UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER NOTES
"Promoting Health Through Physical Activity"

Greetings from the faculty and staff in the U.S.C. Prevention Research Center. As fall approaches, we are looking forward to the retreat of the summer heat and the safe passage of hurricanes past our coast. Our Center is growing with the addition of Bill Bartoli as our data manager and Dr. Michael LaMonte, post-doctoral fellow. We welcome them! Awareness of the need for supportive community infrastructures for walking and bicycling is gaining momentum. A city near Columbia, SC is finally installing pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals in neighborhoods bordering busy intersections. Our grass roots efforts are working! Wouldn’t it be great if all communities provided sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes on the streets and intersections?

Best wishes and stay in touch,
Barb Ainsworth, Director
Dennis Shepard, Deputy Director

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This and past issues of the "University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center Notes" are available at our website. If you have an item you’d like to submit, please send it to Regina Fields, Newsletter Editor, at RMFields@sc.edu.
For continuing discussions about physical activity and public health, join the "Physical Activity and Public Health On-Line Network." Check out our website for instructions on joining. http://prevention.sph.sc.edu
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NEWS YOU CAN USE: National Cholesterol Education Month (September), National Cancer Institute Research Grants, American Cancer Society Research Grants

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON: Health on the Chopping Block

RESEARCH NOTES: PA in Youth, Diet + PA Reduces Cholesterol Levels,

PA in Disadvantaged Older Adults

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES: Bike and Trail Project Guide, PA and Good Nutrition – CDC At-a-Glance

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS: CVD Prevention, Behavioral Approaches to PA Adherence, Governor’s Council Regional Meetings, American Public Health Association

WEBSITES OF INTEREST: International Bicycle Fund, National Association of Governor’s Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports

SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS: Healthy Schools/Healthy South Carolina Network Annual Meeting, SCAHPERD Convention

NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION MONTH: September is National Cholesterol Education Month. To help in planning activities, the National Cholesterol Education Program has produced a free packet of materials which includes sample educational materials, tip sheets, and recipes. To order the kit, contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Information Center, 301-592-8573 or nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov. The kit is also available for downloading at http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/cholmonth/.

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE RESEARCH GRANTS: The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is inviting research grant applications on the biobehavioral basis of behaviors which increase the risk of cancer, cancer-related morbidity, or progression of cancer. Physical activity is listed in the request for application (RFA) as a behavior of interest. Letters of intent are due on October 21, 1999, with applications due November 18, 1999. The RFA is available at http://www.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-99-014.html.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH GRANTS: The American Cancer Society funds a variety of research grants including some relating to cancer prevention, which could include physical activity since p.a. is a known risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Deadlines for the grants vary, with the next deadline approaching on October 1. A list of the grant categories, along with information on applying, is available at http://www.cancer.org/research. For questions about the research grants, contact Dr. Chris Widnell at 404-329-6462, or Dr. Donella Wilson at 404-329-7717.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON

HEALTH ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK: October 1 is the deadline for Congress to pass the funding bill that includes the Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Labor, and Education. Because of the cap on discretionary funding in the federal budget, DHHS stands to take between a 9.4% - 17.8% cut. This would likely lead to a cut in the Preventive Health Block Grant, which funds physical activity initiatives in many state health departments. To find out how much a particular state might be cut, visit http://www.natprior.org/grassrootsfactbook/ choppingblock/choppingblock.htm. The DHHS budget cuts could also reduce the amount of research funding available from CDC and NIH. Advocates should consider contacting congresspeople to emphasize the good that these initiatives are doing, and the need for continued funding. acting congresspeople to emphasize the need for funding at current or increased levels.

PA IN YOUTH: Family support, use of afternoon time, and enjoyment of physical education were strongly associated with physical activity, in U.S. youth in grades 4 through 12. 1504 pairs of parents and children were interviewed about physical activity and demographics, child variables such as time barriers and BMI, social variables such as the parent’s physical activity level and perception of importance of the child’s p.a. level, and environmental barriers such as availability of supervised programs and access to play space. Researchers suggest that since the three variables are modifiable, interventions should be targeted to change them in order to increase physical activity in youth. See Sallis et al., "Correlates of Physical Activity in a National Sample of Girls and Boys in Grades 4 Though 12," Health Psychology, July 1999, 18(4):410-415.

DIET + PA REDUCES CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: Researchers at the Stanford University found that a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet along with aerobic exercise was effective in reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. 197 men 30 to 64 years old and 180 women 45 to 64 years old were randomized to a control group, a diet only group, an exercise only group, and a diet plus exercise group. Neither the diet only group nor the exercise only group reduced LDL levels. No changes were seen in the levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Researchers were surprised that this was the case in the exercise-only group, but speculated that the reason was that this group increased the total calories in their diet over the one-year period, possibly negating any positive effect. See Stefanick et al., "Effects of Diet and Exercise in Men and Postmenopausal Women with Low Levels of HDL Cholesterol and High Levels of LDL Cholesterol." New England Journal of Medicine, July 2, 1998, 339(1):12-20.

PA IN DISADVANTAGED OLDER ADULTS: Patients of a primary care center in Indianapolis, Indiana were surveyed about their physical activity levels, knowledge of physical activity, and perceptions of self-efficacy and barriers. Survey respondents were lower income, aged 55 or older, and most had some indication of chronic disease. Researchers discovered that this population averaged only 65 minutes of exertional physical activity per week and had little knowledge of physical activity. Over two thirds reported that some health symptom prevented them from being physically active, or reported an environmental barrier to physical activity such as poor sidewalks. Lower self-efficacy and greater health symptom and motivational barriers were associated with less physical activity. See Clark, "Physical Activity and Its Correlates Among Urban Primary Care Patients Aged 55 Years and Older." Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, Jan. 1999, 54B(1):S41-S48.

