Health on the Horizon

The American people are currently in the waiting phase regarding health care reform. Congress is currently reviewing the proposals, scoring the legislation, and deciding what will remain in the final version. The health and fitness industry has worked hard to include incentives for exercise, wellness, and prevention in the legislation. It is still not too late to contact your legislators and let them know prevention is critical to reducing health care costs and living a long, healthy life.

The reality of health care reform, when it happens, is that our industry's work has not ended - it is in fact, beginning. A great challenge lies ahead for health clubs, suppliers to the industry, and the millions of people who already enjoy the numerous benefits of exercise. Our roles as advocates for America's health have just begun - our nation's problem with overweight, obesity, and poor nutrition will not end overnight. Regardless of the outcome of health care reform, it remains our job to educate inactive populations on the benefits of exercise, support our communities in efforts to encourage physical activity, and to help friends and family make lifestyle changes. Our industry looks forward to the day when exercise becomes habitual practice for the majority of Americans. Health care reform is part of the answer to reversing our nation's inactivity problem, but a significant portion lies within our industry and the steps we take from here to keep people moving.

-Rosemary Lavery

Where has all the prevention gone?

This time last year, supporters of healthy lifestyles were buoyed by the stump speeches of of then candidate Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. They spoke of prevention, exercise and healthy eating habits. They didn't agree on much, but they did both speak of the power of healthy lifestyles in reducing health care costs.

Fast forward one year. Despite all the rhetoric from Democrats, Republics, Members of Congress, the Administration and all the cable news pundits, real prevention appears to be the forgotten solution. Now that all the major bills have been introduced, it's clear that the oratorical support for healthy diets and regular exercise have not yet translated into policy initiatives.

This is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, if the causes of chronic diseases, which account for 75% of health care spending are not adequately addressed, no amount of reforms on paper will bring real costs savings. To put it in medical terms, we're treating the symptoms, not the disease. And at the rate our society is going (and growing), today's kids will be the first generation to have a shorter life-span than their parents. How will this play out if that generation is still struggling to reign in health care costs because no one stepped up to the plate and told Americans it's time to start making some hard decisions.

Our CEO, Joe Moore, often writes about the creation of a culture of wellness. I love this. Not because I work for the health club industry, but because I am someone that tries to do what I can in my daily life to make healthy choices. Once you start to educate yourself about wellness and prevention the truth of what our daily habits are doing to us is shocking. Maybe this was what it was like back in the day when people didn't understand the full extent of the health implications of smoking cigarettes.

A poll out today says that 79% of Americans support health care reform. So how can the people that support healthy lifestyles take this support and get people to support healthy lifestyles? THe first thing everyone can do is speak out to Congress and President Obama. We need to share our stories about how healthy habits translate into less chronic disease, lower health care costs, and more productive and happy employees.

If everyone tells their story, we can start a movement. Look at what the anti-smoking movement did. Maybe this can be the wellness movement. Join the movement for a healthier America and share your story today. http://ihrsa.org/campaign.

- Breanne McGahey

No Time to Rest

As most Americans are aware, the Obama family is vacationing this week on Martha's Vineyard. As summer winds down, it is tempting to sit back, relax, and enjoy the last days of the summer. However, as we have reached a critical point in the health care reform process, it is no time to take a vacation from advocating for prevention. It would be easy to just follow the news on health care reform, its trials and tribulations, and let others decide on the best plan for America. I found one article in particular troubling - Young Obama Backers AWOL from Health Care Fight. As a specific sector with interest in health care reform, the health and fitness industry needs to make sure health, wellness, and prevention are represented in the promised reform. The nation cannot afford to leave prevention out of the health care equation -our collective waistline is expanding every minute. Was your voice heard? Did you tell your story? It is not too late!

Congressional members are still on August recess in their home states, as close and approachable as they will ever be! Now is the time to schedule a meeting with your local Congressional representatives and ask for their support of the WHIP and PHIT Acts. Or, send an email.

Now, take a nap on the beach. You deserve it!

- Rosemary Lavery

Outrage

Yesterday’s headlines probably signal the end of the “public option” in the health care plan, a measure championed by liberals and charred by conservatives. The “public option” issue, with its ability to extract vile insults from its protagonists and opposers, is tailor-made for media stories. The legislation, of course, is dreary, but the passion it induces is wonderful theater.

The theater, however, has crowded out several issues deserving of greater public awareness.

Of particular note, (this is a blog about physical activity, after all) is the lack of any provision in the health care proposals that would incentivize Americans to live healthier lifestyles. No WHIP. No PHIT.

Perhaps a few facts will help muster up enough public outrage to warrant a grainy YouTube video from a townhall meeting...

- Individuals who live unhealthy lifestyles are more likely to develop a chronic disease
- Chronic disease accounts for 75% of health care costs
- Active adults spend less money on health care

Are you outraged? Join the Campaign for a Healthier America and help lead the charge for health reform based on healthy living. Also, make sure the batteries in your video camera are charged.

- Tom Richards

Everyday Leaders Bring Health Reform to Life

Joe Moore, IHRSA's President and CEO appears on the homepage of the Washington Post with a guest column in the "Focus on Leadership." While Congress is busy debating the various health care reform bills, Mr. Moore writes "Leaders must emerge from all industries, sectors, and corners of the country, while existing leaders must make the health of their followers, employees and students a priority." Read the full column.

Health Care Reform, Prevention, Cost-Savings

President Barack Obama will address the nation tonight in a prime time news conference on health care reform. This is the latest event in what has been a full court press by the White House in recent days to try to build awareness and momentum around the debate. At a White House Rose Garden event on Tuesday, Obama said, “We've agreed that our health reform bill will emphasize prevention and wellness by investing in programs that help Americans live healthier lives. We will save money, prevent illness, and increase the competitiveness of our country. “

IHRSA and its partners continue to encourage legislators to use prevention to contain skyrocketing costs. In a statement released Monday, the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) urged Congress to focus on the number one driver of health care costs- chronic disease. "We must focus on disease prevention and wellness in order to reduce unnecessary - and often preventable - costs and create a sustainable health care system," said Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., PFCD Executive Director. "We hope that as other Senate and House committees continue through mark ups, they will make certain that their bills contain adequate measures to address the economic burden of chronic disease and control costs in order to insure the passage of comprehensive, sustainable health care reform legislation in 2009."

While members of Congress and the Obama administration discuss health care reform, the President continues to call on Congress to move bills out of committee and to vote before the scheduled August recess. Though some in Washington are beginning to call the deadline impossible, committees are working very quickly to mark up the bills as soon as possible making this a crucial time for IHRSA’s Personal Health Investment Today Act and Workplace Health Improvement Program Act.

“Our DC team has been actively engaging with key legislators in both the House and the Senate on including the WHIP and PHIT Acts in health care reform,” said Helen Durkin, executive vice president IHRSA public policy. “But we do not have a million dollars a day to spend like the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies. Our strength is the number of fitness professionals across America that are passionate about creating a culture of wellness in our nation.”

Fitness professionals can do their part by writing an email to Congress asking for their support of exercise as part of prevention in health care reform. All of the details are provided online at http://ihrsa.org/campaign. Clubs will be speaking out for legislation that not only encourages Americans to lead healthy lives but also provides them tax incentives to do so while promoting health clubs and growing the number of Americans with gym memberships.

