A frequent topic of discussion in our meetings is how the industry can learn to better speak to and serve members of their communities that are overweight. No one will deny that this is a struggle for our industry or that is it one that must be overcome.
Right now about 17% of Americans are members at health clubs. Meanwhile, 67% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Clearly, our industry has a tremendous amount to offer the majority of Americans that struggle with their weight, but before we can help them, we must make them feel welcome enough to enter our clubs.
A sad story came across my desk this morning about a woman who was asked not to use the equipment at her new gym because of her weight. At 380 lbs. the management felt it was unsafe for her to use certain equipment that had weight limits. They offered her an alternative fitness plan, but she was not interested and instead took her story to the local television station.
This story is sad for a few reasons. First, it must have been a crushing emotional blow to this woman for whom weight must be a brutal daily struggle. Second, it's sad because the story will become an excuse for others to not step foot in a gym because it will reinforce their perception that gyms are only for skinny people. That means, these people won't reap the health benefits that are out there and waiting for them.
As an industry, we must do a better job of making overweight people feel welcome at clubs. That is not just about how there are treated when they are there, but how we market to them and attract them to our facilities in the first place. Personally, I feel the industry would be better served to cease using all images of ultra thin women in sports bras working out. Now, I've worked out in a lot of clubs in my day and I can honestly tell you, it's a pretty rare site to see. But for those that haven't been to a lot of clubs, it's no wonder they feel that they need to lose weight BEFORE they join a gym because all of the ads make it look like the land of beautiful people!
Let's start showing images that reflect the people that are really in the club. Young, old, and middle-aged. Athletes, average Joe's and Jane's, and yes, people struggling with their weight. The more we do this, the better we will be able to serve everyone and make our country a healthier place. We have the knowledge, we have the passion, we have the equipment for safe and effective weight loss. Now, let's put out the welcome sign for everyone.
Before I sign off, I just want to say that there are some amazing programs out there in our clubs that welcome people struggling with their weight and help them succeed in living a healthy lifestyle and those stories far out-number the stories like the one I came across today.
Showing posts with label IHRSA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IHRSA. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Governments Eye Healthy Lifestyles for Tax Revenue
As shocking as it may sound, the fitness industry faces attempts by state and sometimes local governments every year that try to tax health club membership dues and services.
We strongly believe that exercise is medicine, so for us that is like taxing a your insurance co-pay for an annual wellness exam with your physician. No one politician would ever suggest that idea. Yet, in state after state they target residents who have taken control of their health and exercise at health clubs.
Currently, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and members of the Washington DC Council are considering proposals that would extend the sales to certain services, including health clubs. We're rallying fitness professionals and health club members in Pennsylvania and DC to speak out against taxes on their healthy habits. To date the response has been impressive, with thousands of messages sent to legislators.
All of this brings up a bigger question though: why is your health club membership a favorite target of legislators?
There are many possible answers to this question. Most legislators will claim that a shift from a product-based economy to one the centers on the sale of services, necessitates that all services be taxed. Based on your personal beliefs on taxation, you could find merit in that argument. But why is it that the services of physicians, hospitals, and clinics are never included? They too offer services.
Clearly, there is am important need to educate legislators everywhere that exercise is medicine and just as they would never consider taxing diabetes testing supplies, they should also never consider taxing exercise in the safe and supportive communities of health clubs.
- Bre McGahey
We strongly believe that exercise is medicine, so for us that is like taxing a your insurance co-pay for an annual wellness exam with your physician. No one politician would ever suggest that idea. Yet, in state after state they target residents who have taken control of their health and exercise at health clubs.
Currently, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and members of the Washington DC Council are considering proposals that would extend the sales to certain services, including health clubs. We're rallying fitness professionals and health club members in Pennsylvania and DC to speak out against taxes on their healthy habits. To date the response has been impressive, with thousands of messages sent to legislators.
All of this brings up a bigger question though: why is your health club membership a favorite target of legislators?
There are many possible answers to this question. Most legislators will claim that a shift from a product-based economy to one the centers on the sale of services, necessitates that all services be taxed. Based on your personal beliefs on taxation, you could find merit in that argument. But why is it that the services of physicians, hospitals, and clinics are never included? They too offer services.
Clearly, there is am important need to educate legislators everywhere that exercise is medicine and just as they would never consider taxing diabetes testing supplies, they should also never consider taxing exercise in the safe and supportive communities of health clubs.
- Bre McGahey
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
White House Task Force Releases Childhood Obesity Plan
First lady Michelle Obama, flanked by three cabinet members, released the 124-page report from the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity yesterday. The report made 70 recommendations with the goal of reducing the current childhood obesity rate of about 20 percent back down to 5 percent by 2030.
"For the first time -- this is the key -- we're setting really clear goals and benchmarks and measurable outcomes that will help tackle this challenge one step, one family and one child at a time," Mrs. Obama said.
The plan focuses on five key areas determined by the task force, they include: prenatal care, empowering parents with nutritional information and community support, getting healthier foods into schools, increasing access to healthy foods in neglected urban and rural neighborhoods, and making sure that all kids are physically active.
