Blueprint Partners Progess Newsletter: February 2007
In This Issue
DHHS Seeks Nominations for Physical Activity Committee
EPA Provides Technical Assistance to Communities Involved in Smart Growth Efforts
ACE Studied Physical Activity on the Job
National Heart Month Materials are Available
Dancing Offers Health Benefits for People with Heart Disease
Fitness Trends for 2007
Summer Conferences and Events
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DHHS Seeks Nominations for Physical Activity Committee
In January, the Department of Health and Human Services published an announcement in the Federal Register Notice soliciting nominations for appointment to the new Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. The agency seeks nominees with expertise across a broad range of areas related to physical activity and health. Nominations must be received by Feb. 21, 2007.
www.health.gov/paguidelines
EPA Provides Technical Assistance to Communities Involved in Smart Growth Efforts
The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting applications from communities, regions, or states that are planning for environmental goals such as building stronger communities, enhancing public health, or protecting environmental resources. Through its Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program, EPA will provide free technical assistance to selected applications. A team of experts organized by EPA will visit the community to work with local leaders to help overcome barriers such as a lack of tools, resources, or information to achieve their goals. Applications will be accepted until March 8, 2007.
www.epa.gov/smartgrowth
ACE Studied Physical Activity on the Job
The American Council on Exercise recently released a study of workday physical activity in 10 common occupations: secretaries, restaurant servers, construction workers, mail carriers, custodians, lawyers, police officers, nurses, teachers, and factory workers. Nearly 100 study participants wore pedometers to track the number of steps they took daily. Findings showed that secretaries, teachers, lawyers, and police officers walked significantly fewer steps than other occupations. While secretaries walked only an average of 4,327 steps per day, mail carriers walked the most number of steps, averaging 18,904 steps, or approximately 7.5 miles daily.
www.acefitness.org
National Heart Month Materials are Available
The International Council on Active Aging and Philips Medical Systems are offering an online Heart Month toolkit to help communities provide special programs during February. The toolkit contains links to resources for planning a campaign to reach older adults, consumer education materials, downloadable posters, and other support materials. The website is free and does not require registration.
Dancing Offers Health Benefits for People with Heart Disease
Dancing is not only fun, it is also an excellent alternative to other aerobic activities, particularly for people with heart disease, according to a study reported at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2006. In a previous study, researchers found that the slow and fast waltz was safe and it improved functional capacity and quality of life for people who suffered from heart disease. The study was repeated for patients with chronic heart failure, with similar results.
www.americanheart.org
AARP articles on dancing and health benefits are available.
Fitness Trends for 2007
The American Council on Exercise predicted trends for this year. A few included:
- Specialized fitness programming for older adults
- Small-group training for all age groups
- Simple, affordable options and alternatives for workouts
- Balance training programs and classes
- Mind-body connection for a holistic approach to fitness
- Time-efficient workouts for busy Americans
Summer 2007 Conferences and Events
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2007 Conference
June 20-24
Indianapolis, IN
Summer National Senior Games
National Senior Games Association
June 22-July 8
Louisville, KY
American Diabetes Association’s 67th Scientific Sessions
June 22-26
Chicago, IL
American Physical Therapy Association’s Annual Conference
June 27-30
Denver, CO
National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities Conference
July 8-10
Reston, VA
N4A 32nd Annual Conference
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
July 29-Aug. 1
San Francisco, CA
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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