- Breanne McGahey

Obama Nominates Surgeon General

Earlier today in a White House Rose Garden ceremony, President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States. By all accounts, she is a qualified doctor who is exceptionally dedicated to her patients in Bayou La Batre, Ala. (yes, Forest Gump fans the same shrimping community Bubba was from). But what position will Dr. Benjamin take on exercise, prevention and wellness?

As the fitness industry, we hope that the Surgeon General will make use of the high profile of her office to shed light on the impact that a healthy lifestyle can have on the health of all Americans. Bush's Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona was a proponent of healthy lifestyles, he even spoke at an IHRSA Convention a few years back. Acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, has also promoted exercise and been a friend to the issue, especially during the release of the Physical Activity Guidelines.

According to Obama's statement today, "[Dr. Benjamin]'s been a relentless promoter of prevention and wellness programs, having treated too many costly and -- diseases and complications that didn't have to happen." This is great, but given her focus on rural health care one has to wonder how will so many important areas of health care be handled by a small staff with a limited budget. Coming from Alabama, Dr. Benjamin must be keenly familiar with the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. The Trust for America's Health reported earlier this month that Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation at over 31% of the adult population. That is a shocking statistic.

I am curious to learn if Dr. Benjamin led efforts in her community to increase physical activity and improve eating habits. If so, she could very well become a powerful role model for the changes that need to occur in our communities that are hardest hit by the obesity epidemic. Only time will tell.

Dr. Benjamin said during her statement that she wants to become America's family physician. I hope that she and all family physicians across America start to better advise their patients on the importance of regular exercise and healthy diets.

- Breanne McGahey

Twists and Turns Create Urgency and Road Blocks for Health Care Reform

The health care reform debate is fast becoming a thrilling political drama with non-stop action. As Democrats in Congress and the White House push for passage of reform legislation by the end of the year, some by August, the breakneck pace is hitting some significant roadblocks.

As reported in last week’s issue of Capitol Report, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the initial bill proposed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s (D-MA) Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee would cost over $1 trillion, and leave more than 37 million Americans uninsured after ten years. Since that report, the Senate Committee on Finance has delayed the release of its bipartisan bill in an effort to trim the costs of the plan before it is made public. The White House has been working very closely with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and the Finance Committee, as many observers believe that it is the best chance to produce bi-partisan support.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and White House health reform director Nancy-Ann DeParle meet on Tuesday with Democratic Senators, from both committees to discuss the issue. Later today, President Obama will host a town hall meeting on health care at the White House after holding a meeting with five governors that hosted regional health care forums.

Meanwhile, the House held numerous hearings on health care reform this week. Introduced last Friday, the House legislation is the work of three House Committees. The bill lacks funding sources and has not yet been reviewed by the CBO.

- Breanne McGahey

Teen Fitness Connection - Empower a Teen This Summer

As the nation waits this summer for long-anticipated health care reform and for prevention to play a critical role, you may be asking what more you can do to have your voice heard and how to play a part in keeping Americans healthy this summer. You should, of course, write or call your Congressional representative and ask for their support of Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act and the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. If you submitted a video for IHRSA’s Campaign for a Healthier America, we thank you and encourge you to invite your staff to do the same. If you are looking for a program to make a difference in a young person’s life this summer, I would ask you to consider running the Teen Fitness Connection (TFC) in your club.

The TFC is a nationwide initiative designed to introduce exercise to teens by offering free summer matinee memberships. Now in its second year as an IHRSA program, it is designed as a community outreach initiative that invites club owners and operators to fight teen obesity and physical inactivity on a local level. Geoff Dyer, Founder of Lifestyle Family Fitness health clubs and the TFC, began the program three years ago with the intent to provide an outlet for teenagers to raise their self-esteem, get in control of their physical health, and to fight teenage obesity.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle begins at an early age, and needs to be reinforced in order to become habit. The TFC gives teens a fun activity to engage in during the summer months and to explore the offerings and support health clubs give. Clubs can modify and adjust the program as they see fit.

The program takes place at IHRSA clubs across the country from July 1 - August 31, 2009. Please visit http://www.ihrsa.org/teenfitnessconnection for more information and enrollment.
I urge you to consider implementing this program in your club and join in empowering teens with fitness this summer!

- Rosemary Lavery

Costs, Including Prevention, Come Under Fire in Health Care Debate

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) held its first meeting yesterday on proposed health care reform legislation. The meeting, led by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) in Chairman Edward Kennedy’s (D-MA) absence due to illness, comes amid increasing talk of costs and implications on the federal deficit.

Earlier this week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reviewed the HELP bill in response to inquiries from Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Judd Gregg (R-NH). The CBO estimated the plan currently being considered by the Committee would leave 37 million Americans uninsured and cost more than $1 trillion over ten years.

One of the areas addressed in the report is the cost for preventative care and wellness in health care reform. Overall, the report concludes that increasing access to preventative services and wellness could decrease costs by making people healthier but may not materialize savings because long-term empirical evidence is lacking for the broad array of services considered under this category, including programs to decrease obesity. One scenario presented is that while reducing chronic disease through healthy lifestyles would help people live longer, it could cost the government more in Social Security benefits.

In April, IHRSA along with the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease called on House leadership to update how the CBO produces estimates for health care bills. It made several recommendations for how the CBO can accurately estimate the fiscal impact of prevention legislation, such as including the deteriorating health of the population its estimated impact in the future, scoring beyond ten years to capture the long-term value of prevention, and incorporating broader economic impact, such as worker productivity. "The inability of the CBO to accurately account for savings created by prevention and wellness further demonstrates the lack of historical support for wellness initiatives in Washington," says Helen Durkin, J.D. IHRSA Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy. "With Congress and the White House calling on prevention as a key component of reform, the CBO needs to reevaluate its outdated modeling."

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee and House Democrats are preparing to introduce their own reform bills shortly. Early estimates on the not yet public Finance Committee bill are $1.6 trillion over ten years. It is unclear how many Americans would be covered under the plan. Reportedly Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) wants the bill under $1 trillion. One thing that does seem apparent is that all options remain on the table. Despite some partisan banter, both sides seem willing to address health care reform. Costs and impact on the deficit will likely remain major points of contention throughout the debate.

- Breanne McGahey

The Personal Health Investment Today Act (H.R. 2105)

The following is detailed information on the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act (H.R. 2105). This bill is currently before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways & Means. If you would like to support this bill, join the virtual march on Washington by visiting http://campaign4health.org.

The PHIT Act (H.R. 2105) would eliminate a federal policy barrier and create a financial incentive for Americans to engage in physical fitness and exercise.

Americans could utilize up to $1,000 annually from their tax-favored accounts (such as FSAs and MSAs) to make expenditures related to organized individual and team sports, fitness and exercise, recreation and other physical activities. The PHIT Act would not increase the total contribution limits to those pre-tax accounts.

• 64% of American adults and 34% of American children suffer from overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity. These rising rates of obesity and Americans’ proclivity for inactivity are resulting in double digit annual increases in healthcare costs to the government and business.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that healthcare costs directly associated with inactivity were $76.6 billion in 2000; roughly one-third of those costs ($25 billion) fall directly on U.S. taxpayers since approximately one in three Americans is covered by a taxpayer-funded health plan.

