By ACSM
It has been two years since First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative prompted families, individuals and organizations to take their health into their own hands. The campaign has given American families the motivation to live a healthier life through physical activity and nutrition, and continue the fight against childhood obesity.
Along with Let’s Move!, the National Physical Activity Plan, Exercise is Medicine(R)(EIM), Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and countless other initiatives are strengthening the movement. Each of these initiatives brings something unique. Exercise is Medicine Month in May is the special recognition month for EIM and a time for everyone to idenfity, emphasize and celebrate the valuable health benefits of exercise on a national scale.
In 2012, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) members were involved in the Let’s Move Faith & Communities’ Communities on the Move Video Challenge. The popular choice award went to a video called “100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future.” 100 Citizens promotes the message that ending childhood obesity begins at home with the family.
USA Today’s Family Fitness Challenge, which launched this month, paired six families with fitness experts to help them reach their health goals within four months. While sharing stories about their progress, they will also provide tips, tools and guidance everyone can use to start living a healthier life.
Along with these programs and initiatives, we continue to learn more every day from new research about exercise, nutrition, physiology and motivation. Our programs and policies are more effective than ever because of our growing base of information. From molecular-level, basic science to studies of group interaction and epidemiology, new knowledge is providing a solid base of evidence to underpin our efforts.
How do your efforts complement the work of Let’s Move!, the National Physical Activity Plan and other initiatives?