|
The
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health &
Sports
and the Michigan Fitness Foundation
Top Stories:
Nominate an Inspiring Athlete for the Governor's Fitness Awards
Do you know someone who is a role model for healthy living? The Michigan Fitness Foundation is now accepting nomination forms for the Governor’s Fitness Awards. The awards ceremony will take place November 9 in Lansing and will honor Michigan residents who have made extraordinary commitments to physical activity.
The Charles T. Kuntzleman Award will be given to four inspirational individuals who have overcome great obstacles in order to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Dr. Kuntzleman, former chair of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, is the author of several books including They Accepted the Challenge, describing people who, despite great obstacles, have pursued a life of physical activity.
The ceremony will also recognize one public official and one organization for promoting, demonstrating and advocating for healthy lifestyles.
To nominate someone, or yourself, for one of these prestigious awards, download nomination forms here or call 1-800-434-8642 to request a form. The application deadline is August 1.
Back to top
Not all Education Curricula Perform the Same in CDC-Funded Study
Students taught with the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC) performed better than non-EPEC students in motor skill development, self-efficacy, and daily physical activity according to a recent study funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The two-year study of 16 Michigan schools tested different skills to study the effectiveness of EPEC versus non-EPEC curricula on 4thand 5th grade students.
“We believe physical education is more than a place to exercise; it is a place to learn,” says Glenna DeJong, vice president of educational programs for the Michigan Fitness Foundation. “The CDC supports our contention that EPEC can help students master skills, foster confidence, and promote physical activity throughout the day.”
The CDC study shows a connection between students who are taught how to perform specific motor skills and an increased confidence about engaging in physical activity. Increased confidence in performing physical activity leads to an increase in daily physicalactivity.
To find out more about EPEC and to learn more about the CDC study visit the EPEC website.
Back to top
White Lake Area to Celebrate Five Years of Labor Day Community Walks
This Labor Day the Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Montague, Michigan will be filled with walking enthusiasts as residents of the White Lake Area celebrate the White River Bridge Walk, their fifth consecutive Labor Day Community Walk.
“Labor Day Community Walks are good for the heart and the soul,” says Amy VanLoon, executive director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and organizer
of the White River Bridge Walk.
“Every year that we host the White River Bridge Walk our numbers grow. There is definitely a sense of unification that happens between Montague and Whitehall. Labor Day Community Walks give residents who are unable to participate in the Mackinac Bridge Walk an opportunity to enjoy a walk right in their own community. It is a great way to bring folks together and get them out and moving!”
By participating in the Labor Day Community Walks program, communities like White Lake bring physical activity, healthy living and community involvement to their residents.
To find out more about the White River Bridge Walk visit the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce website. To find out more about Labor Day Community Walks, or to see if your community is a host, visit the Labor Day Community Walks page.
Back to top
Journalist Takes Healthy Lifestyle to the Next Level
Lila Lazarus was the perfect depiction of health and fitness when she showed up to the June 7 meeting of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports with her bike and helmet in tow.
“I am always looking for ways to add a little adventure and some good exercise to my day,” said Lazarus, who has served on the Governor’s Council since 2008.
Best known as an energetic health reporter, Lazarus takes her commitment to physical fitness far beyond the camera lens. She is a health advocate and free spirit who participates in marathons and triathlons and teaches yoga. Knowing she had to be in Lansing for a meeting, Lazarus opted to toss aside her car keys and instead hopped on her bike for the 67 mile journey.
Instead of setting a fast pace during her trip to Lansing, Lazarus turned her journey into an adventure by taking her time and enjoying the surroundings.
“The benefits are obvious: it is a great opportunity to see things at a slower pace; small towns, farms, gardens-I even pedaled past some deer,” said Lazarus.
“If you’re considering a long ride, make sure you have a good helmet, plenty of water, the right tools to repair a flat and a cell phone just in case,” said Lazarus. Most importantly, if you are inspired to create your own adventure, “enjoy the ride!”
Back to top
Michigan Fitness Foundation Elects New Members
The Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) welcomes Dr. Barry Franklin and Dan Varner to the MFF Board of Directors. Both men currently serve on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and will continue to serve in that role as well as on the MFF board.
Dr. Barry Franklin is the director of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise laboratories at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He also holds adjunct faculty appointments at Wayne State University and University of Michigan medical schools. Dr. Franklin has written and edited over 500 publications and is currently editor in chief of the American Journal of Medicine and Sports.
Dan Varner left his law practice in 1999 to concentrate full-time on youth development programs. Varner has since received numerous awards for his public service accomplishments. He has recently accepted a new position with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
These men bring with them a wealth of knowledge and a passion for physical fitness that will assist the MFF Board in creating a healthier Michigan.
Back to top
Register Your Community to Host a Labor Day Community Walk
Michigan communities are signing up to demonstrate their commitment to healthy and active living by hosting Labor Day Community Walks. For many Michigan residents walking across the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day sounds like an amazing experience. However, traveling to the Mighty Mac is not always an option. By hosting a local Labor Day Community Walk, Michigan communities are able to provide a similar experience to those residents unable to make it to the main event.
Communities who host a Labor Day Community Walk can have their walks endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health & Sports. Participating communities will also receive a free Labor Day Community Walks packet which will help guide them in creating a successful walk. The goal of Labor Day Community Walks is to increase the number of active people this Labor Day weekend. Check out the Labor Day Community Walks page for more information.
Back to top |