• The PHIT Act would help to reverse the trend of increasing physical inactivity and obesity by eliminating a federal policy barrier and providing an important tax incentive to promote exercise.

• Public health experts agree that regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk and symptoms of numerous chronic diseases and medical conditions, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, medications and lower health care costs.

• The PHIT Act would change the types of expenditures that could be payable out of tax-favored investment accounts: flexible spending accounts (FSAs), medical savings accounts (MSAs) and/or medical reimbursement arrangements.

• Under the current set-up, Americans predominantly use pre-tax accounts to pay for treatment and detection of illnesses: prescription drugs, doctor visits, examinations and screenings.

• The PHIT Act would allow consumers to to pay with pre-tax dollars for prevention in the form of increased physical activity, including:

• fitness center dues
• group exercise classes
• youth sports league fees
• some exercise equipment
• other fees associated with physical activity programs

• Depending upon their income tax bracket, the PHIT Act could help Americans save 20-30% on the cost of physical activities, exercise programs and related expenses.

• The PHIT Act tax incentive represents an important tangible benefit that the federal government can provide to promote healthier lifestyles and reverse the rising costs of treating obesity-related chronic diseases.

• Fitness-related tax savings would provide a great incentive for Americans to take an important first step toward reversing their sedentary lifestyles and lowering healthcare costs.

Why is the PHIT Act necessary?
The PHIT Act would eliminate a federal policy barrier and create a financial incentive to engage in physical fitness and exercise.

What will the PHIT Act do?
The PHIT Act would change the types of expenditures that could be payable out of tax-favored investment accounts (such as FSAs and MSAs). Under the current set-up, Americans predominantly use pre-tax accounts to pay for treatment and detection of illnesses: prescription drugs, doctor visits, examinations and screenings.

The PHIT Act would allow consumers to set aside up to $1,000 ($2,000 per family) annually from their tax-favored accounts to make expenditures related to prevention in the form of increased physical activity, allowing fitness center dues, payments for some exercise equipment, and other fees associated with physical activity programs to be paid with pre-tax dollars.

What will the PHIT Act cost?
IHRSA has met with the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation and has requested an immediate “score” for the PHIT Act, which will determine the total cost of implementing the bill over a ten year period.

Who is supporting the PHIT Act?
IHRSA has gathered broad support for the PHIT Act during previous sessions of Congress. The PHIT Act was re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 27, 2009 by Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Co-sponsors, at the time of introduction, include Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Kevin Brady (R-TX), and Zach Wamp (R-TN). (Full co-sponsor list.)

Obama Urges Congress to Pass Health Care Reform by August

Makes Economic Case for Reform, Includes Prevention
President Barack Obama has asked Congress to pass health care reform legislation before their August recess and called this a “make or break period.” The move comes as health care reform is increasingly a key issue for the White House. Yesterday, a major report was released and Obama met with Senate Democrats on key Committees to discuss reform.

The report, released early in the day, presented the economic case for health care reform from the White House Council of Economic Advisers. It covers the current economic impact of health care on the nation’s economy and a forecast of what could happen without reform. It then discusses key components of reform that would have major economic impacts, including slowing health care cost growth and expanding coverage.

The role of healthier lifestyles was noted as a key element of successful health care reform. “It will also be important to encourage individuals through education and incentives to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as exercising and healthy eating,” the report stated. “This is important because healthier lifestyle choices have positive, direct benefits on lowering costs.”

Yesterday afternoon, President Obama met with about two-dozen Democrats on the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Both Committees are working to create their own health care reform bills. Obama’s message to them coincided with the report from earlier in the day, that it is a major imperative for the White House that long-term costs are driven down. In addition, the group discussed how to fund immediate changes to the nation’s health care system. According to reports, there was talk about the taxation of health benefits, which Senator Max Baucus of Montana claims will raise $250 billion annually. A White House statement said that Obama prefers funding methods outlined in earlier reports that do not include such taxes.

Underscoring the days events was the sense of urgency being conveyed by Obama. "We can't afford to put this off," Obama said at the start of a meeting the Senate Democrats. "This window between now and the [Senate's] August recess I think is going to be the make-or-break period. This is the time where we've got to get this running."

Legislating a Healthier Future for Our Children

The following is an excerpt from the June 2009 issue of Club Business International, IHRSA's monthly magazine reaching almost 25,000 fitness professionals around the world.

The children of America are on the verge of a health crisis—and, ultimately, so, too, is the nation’s healthcare system. About one in three children and youth are already overweight or obese. In fact, today’s kids could be the first generation of Americans to live shorter lives than their parents.

Across the spectrum, it’s widely agreed that a lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are two of the leading culprits. According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation, 92% of elementary schools do not offer daily physical education classes year-round, and only about 20% of high school students report eating fruits and green vegetables five or more times a day.

Fortunately, there’s a growing awareness of the issue. Congress, many state legislators, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Surgeon General, and political leaders are actively working to improve the health of America’s kids.

So far this year, 26 states have introduced physical education (PE) legislation. Many of the bills seek to impose specific requirements on PE programs’ weekly duration, standards, and implementation requirements, or create an assessment mechanism. In Illinois, House Bill 2291 proposes requiring each school board to have an annual assessment on the physical fitness levels of all students in grades five, seven, and nine. The results would be available in report cards, along with the average number of minutes of exercise PE students receive per week at each grade level.

Legislators in Mississippi are taking a different approach. They’re currently considering House Bill 791, which would require that children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) be measured starting in kindergarten and then every other year through tenth grade. The results, including percentile and an explanation, would be provided to parents. Montana is also considering a similar bill.

During these tough economic times, three states are currently weighing the merits of tax credits to encourage physical activity among youth. In Illinois and Maryland, families could be eligible for $500 tax credits for qualified youth physical fitness programs. The Maryland bill is part of a broader legislation that also includes tax credits for adults and seniors, including $500 tax credits for health club membership dues.

In 2007, the Canadian government began providing parents with a $500 children’s fitness tax credit for eligible expenses for children under age 16. While the U.S. federal government doesn’t offer such an incentive, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) bill, one of IHRSA’s signature pieces of proposed federal legislation, would allow parents to pay for children’s physical fitness expenses with money from their family’s pre-tax savings account. These accounts are typically used for such health-related costs as doctor visits and prescription drug co-pays. This bill would allow parents to pay for exercise expenses that could prevent diseases associated with obesity. The pre-tax savings would grant many families access to youth fitness activities, such as little league and soccer. [Advocate for passage of the PHIT Act on campaign4health.org.]

It’s not just legislators who are taking aim at childhood obesity. Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., has launched an initiative called Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future. The goal of the program is to highlight local communities that are coming together to motivate kids to exercise and eat nutritious foods as well as teaching them to make healthy choices.

“Teaching our children the importance of eating well and being physically active at a young age is crucial to reversing the trend of obesity in this country,” said Galson. “Everyone has a role to play in this fight to prevent childhood obesity.”

IHRSA actively supports efforts to improve the health of children through physical activity and proper nutrition. In 2008, via work with the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, IHRSA supported the addition of PE requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in Congress.

For more information, visit www.ihrsa.org/publicpolicy.

Baucus, Grassley Release Report on Financing Health Care Reform

The following is an excerpt from Capitol Report, a weekly e-newsletter from IHRSA Public Policy. IHRSA Members- subscribe today!