BIKE AND TRAIL PROJECT GUIDE: The Bikes Belong Coalition has issued a draft handbook concerning TEA-21 funding for trails and bicycle projects. The easy to understand handbook takes readers through the political process of getting projects funded and built. To view the posted text (illustrations and links to related sites will follow), visit http://www.bikesbelong.org.

PA AND GOOD NUTRITION – CDC AT-A-GLANCE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released "Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements for Good Health," a new issue in their "At-a-glance" series. Outlining the importance of physical activity and nutrition for health, the publication also describes CDC’s efforts to promote those healthy behaviors. The document is available in full text on the web, at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag/aag_dnpa.htm, or can be obtained by calling 770-488-5820.

CVD PREVENTION: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is sponsoring "National Conference on CVD Prevention: Meeting the Healthy People 2010 Objectives for Cardiovascular Health," September 27-29, 1999 in Bethesda, Maryland. The goal of the conference is to develop a "strategic agenda proposed for research to understand and improve CVD indicators, and for policies and programs to more effectively prioritize and implement intervention strategies over the next decade." The agenda includes a presentation by Dr. Mike Pratt on the trend in levels of physical activity in the U.S., and a discussion on the trends in implementation of population-wide interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. The conference can also be viewed on your personal computer via webcast, if your computer has the capability. Details are available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/new/cvdtrend.htm. For questions about conference logistics, contact Sherry Bowman-Douglas, Prospect Associates, phone: (301) 592-8600, or e-mail: sdouglas@prospectassoc.com.

BEHAVIORAL APPROACHES TO PA ADHERENCE: The Cooper Institute has developed a new training workshop, "Behavioral Approaches to Physical Activity Adherence," based on the methods evaluated in Project Active, the study conducted by Drs. Andrea Dunn and Steven Blair. The workshop is designed to train participants to counsel individuals in small group settings or one-on-one to increase each person’s ability to make physical activity a regular part of daily life. Held at the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas, dates for the workshop are October 4-6, 1999, February 28-March 1, 2000, July 24-26, 2000, and October 2-4, 2000. For registration information, contact Kelly Wilks, 800-635-7050 ext. 3286, or kwilks@cooperinst.org.

GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL REGIONAL MEETINGS: The National Association of Governor’s Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports (NAGCPFS) now has it’s regional meeting schedule available. The Eastern regional meeting begins the series on September 23^rd in Boston, followed by the Central regional meeting on September 24^th in Lansing, Michigan. The Southern regional meeting begins on October 22^nd in Orlando, Florida, and the Western regional meeting begins October 24^th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For contact information, please call (317) 237-5630, or e-mail at: info@physicalfitness.org.

Physical activity-related sessions include: Physical Activity: Assessment and Associations; Surveillance of Physical Activity: Emerging National and International Activities (American College of Sports Medicine); Nutrition and Physical Activity; Teens, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Innovative Approaches to Promoting Behavior and Environment Change; Determinants and Benefits of Participation in Physical Activity; Research in Schools: Sex, Violence, Physical Activity and Use of ATOD; Increasing Physical Activity among Persons with Disabilities; School-Based Physical Activity Program for Obesity Prevention in American Indian Children: The Pathways Study. Registration information is available by calling 202-777-2742, or by visiting http://www.apha.org/meetings/future_past.htm.

INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE FUND: The International Bicycle Fund‘s objective is to "create a sustainable, people-friendly environment by creating opportunities of the highest practicable quality for bicycle transportation." The Fund’s website includes a wide variety of bicycle-related resources, including sections on programs encouraging bicycle riding, like Bike to Work Day, a section on affecting the political process, and sections on how bicycling affects economic development. Check it out at www.ibike.org.

National Association of Governor’s Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports (NAGCPFS): The NAGCPFS recently launched their new website, "www.physicalfitness.org." The site includes a pressroom, online catalog and ordering, pages for every state council, and information on National Employee Health and Fitness 2000 (NEHF). Beginning this fall, the website will include an interactive, online version of the popular "Let’s Get Physical" (LGP) 8-week incentive campaign to promote physical activity. Future additions will include downloadable newsletters, resource directories, and NEHF and LGP information. Contact NAGCPFS to establish reciprocal links with other physical activity or health sites by e-mailing: info@physicalfitness.org.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS/HEALTHY SC NETWORK MEETING: The Annual Meeting of the Network will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 1999 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Columbia. The theme of this year’s meeting is "Building Healthier Schools and Student Bodies: Tools of the Trade." On the agenda is a panel discussion on "Secrets of Success of Healthy School Award Winners," as well as a legislative issues update. Breakout sessions include "Finding Funding Sources for School Health Programs," "Strategies for Increasing Family and Community Support," and Learning Standards and Assessment Updates for both the Health and Safety and the Physical Education curriculum frameworks. For a copy of the conference flyer, call Kelli Kenison at 803-750-1693, or e-mail her at kkenison@cancer.org.

SCAHPERD CONVENTION: Over 1000 professionals and students will converge on North Myrtle Beach, SC on November 19, 20 and 21, 1999 to attend the 72^nd annual convention of the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The keynote speaker will be Mark Fenton, Editor-at-Large of Walking Magazine, presenting "The Campaign for a National Health Czar – I’m the Man!" Dozens of programs will be held covering topics as varied as sports injury concerns, youth violence prevention, and technology for the dance class. Pre-convention workshops will include sessions on the SC Physical Education Program Assessment. For a conference brochure, call 803-772-4513, or e-mail SCAHPERD@mindspring.com.

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Prevention Research Center
Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
730 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
803-777-4253

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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