IHRSA had submitted comments to the Task Force regarding the fitness industry’s potential role in increasing physical activity among the nation’s youth. The comments urged policymakers to seek partnerships with health clubs to expand opportunities for physical activity. IHRSA’s comments are reflected in at least two of the recommendations:
Recommendation 5.15: Local governments should be encouraged to enter into joint use agreements to increase children’s access to community sites for indoor and outdoor recreation.
Recommendation 5.16: The business sector should be encouraged to consider which resources and physical assets like fields and gyms can be used to increase students’ access to outdoor and indoor recreational venues. Corporations, for example, may have large grounds that they can make available for children in the community to play soccer or engage in other outdoor activities.
More details about the report, including recommendations related to physical activity can be found at LetsMove.gov.
Download the section on physical activity (PDF 927 KB).
View a summary of IHRSA’s recommendations to the Task Force.
- Bre McGahey
"For the first time -- this is the key -- we're setting really clear goals and benchmarks and measurable outcomes that will help tackle this challenge one step, one family and one child at a time," Mrs. Obama said.
The plan focuses on five key areas determined by the task force, they include: prenatal care, empowering parents with nutritional information and community support, getting healthier foods into schools, increasing access to healthy foods in neglected urban and rural neighborhoods, and making sure that all kids are physically active.
IHRSA had submitted comments to the Task Force regarding the fitness industry’s potential role in increasing physical activity among the nation’s youth. The comments urged policymakers to seek partnerships with health clubs to expand opportunities for physical activity. IHRSA’s comments are reflected in at least two of the recommendations:
Recommendation 5.15: Local governments should be encouraged to enter into joint use agreements to increase children’s access to community sites for indoor and outdoor recreation.
Recommendation 5.16: The business sector should be encouraged to consider which resources and physical assets like fields and gyms can be used to increase students’ access to outdoor and indoor recreational venues. Corporations, for example, may have large grounds that they can make available for children in the community to play soccer or engage in other outdoor activities.
More details about the report, including recommendations related to physical activity can be found at LetsMove.gov.
Download the section on physical activity (PDF 927 KB).
View a summary of IHRSA’s recommendations to the Task Force.
- Bre McGahey
Monday, February 15, 2010
IHRSA Heartily Applauds First Lady’s Let’s Move Initiative and Vows Support
IHRSA on Friday, pledged its support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and praised the First Lady for her leadership in tackling the problem of childhood obesity—a long-standing issue that threatens both the health of America’s children and the future of our country.
“On behalf of the entire health club industry, IHRSA heartily commends Mrs. Obama for standing up and leading America in a nationwide effort to solve the problem of childhood obesity,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO. “As a devoted mother of two school-aged children, Mrs. Obama understands that the problem of childhood obesity isn’t about statistics. It’s about real children and real families in need of workable solutions. It’s about real parents struggling to protect the health of their children in a culture and environment that often work against them. Mrs. Obama’s pragmatic, compassionate, and hands-on approach to solving the problem will serve as an inspiring example on which all of us can model our efforts.”
The health and fitness industry believes strongly that regular exercise is a pivotal antidote to the obesity problem. For almost 30 years, the industry has been working to increase physical activity in America, while IHRSA has been speaking out and working tirelessly on the need to incorporate exercise into the health care continuum as part of preventive care.
In a letter to Mrs. Obama, Moore stated: “The health club industry is an important and effective resource for introducing young people to a lifetime of exercise, fitness, and healthy behaviors. We want to make sure that this far-reaching network of community-based fitness centers and professionals is at your disposal in the nation’s fight against childhood obesity and that it is not overlooked…
By educating our youth about exercise and nutrition, by showing them how much fun physical activity can be, by instilling healthy lifestyle habits at an early age, and by maximizing the innovative programming, technologies, and available research within the fitness industry—health clubs can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children.”
Health clubs play a vital role in keeping Americans of all ages healthy. With more than 30,000 across the country, they can be found in all 50 states, serving cities and towns in both rural and urban areas. Health clubs of all sizes and business models—including thousands of small and medium sized enterprises—are integral to community life. Together, they provide a gateway to healthy living for millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
Historically, health clubs have been successfully engaging children in regular physical activity by drawing upon state-of-the art technologies and behavior research to implement innovative programs within local communities. Today, more than 22 percent of commercial health clubs offer children-specific programming. Almost 20 percent offer a kids-only section of the club. And together, health clubs serve more than 4.8 million members under the age of 18—including 1.13 million between 6 and 12 years old, and 3.11 million between 13 and 17.
What’s more, 33 percent of fitness professionals now teach kids’ classes, and 55 percent offer one-on-one personal training to youth aged 18 or younger. And the number of children using health clubs has increased by 108 percent since 1990. The number of first time health club members under the age of 18 has doubled in ten years.
Each year at IHRSA’s annual convention, health club owners and leaders in the health and fitness industry have the opportunity to see the latest in innovative technologies and exercise equipment designed specifically for youth—and to share ideas on how to best support the efforts of families and children who want to exercise regularly and live healthier lives. This year’s convention will take place in San Diego from March 10 through 13.