On Monday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a report on policy options for financing comprehensive health care reform. This is the third and final report from the Committee before they begin to mark up legislation in June. Three potential areas for funding are explored in the report; two are significant for IHRSA’s health promotion efforts.

One section the report explores current health care tax expenditures. Among those, are nine different policy options including modifying or eliminating Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Any change to FSAs is of particular importance to the fitness industry as it is the main tax vehicle for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act (H.R. 2105).

While this report is not an outline of legislation that the Committee will consider, it does indicate the direction of the policies the Committee could well pursue. IHRSA has been and continues to heavily lobby members of the Senate Finance Committee and other Senators for their support of the PHIT Act. In fact, two Senators have expressed strong interest in introducing the bill in the Senate (it is currently, and historically has been, introduced in the House only). Fitness professionals are also speaking out. Earlier this month during the Summit for a Healthier America, fitness professionals met with staffers on the Committee and the offices of Senators on the Committee. It will be vital to the potential inclusion in any health care reform legislation that there is vocal support for Americans to continue to have access to FSAs and that FSAs be expanded to encourage healthy lifestyles.

The Senate report did address lifestyle tax proposals to “promote wellness and healthy lifestyle choices, and curb activities that increase overall health care costs.” The two policy options presented included the taxation of alcoholic beverages and excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. These measures demonstrate the Committee’s recognition that tax policy is a proven way to effect individual behavior change.

While these policies might “curb activities that increase overall health care costs” they do not go far enough to “promote wellness and healthy lifestyle choices.” Diet is only one part of the balance needed for a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity provides health benefits that diet alone cannot achieve. IHRSA will continue to lobby the Finance Committee and key Members of Congress for their support of tax policies that encourage physical activity as part of health care reform.

While IHRSA lobbies key Members, it is important that all Members of Congress hear from fitness professionals in their districts about the power of exercise and its impact on the people that they represent on Capitol Hill. You can make your voice heard by joining the Campaign for a Healthier America’s virtual march on Washington.

- Breanne McGahey

GOP: Prevention & Wellness

I attended a briefing this morning hosted by the U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee, "GOP Health Care Hearing: Prevention Through Healthy Behavior - A Key to Health Care Reform." The briefing room included two signs: 1) "Healthy Living Through Wellness & Prevention;" and "Healthy Living: Lowering Health Care Costs." I must confess to spending maybe a little too much time wondering if i could pull off wearing the signs as a sandwich board around Capitol Hill.

The briefing was on message, including high praise for financial wellness incentives from Governor Huckabee, Steve Burd (CEO of Safeway), and Dr. Andrew Baldwin (try googling him if you want to feel inadequate). The Senators in attendance (Senator Alexander, R-Tenn; Senator Ensign, R-Nev; Senator Thune, R-SD, Senator Burr, R-NC, and WHIP Co-Champion...Senator Cornyn - R-TX) seemed to agree. In fact, the executive summary distributed by the Policy Committee noted that health care reform should include "clarifying tax rules to make clear that any incentives provided in connection with wellness programs are not taxable income."

The health care reform debate includes many contentious issues, but the importance of prevention and wellness does not seem to be one of them. It's the perfect post-partisan issue! Tell your legislators about it here.

- Tom Richards

Rep. Ron Kind: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Last week, IHRSA fitness professionals gathered in DC for the Campaign for a Healthier America to lobby for support of the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act (HR 2106/S 913) and the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act (HR 2105). US Representative Ron Kind was the lead sponsor of both bills in the House. The following is a post by Representative Kind on The Hill Blog.

Let’s face it; Americans have been too sedentary, too long. Sixty-four percent of American adults and 34% of children suffer from chronic disease, often brought about by obesity and lack of physical activity. A recent study even found that 20% of our four-year olds are obese. If lifestyle changes aren’t made, these kids are going to become obese adults and struggle with chronic disease all their lives. This is something we must reverse.

There’s a lot we could be doing at home to take care of our health. In our everyday lives, we have control over exercising more, eating better and giving up smoking. And the better we take care of ourselves, the more dramatic decline we’ll see in health care costs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that health care costs directly associated with inactivity were $76.6 billion in 2000. By using the tax code to incentivize physical activity, through the WHIP and PHIT Acts, we can cut these outrageous health care costs.

That’s why I and Rep. Zach Wamp, along with several other likeminded members of Congress, recently introduced the WHIP (Workforce Health Improvement Program) and PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Acts - to give people the incentive they need to get active; further preventing illness and disease, improving worker productivity and reducing the amount spent by consumers and government on managing major health issues every year.

The bills give employees pre-tax advantages for wellness activities, encouraging people to increase their physical activity. Not only does the WHIP Act affirm an employer’s right to deduct the cost of subsidizing or providing fitness center benefits to employees, encouraging them to offer the perk, but it also eliminates the income tax paid by employees on these benefits, giving them an incentive to get active. The PHIT bill increases the types of expenditures payable out of pre-tax health investment accounts, allowing taxpayers to use up to $1,000 annually for preventative exercise costs including fitness center dues, some exercise equipment, and sports activity fees, among others.

The WHIP and PHIT bills put us on the right track to reforming health care by keeping preventative measures in mind. These bills help remove the cost barrier associated with getting fit and promote a healthy lifestyle, furthering preventative health efforts and reducing our nation’s health care costs.

http://blog.thehill.com/2009/05/06/promoting-healthy-lifestyles-rep-ron-kind/

How Do We Define "The Best?"

I was recently asked by a journalist to recommend several IHRSA member clubs for an upcoming feature highlighting the “best” health clubs in America. This prompted me to think of how IHRSA as an organization defines a great health club, how consumers define a great club, and how any given facility might consider their club among the best.

Certainly, factors such as customer service, cleanliness, quality of equipment, space, classes, and programming could all be factors in this equation. Clubs with cutting-edge technology, cater to specific populations, employ green-friendly practices and are industry innovators could be considerations as well. We could look strictly at numbers – revenues, total memberships, facilities owned. To my knowledge, there is no set definition that would categorize a club as being among the best.

To attempt to answer this question, I would ask each club, “What percentage of your members are happy, getting healthy and meeting their fitness goals?” When it comes down to it, a club that has older equipment but happy members should be considered just as effective and great as one that has the newest products, most members, or significant square footage. My contention is that the clubs making a big difference in members’ lives, ones aiding members in living better in the here and now are the greatest, best clubs. The best varies for every individual.

If clubs struggle with measuring their effectiveness and their level of “greatness”, look to the members for answers. Ask them how you can help them meet their goals. Ask what it will take for them to be feeling better and living better. IHRSA has many, many member clubs that I would categorize among the best in the business.

-Rosemary Lavery

Looking for a few good fitness professionals

We need a few good fitness professionals to travel to Washington, DC on May 6 and 7, 2009 to represent their congressional district or state and meet with key congressional leaders about the role of exercise in health care reform as part of the Campaign for a Healthier America. Are you willing to step up to the plate and speak out for healthy lifestyles?

Maybe in your mind, you scrolling through a list of excuses right now. I'm too busy. Someone else from my district will go. It's too expensive. I can't make a difference. I don't know the first thing about politics. I'm not even interested in politics.

Here is the thing: the Summit for a Healthier America is not about politics, it is not about professional lobbyists, it's not about leaving it up to the "next guy." It's about participating in the political process, something that every American has the right and the obligation to do.

