MAY IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH

Statement by: Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director

President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month:  a great time to renew your commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Strategies to Increase Physical Activities Among Youth, youth need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day where they live, learn, and play. In addition to physical health benefits, regular activity provides cognitive health benefits as well.  Research shows that when children are physically active, they achieve higher grades, record better attendance, and their behavior improves. Put simply, active kids do better.

Just over ten years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move!, an initiative designed to end childhood obesity within a generation and create a brighter future for our nation’s youth. Today we can say that Let’s Move! has actually moved America in a healthier direction.  HHS and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) have partnered with individuals, organizations, and companies to help further the vision of Let’s Move!  

For tips on ways to be active, visit www.fitness.gov. Help us spread the word by sharing the National Physical Fitness and Sports Month toolkit: http://healthfinder.gov/NHO/MayToolkit.aspx.