“Mrs. Obama has a tremendous and tremendously important task before her,” said Moore. “And she will need cooperation and help from all industries and from both the private and public sectors.”
According to research commissioned by IHRSA, 99 percent of Americans believe that exercise helps preserve good health, but most feel they have to battle current culture to exercise regularly and that the government should do more to promote physical activity. Americans agree at a high rate (79%) that “The current culture in America, including the pressures of work, family and financial demands, makes it hard for people to exercise regularly and maintain healthy lifestyles.” More than three-fifths of Americans (61%) believe the government should do more to promote physical activity.
At the time these survey findings were released in 2007, Moore commented: “[Americans] are losing the struggle to balance the demands of work and family with personal health and need greater support. Americans need access to the tools necessary to live healthier lifestyles.”
“We are extremely grateful that Mrs. Obama has taken on the issue of childhood obesity,” Moore said today. “We want to see her succeed in this initiative and in leading the way to create a national environment that supports health. We encourage all Americans to stand behind Mrs. Obama in her efforts to stop the tide of childhood obesity and to do what they can to help ensure healthy futures for our children and for our country.”
“On behalf of the entire health club industry, IHRSA heartily commends Mrs. Obama for standing up and leading America in a nationwide effort to solve the problem of childhood obesity,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO. “As a devoted mother of two school-aged children, Mrs. Obama understands that the problem of childhood obesity isn’t about statistics. It’s about real children and real families in need of workable solutions. It’s about real parents struggling to protect the health of their children in a culture and environment that often work against them. Mrs. Obama’s pragmatic, compassionate, and hands-on approach to solving the problem will serve as an inspiring example on which all of us can model our efforts.”
The health and fitness industry believes strongly that regular exercise is a pivotal antidote to the obesity problem. For almost 30 years, the industry has been working to increase physical activity in America, while IHRSA has been speaking out and working tirelessly on the need to incorporate exercise into the health care continuum as part of preventive care.
In a letter to Mrs. Obama, Moore stated: “The health club industry is an important and effective resource for introducing young people to a lifetime of exercise, fitness, and healthy behaviors. We want to make sure that this far-reaching network of community-based fitness centers and professionals is at your disposal in the nation’s fight against childhood obesity and that it is not overlooked…
By educating our youth about exercise and nutrition, by showing them how much fun physical activity can be, by instilling healthy lifestyle habits at an early age, and by maximizing the innovative programming, technologies, and available research within the fitness industry—health clubs can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children.”
Health clubs play a vital role in keeping Americans of all ages healthy. With more than 30,000 across the country, they can be found in all 50 states, serving cities and towns in both rural and urban areas. Health clubs of all sizes and business models—including thousands of small and medium sized enterprises—are integral to community life. Together, they provide a gateway to healthy living for millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
Historically, health clubs have been successfully engaging children in regular physical activity by drawing upon state-of-the art technologies and behavior research to implement innovative programs within local communities. Today, more than 22 percent of commercial health clubs offer children-specific programming. Almost 20 percent offer a kids-only section of the club. And together, health clubs serve more than 4.8 million members under the age of 18—including 1.13 million between 6 and 12 years old, and 3.11 million between 13 and 17.
What’s more, 33 percent of fitness professionals now teach kids’ classes, and 55 percent offer one-on-one personal training to youth aged 18 or younger. And the number of children using health clubs has increased by 108 percent since 1990. The number of first time health club members under the age of 18 has doubled in ten years.
Each year at IHRSA’s annual convention, health club owners and leaders in the health and fitness industry have the opportunity to see the latest in innovative technologies and exercise equipment designed specifically for youth—and to share ideas on how to best support the efforts of families and children who want to exercise regularly and live healthier lives. This year’s convention will take place in San Diego from March 10 through 13.
“Mrs. Obama has a tremendous and tremendously important task before her,” said Moore. “And she will need cooperation and help from all industries and from both the private and public sectors.”
According to research commissioned by IHRSA, 99 percent of Americans believe that exercise helps preserve good health, but most feel they have to battle current culture to exercise regularly and that the government should do more to promote physical activity. Americans agree at a high rate (79%) that “The current culture in America, including the pressures of work, family and financial demands, makes it hard for people to exercise regularly and maintain healthy lifestyles.” More than three-fifths of Americans (61%) believe the government should do more to promote physical activity.
At the time these survey findings were released in 2007, Moore commented: “[Americans] are losing the struggle to balance the demands of work and family with personal health and need greater support. Americans need access to the tools necessary to live healthier lifestyles.”
“We are extremely grateful that Mrs. Obama has taken on the issue of childhood obesity,” Moore said today. “We want to see her succeed in this initiative and in leading the way to create a national environment that supports health. We encourage all Americans to stand behind Mrs. Obama in her efforts to stop the tide of childhood obesity and to do what they can to help ensure healthy futures for our children and for our country.”
Monday, August 17, 2009
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.
Friday, July 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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.
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.)
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.)
Monday, June 1, 2009
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.
Friday, May 22, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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
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
Monday, February 9, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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
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
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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
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
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