What happens in your health club matters to the future of America and fundamental changes in our health care system. We need you to tell that story to your Members of Congress. You don't have to know the specific details of the legislation, you just need to be passionate about making America healthier.

I hope you will consider joining us. It is an amazing experience. You will leave with a new outlook on DC and the difference that you can make in our country. It may sound hookey, but I promise, it's true. Register online today.

If you are at fitness professional at an IHRSA member club in good standing and live or work in one of our target districts, you may be eligible for a travel scholarship to the Summit for a Healthier America. See a list of target districts here.

- Breanne McGahey

Humana Health Care Reform Video Encourages Exercise as a Cost Solution

While on Twitter (http://twitter.com/campaign4health) today, I saw a tweet one from the New America Foundation about a great video on the basics of health care reform. It's a really simple look at the basics of health care reform. Two things that I really liked about about.

1) They mention exercise and healthy eating as one of three main ways to create costs savings (technology and payment for quality rounded out the pack). It also recognized that 70% of health care costs are preventable. It's so important that we are beginning to see greater acceptance of exercise and proper nutrition as part of broader health care reform.

2) The video is produced by Humana, an insurance company. The New America Foundation put it perfectly when they said: "The fact that the insurance company is putting PSAs on “what is health reform and why do we need it?” is just another sign of how far we’ve come from the Harry and Louise Days of 1993-94."




- Breanne McGahey

Wall posts, and pokes, and status updates – Oh my!

By now, if you’re not already a member, you’ve all at least heard about the global phenomenon that is Facebook. With over 200 million active members, it is now the 4th highest trafficked web property worldwide behind Yahoo!, Google, and Live.com (according to Compete.com).

Founded over five years ago at Harvard University, Facebook has proven it’s here to stay, as it’s is a staple in people’s everyday lives to quickly and efficiently stay in touch with friends, family, and co-workers.

In short, it is a social networking website community that enables people to connect with other people and share information, pictures, videos, etc. You can send messages, join causes and groups, and become a fan of ketchup, Bruce Springsteen, or even IHRSA.

Last week, IHRSA launched a Facebook page and group for the Campaign for a Healthier America, our newest grassroots advocacy initiative to bring together exercise enthusiasts to make healthy lifestyles a priority for all Americans and help pass the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) and Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act – http://www.campaign4health.org.

Become a fan of the Campaign for a Healthier America page on Facebook. It provides a community to view videos, pictures, and any updates that people contribute from the Virtual March on Washington (the Campaign’s digital messages to Congress to support the passage of PHIT and WHIP). Watch the videos and see why exercise is important to other people, than tell us your story.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Campaign-for-a-Healthier-America/85844830406



You can also join the new Facebook group, “I want to live a long and healthy life (and save money while doing it)” to find out how you can save money on health club memberships, your kids’ sports league fees, and some exercise equipment with pre-tax dollars if the PHIT Act is passed. Find out how you can be a part of the cure for a healthier America: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148406825183


Not a Facebook member? You can write an e-mail by clicking here to exercise your rights.


Cheers,
Kara Thomspon

It's never too late to Start! (exercising)

Last week, a team of IHRSA staff members attended the American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day Rally in Boston. The event was a part of Start!, the AHA's campaign to educate Americans about the benefits of walking and to motivate people to be more active every day. The event was also sponsored by Fitcorp, an IHRSA member.

The rally included speeches by local celebrities, success stories of people who have begun to exercise and lost weight or learned to manage chronic disease. Several local organizations were awarded the title of AHA Fit Friendly Company, which is a designation received by organizations who promote wellness amongst their staff. IHRSA was amongst the companies recognized for their healthy work environment and efforts to keep their employees fit. The event ended with a walk across Boston.

The Start! campaign is a powerful example of a successful national health promotion campaign. In only 3 years, Start! has hosted over 450 corporate events nationwide, including the Boston Heart Walk last fall, which several IHRSA staff volunteered at. AHA Heart Walks bring together different types of organizations, including health clubs (Sports Club LA, an IHRSA member, was there last year). Start! also has over 3,000 companies participating in the Start! Walking Program (IHRSA is one) and over 52,000 consumers are registered on the Start! online community, which features a walking tracking tool, food diary and social networking features, allowing people to find 'sole mates' - or workout partners.

IHRSA is currently preparing for our own national health promotion campaign, called Get Active America!. This program helps IHRSA clubs to reach out to their local communities and welcome new guests. Participating clubs host events and programs showcasing their staff, equipment and amenities. The program has two parts: Bring a Friend, where members invite a guest (May 11-14) and Open House, where the club is open to the public (May 15-17). This program has been successful at increasing foot traffic, membership and helping clubs receive media attention.

We at IHRSA believe that one of the best things you can do for your club is to increase your visibility in the community and participate in programs such as Start! and Get Active America!. Not only do these programs show your current members and community that you care about their health, but they also help your club attract more prospective members.

To learn more about IHRSA's 6th annual Get Active America! program or to enroll, please visit www.ihrsa.org/getactiveamerica

To join the online Start! community, visit mystartonline.org

To learn more about IHRSA Health Promotion efforts, visit www.ihrsa.org/wellnessresourcecenter and never hesitate to email me at kh@ihrsa.org


Sincerely,

Katie Horne
Health Promotions Program Coordinator

Industry Numbers- What Do They Mean?

Yesterday, IHRSA released 2008 research figures for the health club industry, with revenue, total club numbers, and membership numbers announced via press release. Industry revenues reached $19.1 billion in 2008, an increase of three percent over 2007. The number of health clubs increased by one percent in 2008, totaling 30,022 facilities in the United States. Membership decreased from 2007 to 2008 by 2.4 percent, with a survey margin of error of 4% making the decrease in membership statistically insignificant. Non-dues revenues increased by four percent over 2007.

What do these numbers mean? Current members continue to be believers in their clubs, as they are still spending money on services that are essential to their health. IHRSA data has indicated members are using their clubs even more, as they are not willing to give up their memberships in tough times. They need their club MORE, as exercise de-stresses, and makes for more productive and happier employees. Successful clubs continue to function and operate at high levels, as it is much harder to gain a new member than to retain a happy one!


The opportunity for 2009 is great, as an approximate 85% of the U.S. population do not currently belong to a health club. It is both our challenge and opportunity to impact next year's membership numbers for the better, as the rates of overweight and obesity continue to climb and as a result, preventable diseases become a reality for many. This year, all fitness enthusiasts need to continue their work as educators, reminding their friends, family and coworkers that exercise is critical to their health. We need to tell our legislators that we need greater accessibility to exercise, health clubs and fitness equipment. Prevention as a staple to health care reform is on the horizon, but our work must continue in order for real change to occur. Have you made your mark yet on 2009? Now is an opportune time.

Rosemary Lavery

Campaign for a Healthier America Advocate Spotlight

This week, the Campaign for a Healthier America spotlight is on our new friend and advocate for healthy lifestyles, Michael Field. He is the owner of Gold's Gym in Providence, Rhode Island. This is a great club! Not only have fitness professionals from this club attended our Summit for a Healthier America in DC, but they are a sponsor and event host for Shape Up RI.

