In This Issue

3rd Annual Healthier U.S. Fitness Challenge in May
EPA Requests Applications for Smart Growth Award
AOA Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
Baby Boomers May Overwhelm Park and Recreation Departments
ACS Report on Preventable Cancer Deaths
Misperceptions about What Obesity Looks Like
The Best Walking Cities in America

________________________________________________

3rd Annual Healthier U.S. Fitness Challenge in May
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) is hosting the 3rd Annual Healthier U.S. Fitness Challenge on May 6, from 8 a.m. to noon EST at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The celebration is part of the National Physical Fitness and Sports Month designation. During this event, PCPFS will announce the HealthierUS Veterans initiative, encouraging service men and women and their families to lead active lifestyles. For information about the event, contact PCPFS at 202-690-9000.
www.fitness.gov

EPA Requests Applications for Smart Growth Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for the 5th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. Local or state governments or other public sector entities are eligible to apply. The award recognizes communities that create better locations using smart growth principles. Applications are due May 1, 2006.
www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards

AOA Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
As part of the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, the Administration on Aging has proposed “Choices for Independence,” a $28 million demonstration project to promote community-based long-term care options. The project will provide competitive matching grants to states. The white paper is available at:

Baby Boomers May Overwhelm Park and Recreation Departments
Nearly 80 percent of park and recreation departments are concerned about the large numbers of baby boomers reaching retirement in the next few years, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. Only 40 percent of agencies have staff dedicated to handle the leisure needs of retirees, and 12 percent have a plan in place to serve this massive generation.

ACS Report on Preventable Cancer Deaths
The 2006 edition of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figuresreports that at least half of all cancer deaths could be avoided if preventative actions are heeded. This year, for the first time, there was a drop in the number of cancer deaths in the U.S.

Misperceptions about What Obesity Looks Like
Only 15 percent of obese people think of themselves as obese, according to Reuters Health Information. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill surveyed 104 people: 31 were normal weight, 40 were overweight, and 33 were obese. While 71 percent of people with normal weight and 73 percent of people who are overweight identified their weight category correctly, only 15 percent of the adults who were obese did. Denial may play a role in perceptions about obesity, the researchers said.

The Best Walking Cities in America
Portland, OR was selected as the best city for walking in 2006, followed by Colorado Springs, CO; Madison, WI; Boise, ID; Las Vegas, NV; and Austin, TX, according to Prevention Magazine. The criteria used for selection included the percentage of people who walk regularly, low crime rates, mild year-round temperatures, the number of cultural attractions, participation in recreational sports, and pet ownership.

For additional resources on walking communities, visit the AARP website. Resources include creative solutions for how to create a walkable community.

________________________________________________

The Blueprint Partners Project is an initiative of the Active Aging Partnership. For more information, contact the Blueprint Partnership Office at the University of Illinois Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.
Website: www.agingblueprint.org