity In the News

– School tecess is back in play Read

– Strength training exercise: A vital part of chronic disease prevention Read

– How well you balance and move may say more about longevity than you think Read

– How brief bursts of movement can support your long-term health Read

– Do you live in one of America’s fittest cities? See the 2026 rankings Read

– You don’t need 10,000 steps to help your heart Read

– Walking vs. Running: which Is better for high blood pressure? Read

Who Are We?

The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is the nation’s leading 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.

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

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