According to the Shape Up RI website, "Shape Up RI is a statewide exercise and weight loss challenge founded by Brown Medical School student Rajiv Kumar on the belief that the solution to healthy living lies in the power of teamwork and peer support. This annual health campaign encourages Rhode Islanders to pursue healthy lifestyles through increased physical activity and better nutrition."

IHRSA is proud to Michael and Gold's Gym Providence as part of our family of fitness professionals who work hard every day to make America healthier!

IOM Top 20

My virtual lunch companions for the day were the dutiful members of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020, who held a high noon Webinar to update the world on their progress toward creating objectives for Healthy People 2020.

Today's meeting alerted me to the coming launch of StateOfTheUSA.org, which promises to "assemble high-quality measures and data that can be used to assess the progress of the United States." As part of its pre-launch activities (the site is up and running, but not fully functioning), State of the USA teamed up with the Institute of Medicine to release a list of the top 20 key measures that "reflect the overall health of the nation and the effectiveness of U.S. health systems."

I was thrilled to see that "physical activity" has made the cut.

The highlight of the report summary:

"Regular physical activity is an important contributor to health, and yet fewer than 50 percent of people in the U.S. report engaging in moderate physical activity," the committee said. It's proposed measure: the percentage of adults meeting the recommendation for moderate physical activity – at least five days a week for 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity activity or at least three days a week for 20 minutes a day of vigorous-intensity activity."

Let's make sure that our legislators are reminded of this report during health care reform negotiations.

The press release, and link to the full report, are here.

Tom Richards

Campaign for a Healthier America Advocate Spotlight

Last week in San Francisco at the IHRSA Convention and Trade Show, attendees participated in the Virtual March on Washington, a national grassroots project of the IHRSA Campaign for a Healthier America. There were dozens of advocates that recorded videos for Congress and President Obama. Over the coming weeks, we’re going to spotlight our favorites here on the Movement for a Healthier America blog.

Take a few minutes and watch Tanya Barham, CEO of Recess Wellness in Portland, Oregon.

IHRSA Invited by HHS to Speak to Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter Network

On March 19, IHRSA was one of the five featured speakers invited by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to speak at its Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter Network Webinar. Amy Bantham, Deputy Vice President of Government Relations, addressed her remarks to over 100 organizations. IHRSA has been recognized by HHS and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for our outreach efforts to promote and disseminate the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to fitness professionals and consumers. Bantham presented IHRSA’s plans for promote the 2009 President’s Challenge, based on this successful and well-received model.

To see IHRSA’s work promoting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, visit www.ihrsa.org/paguidelines.

Campaign for a Healthier America

The Campaign for a Healthier America is a national grassroots project bringing together exercise enthusiasts to make healthy lifestyles a priority for all Americans.

The Campaign seeks to bring the fitness industry together with government, employers, medical and public health professionals, insurance providers, schools, and each of us individually.

We must work as one to create a culture and environment of wellness. To achieve this, we will:
- Encourage regular exercise and healthy eating for people of all ages and physical conditions
- Engage Americans in grassroots efforts to make their communities healthier
- Ask policymakers to encourage exercise by creating tax incentives and removing financial barriers

Learn more about the Campaign for a Healthier America and how you can join the movement by visiting, campaign4health.org.

Spring in DC

It's a sunny day in Boston and I've started thinking about the fast-approaching Summit for a Healthier America. Every Spring, for the last six years we have traveled to Washington for our largest annual Grassroots Initiative event. As the weather warms and we head into Convention, things start picking up for our advocacy.

This year we have a new spin on things. The name has changed from the Legislative Summit to the Summit for a Healthier America. It is also now part of our Campaign for a Healthier America, which will launch at the IHRSA 2009 Convention on Monday. Keep reading for more.

Spring and Change are in the air. Check out some photos from last year's event.



Created with flickr slideshow.

- Breanne McGahey

VICTORY! New York Health Club Dues Tax Defeated

New York Governor David Paterson announced just hours ago that he has come to an agreement with legislative leaders to not extend the sales tax to health club membership dues and services. This is a major victory for healthy lifestyles in New York and the health club industry.

Over the last nine weeks, 2,441 fitness professionals and health club members wrote 7,902 messages to legislators in Albany. Many fitness professionals and club companies met personally with legislators to discuss the impact that the tax would have on their members and their businesses. The voices of our advocates for healthy lifestyles were heard loud and clear in Albany!

“This is an incredible victory, especially considering the massive deficit facing New York,“ said Joe Moore, IHRSA President and CEO. “It is a testament to the power of working together. With IHRSA collaborating with concerned fitness professionals, our lobbyist, and the people of New York, we were able to highlight the inconsistent messaging of an "obesity" tax on sodas and a "healthy lifestyle tax" on preventative exercise, and stop this proposal in its tracks.”

Paterson came to an agreement with Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to eliminate $1.3 billion in tax increases included in the proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget. In addition to health club dues and services, clothing under $110, sugared drinks, digital downloads, cable and satellite television, manufacturers’ coupons, haircuts, manicures, concerts, movies, live theatre, bowling, golf, skiing and others were eliminated.

“The proposed tax increases we are eliminating today were only put forward as a last resort when the deficit ballooned to an unprecedented level,” said Paterson in a statement. “Now that enhanced federal funding is available, our highest priority must be to provide targeted relief to those who need it most during this economic crisis – average New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.”

-Breanne McGahey

Obama's health principles, translated

Over the last two years there has been a very clear growth in the attention paid to prevention and wellness as part of health care reform. Now that the Obama Administration and Congress have set their sights on the passage of a bill in 2009, it seems that every day there is another news article or video clip of someone who will play a role in this important reform making a clear pitch for prevention and wellness.

Here is a great story on Politico. Obama's health principles, translated. In the budget that the Adminsitration sent to Congress last month, they outlined 8 principles for health care reform. Politico translates the carefully crafted policy statements into something a little more, umm... "straightforward."

Check out #6:
"6. Invest in prevention and wellness. The plan must invest in public health measures proven to reduce cost drivers in our system — such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles and smoking — as well as guarantee access to proven preventive treatments.

Translation: Get in shape — and get used to hearing a lot more about “individual responsibility.” Quit smoking. Exercise. Eat better. And, to encourage a healthier diet, perhaps a fast food tax? Well, maybe not. Americans value their personal choice and wallets too much. Look for Democrats and Republicans to talk a lot about preventing chronic diseases."

Sounds like they are making a perfect case for the WHIP and PHIT Acts.

-Bre McGahey

Dr. Eugenia "Jeanne" Calle

Without the benefit of research provided by brilliant scientists, fitness advocates would be left to rely on the appropriate, yet inadequate phrase "trust me" to convince others of the benefits of exercise. Tragically, the world lost one of those scientists last week. Dr. Eugenia "Jeanne" Calle, who conducted landmark research on the link between cancer and obesity, is remembered here.

An Exercise Stimulus Plan

When the details of an economic stimulus plan are eventually agreed upon, Congress will likely make available millions of dollars to tax payers, but will do so with designs on how that money will be used once it reaches our wallets. Both current Senate and House packages include a substantial income tax credit with the idea that it will prompt retail sales. A tax credit for home purchases will be made available to revive the housing market.

This idea is not new or rare. Governments understand that tax policy has a unique power to influence behavior. However, while all lawmakers seem to understand this power, they struggle to always implement it in useful ways.

Bre McGahey’s post about New York Governor Paterson’s budget proposal ("Paterson’s State of the State Hypocrisy") highlights his recognition that taxing a behavior will discourage it. Unfortunately, as the post poignantly brings to light, the Governor’s budget discourages healthy lifestyles by imposing New York’s sales tax on health club dues.

With a nationwide obesity crisis, it is difficult to understand why New York is not alone in its attempt to tax health club memberships. Will the revenue gained from 5 or 6 percent of gym dues cover the costs of health care for type-2 diabetes? Heart disease? Cancer? A single one of the many other diseases associated with obesity?

It’s time to apply a more beneficial carrot-and-stick approach to health care. Some lawmakers have done this by introducing legislation that would offer a tax credit for engaging in a more active lifestyle. As of today, eight state legislatures are considering proposals that would offer a financial incentive for trying to get in shape. Tom Richards has posted on this page about WHIP and PHIT, two federal pieces of legislation that would encourage exercise through tax policy

I hope that more lawmakers, in Washington and in the 50 state legislatures, decide to use their most effective means to encourage physical activity. I can think of no better use of taxpayer money than having it re-invested in America’s health.

-Tim Sullivan

Joining Forces for Fitness

The political power of an association is derived from representing a vast collection of constituents. IHRSA, for example, speaks on behalf of its 6000 U.S. members (and the many thousand employees of those members) when weighing in on federal legislative initiatives. I believe it is a position of strength, made stronger by the legendary passion of fitness professionals.

I imagine the United States Professional Tennis Association feels similarly about its position as a representative for its 15000 members.

As was announced in this press release, IHRSA has joined forces with the USPTA to harmonize our collective voices and urge Congress to embrace the health benefits of physical activity. Together, i think we make an extremely compelling case. In particular, the USPTA's "Tennis - for the Health of It" campaign fits seemlessly with IHRSA's "Vision for a Healthier America."

I am thrilled with this partnership and hope that it becomes a blueprint for other advocacy relationships. It's the type of focused, mutually respectful relationship that can work at all levels of government advocacy. I hope that clubs interested in affecting change at any level - from town hall to the white house - will consider strengthening their position by joining with other passionate fitness professionals.

- Tom Richards

Power of the Press

Media members can and do play a significant role in influencing public opinion. They have the unique position of reaching into the homes of millions of people daily, informing and updating mass audiences with news that can become the basis for decision-making and action taken. Perhaps the most important role media can play is as an educator and advocate for positive causes. Recently, the editor-in-chief of Men's Fitness Magazine wrote a "Dear Obama" letter that does just this.

As someone who interacts with media members on a daily basis, I can assure you that they are indeed willing to be advocates. If your club launches new programming, get in touch with your local media. Let them know if you are promoting HHS's Physical Activity Guidelines. Educate them on the WHIP and PHIT Acts - they will listen.

-Rosemary Lavery

American Fitness Index

I had the pleasure earlier in the week of attending a board meeting of the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA). As usual, the meeting was lively, congenial, and long on exciting ideas about how to promote physical activity in America. One of the highlights of the meeting for me was receiving a copy of the American Fitness Index (published by The American College of Sports Medicine) - a wonderful advocacy tool that ranks the health and community fitness status of the 50 largest metropolitan areas. Copies of the American Fitness Index can be downloaded here.

How does your community rank?

How can your club improve your community’s rank?

-Tom Richards

The West Wing

I've had several opportunities to attend meetings at the Hubert H. Humphrey building in Washington, DC, which is the home of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is a fine, stately building, heavy on bureaucratic chic, and a worthy anchor of our nation's health care system. However, for better or worse, it is also about a mile and a half from the White House. While distance may be, generally, inconsequential in the era of teleconferencing and blackberries, there is still no substitute, in my mind, for physical proximity to power.

I am therefore placing much significance on the fact that President Obama's designated "Health Czar" and nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Daschle, has secured an office in the West Wing of the White House, eliminating the 1.5 miles he otherwise would have needed to trek to come before the most powerful person in the world. To me, this is a clear signal that President Obama is serious about health care reform, sooner rather than later. The time for advocacy and action is now. Anyone interested in eliminating the tax on employee fitness benefits or reducing the cost of physical activity is encouraged to contact IHRSA immediately.

- Tom Richards

Kung Fu Boomers?

Baby Boomers are exactly that, a booming population. The U.S. Census Bureau considers a Baby Boomer to be someone born between 1946 and 1964, meaning today, Boomers are between the ages of 45 and 63.

According to Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), “Baby boomers, the largest, richest, and fastest-growing segment of the population, are beginning to accumulate in middle age. As a matter of fact, this group’s numbers will increase by 25% over the next eight years, unlike the 18-49-year-olds, who will experience virtually no growth over the same period. With a greater number of older consumers, the demand for products and services designed for, and marketed specifically to, them will certainly grow.”

A story on an ABC affiliate in Los Angeles yesterday, focused on a fitness and defense class for seniors called “Cane Fu”. What an interesting concept; helping an older population to be physically active, while simultaneously teaching them how to protect themselves. The defense classes, at a health club called Nifty over Fifty, have empowered older populations, including Boomers, and given them a new lease on life.

Nifty Over Fifty is among a growing niche market of health clubs geared toward aging populations, it offers unique programming, including a driving simulator to help users improve upon driving skills, customized exercise programs, physical therapy, brain aerobics, spa services, and nutrition programming.

Similar clubs include Peoplefit, in Woburn, MA serves a clientele averaging 60 years of age, Silver Sneakers, Avalon Woods Health Club for Mature Adults, in Toronto, Ontario, and AgeWell Personal Training Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Given the spending power of Boomers, (77 percent of all financial assets in the US are owned by people 50 or older, according to the ICAA), and their desire to remain healthy and stave of the effects of aging, I am certain we will see a boom (pardon the pun) in clubs catering to this demographic.

- Kara Thompson

Duke U. New Medical Team - What it's missing

Duke University recently decided to tackle the issue of why more people are seeking treatment in hospital ER's even when they have access to primary care providers. They asked patients two questions: What isn't working for you? and What could we do better? Then they listened. The changes made to the Duke Family Practice Medical Offices, focusing on decreasing waiting time and increasing service, sound great. Patients can interact with the office online, know if they are going to have to wait and how long, but most importantly they created a new type of medical team.

Each team has a physician, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and physicians assistants. It's an interesting concept and one that cold provide tremendous benefits, especially for the patients at most risk in our health care system.

When I was watching the segment on the NBC Nightly News, I was struck by the forward thinking of the changes but also I couldn't help but wonder, what if the teams also had nutritionists and personal trainers? If these teams could help people actually implement lifestyle changes it could make them healthier, and as a result, require less medical care.

The clip showed a patient who was overweight. The doctor was listening to her carotid artery and another member of the team was reminding her to skip the salt on food. The woman likely has cardiovascular issues. The team approach will probably help her but imagine the difference if there were a nutritionist that could show her proper portion sizes, what kinds of foods to purchase at the grocery store and how to cook delicious and healthy recipes. Now imagine that there were a personal trainer that could show this woman simple ways to to start building exercise into her life. Helping her learn how to strength train and start a cardio regimen. The results would be far beyond what a reminder to pass on the salt could ever bring about.

There are stories all the time about people whose doctors tell them they need to eat better and exercise. Somewhere between the doctor's office and the patients home that advice falls short. Many people simply don't know how to change their habits to lead a healthier life. It's not their fault, but they don't know where to gain that knowledge. If the medical community took steps to build a bridge between what patients are doing and what they should be doing, there could be an incredible change in the health of our nation. There is a role here for the fitness industry and it's up to the passionate people in this community to make it a reality.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

- Breanne McGahey

A Government That Works

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works." - President Obama, Inaugural Address

Of all the rhetoric packed into today's 20 minute inaugural address, I found the passage above the most revealing, and hope that our public health community agrees. If truly acted upon, such an approach will result in a search for new solutions, first and foremost, with less regard for custom. For an industry like ours, with so much to offer, but without a long history of direct engagement with public health officials, a new approach to our nation's health problems is a wonderful opportunity.

As noted in the latest issue of Men's Fitness, our leaders could take a big, new step toward solving our nation's health problems - obesity, in particular - by passing the IHRSA-supported WHIP and PHIT bills.

- Tom Richards

Mental Health

The physical health benefits of exercise are well-documented and, relatively, well known. Less understood, however, are the mental health benefits of exercise. Intuitively, I think most people would nod along with any suggestion that exercise improves overall mood, but the science seems less understood and considered. If the public discussion included more emphasis on the mental health benefits of exercise, wouldn't that strengthen the political case for including health clubs in public health initiatives? This article tells me we are heading in the right direction.

- Tom Richards

Paterson’s State of the State Hypocrisy

Some casual observers of New York politics may be surprised to hear that Governor David Paterson would tax health clubs, especially given his high profile comments in recent weeks about childhood obesity and the need to get New York healthier. I commend any effort by Paterson that recognizes that the growing waistlines and children and adults is a serious public health issue. He, like the other politicians referenced in Mr. Richard’s post below, are increasing awareness about wellness.

Here is an excerpt from his State of the State address [full text available http://ny.gov/governor/press/press_0107091.html].

“While we have made some progress, we still incentivize the wrong care in the wrong setting at the wrong price. Where we are overpaying for inpatient or institutional care, we must shift funding to primary, preventive and community-based care. Preventing illness is a good investment. It saves taxpayer money, improves patient care, and unburdens our economy.

This is why we should aggressively address the greatest threat to our children’s health today, the epidemic of obesity. One out of every four New Yorkers under 18 years of age is obese.

Childhood obesity causes serious health problems including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association reports that obese children have blood vessels that look like they belong to 45 year olds. These children have much greater risks of having heart attacks, suffering strokes, and losing limbs.

Obesity not only blights our children’s futures — it creates a significant economic burden on our health care spending. New York spends $6.1 billion each year to treat obesity-related health problems— the second-highest level of spending in the nation.”

He continues on to say: “By protecting our children from obesity, we protect their health and our health care system. That is why this matters.“

Bravo Governor. Well said. Now the praise stops here.

I cannot wrap my head around hearing this rhetoric then reading his proposed Executive Budget that calls for a tax on health club dues. It counters everything he said in his own speech about obesity-related health problems and our health care system. While there is clearly a massive budget deficit that must be resolved, it cannot be done on the backs of New Yorkers who are taking initiative to lead healthy lifestyles by exercising at a fitness facility. Sure, there are plenty of other services being targeted but health clubs should not be included among them.

It’s like taxing someone’s annual check-up at their physicians. You don’t discourage healthy habits, especially those that create significant long-term cost savings. Paterson himself acknowledges that taxing a behavior can discourage it. That is exactly why he included his so-called “obesity tax” on sugary, non-diet sodas in his budget. [Check out page 28 - http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0910/2009-10ExecutiveBudgetPresentation.pdf]

The hypocrisy is off the charts. As people that believe in healthy lifestyles, we need to speak out loudly and together against this attack on healthy lifestyles. Today IHRSA launched its first Grassroots Initiative campaign of 2009. We sent out a call to action for fitness professionals across the Empire State to voice their opposition. This needs to be stopped.

If you don’t live in New York, watch out. Similar legislation is coming down the pike in a number of other states…

- Breanne McGahey

This City Is Going On A Diet

If I was a political adviser to a governor, mayor, or town supervisor, I would urge my boss to launch a "wellness initiative." Aside from the obvious health benefits that such an initiative could provide to constituents, it also would associate my boss with several positive political attributes. Who would not want to be associated with wellness? "Wellness" is good, positive, buoyant, vigorous, vital - all wonderful traits for a politician to possess, or, at the very least, appear to possess.

In fact, several municipalities are taking the lead on wellness in their communities and enjoying great results. For example, in Oklahoma City, Mayor Mick Cornett is spearheading a brilliant anti-obesity campaign titled, "This City Is Going On A Diet," which, among other things, directs citizens to local fitness centers. In Carmel, Indiana, the Carmel Mayor's Wellness Challenge just kicked off its third year. And, as has been noted in several national media outlets, Somerville, MA is conducting a groundbreaking initiative titled Shape Up, Somerville.

I believe the success of these municipal programs, and the positive attention they've received, should give any club the confidence to approach its own elected officials to discuss the possibility of partnering to create a local wellness initiative. The officials should be thankful for the opportunity - it would be good for their constituents and it would be good for their political careers. Have any clubs tried this yet?

- Tom Richards

The Ones We Have Been Waiting For

President-elect Obama famously stated "We are the ones we have been waiting for" during his triumphant primary campaign. He used the line as a rallying cry for his supporters, urging them to get involved with his campaign, rather than wait for someone else to affect the change he and his supporters were seeking. I think most people, regardless of political stripe, would agree that this was an effective message.

This article on the importance of primary prevention, written by a personal trainer in Fort Collins, CO, gives me hope for a rousing chorus of voices coming from the fitness industry as our nation's policymakers debate the shape and form of our next health care system. I know firsthand, from my experiences at IHRSA's Legislative Summit, that fitness professionals can be astonishingly effective advocates, simply by explaining their passion for fitness. IHRSA's public policy team stands waiting to assist any fitness professionals that wish to get involved and, if i may bring the post full-circle, "be the ones we have been waiting for."

I want to also give credit to article's author, Mr. Mark Gomez, for distinguishing primary prevention - such as physical activity and nutrition counseling - from secondary prevention, which includes things like regular screenings. These two types of prevention are typically lumped together in media articles, especially to argue that "prevention" doesn't save money. Of course, primary prevention certainly saves money (e.g. increased physical activity to reduce the risk of diabetes), which is why the government should encourage it, while secondary prevention saves lives, which is also a more than reasonable government interest.

- Tom Richards

New interest from faith communities?

This article (Exercising Body & Soul: 2 Greenwood megachurches use fitness centers as a ministry tool; Indianapolis Star online) does a fair job of articulating the broad range of issues, from theology to tax policy, associated with the emerging issue of tax-exempt competition from religious institutions. The impact of this new frontier in tax-exempt competition is relatively unclear right now, and we will certainly remain attentive and watchful, but for now, I wonder if the bigger story isn't the enormous amount of interest attracted by these fitness centers. It seems like personal fitness is gaining importance among some faith communities.

Are there promising opportunities for IHRSA members to reach out to local religious institutions? Are any health clubs offering educational seminars to religious groups? Advertising in bulletins?

- Tom Richards