UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER NOTES
“Promoting Health through Physical Activity”

The goal of the recent National Chronic Disease Conference was to accelerate the rate of progress in improving the lives of those at highest risk for poor health, including racial/ethnic minorities and low-income and less educated populations. As I attended the sessions, it became clear that eliminating health disparities is a complex issue with many underlying factors. However, it also became clear to me that environment-behavior interactions are critical, and those of us in physical activity research and practice can play a vital role in better understanding this relationship. Each new piece of information that you gather will help improve the health of individuals, families and communities. I applaud your efforts in this most worthwhile pursuit!

Steve Hooker, PhD, Director
Delores Pluto, PhD, Newsletter Editor (dmpluto@sc.edu)
http://prevention.sph.sc.edu

NEWS YOU CAN USE: National Trails Day 2005; VERB Crossover; TransAmerican Virtual Bike Trip

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON: Transportation Funding Bill Moves into Conference Committee; HeLP America Act 2005

RESEARCH NOTES: Increasing PA with Doctor's Referrals; Change in PA and Building Multi-Use Trails

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES: Model School Policies, Liveable Streets for Schoolchildren; Good Work! Resource Kit; Comments on US Dietary Guidelines

PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Increasing PA with Video Games; Daily PA Required in NC Schools

ANIT-OBESITY INITIATIVES: African American Anti-Obesity Initiative; Campaign Against Childhood Obesity

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: Child and Youth Friendly; New ALR Research Summaries; ALR 2005 Conference Presentations

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS: Active Living Research Conference; Walk 21 Registration

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATE: Recent Publications

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY 2005: June 4 is American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® , - the only nationwide trails celebration, bringing together thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to participate in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects This year's theme, "Take the Path to a Healthier You," relates trail activities to improved health. Register your event on-line at http://www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/register.html. For fact sheets and more information on hiking and health, visit http://www.americanhiking.org/news/fact.html.
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VERB CROSSOVER: Kids can create a new game that's a cross between basketball and any other sport by using VERB Crossover on the VERB website. The Crossover webpage includes a game wheel to choose your game and directions and rules of the game. Check it out at: http://www.verbnow.com/index.php?iframesrc=/crossover/. Crossover materials for schools is also available at http://www.cdc.gov/youthcampaign/materials/
tweens/crossover/index.htm.
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TRANSAMERICAN VIRTUAL BIKE TRIP: Take a virtual trip on the TransAmerican Bike Trail and track your daily physical activity on this fun website. Just enter your distance every time that you walk, run, hike, bicycle, or use a treadmill. Each time you enter your mileage, the program adds it to your total and shows you exactly what you would see if you had been traveling from Yorktown, Virginia to Florence, Oregon. Visit http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/transamerica.cfm.

For a list of PA related observances and events, visit the PA links section of http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/palinks/index.htm.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING BILL MOVES INTO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: On May 17th, the Senate passed SAFETEA - a bill to reauthorize Federal transportation programs. The Senate action paves the way for the final stage of reauthorization: a conference committee to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills. In both bills, core funding for bicycle projects remains intact and at slightly higher funding levels than in previous years and both bills include creation of a new Safe Routes to School program (but the level of funding is an issue). The Senate bill would ensure 13% of safety construction funds nationwide are spent improving the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. [Bike League News] www.bikeleague.org
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HeLP AMERICA ACT OF 2005: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention (HeLP) America Act of 2005 (S.1074) to transform our health care system and reduce health care costs by giving Americans access to better preventive care and consumer information to encourage healthier lifestyles. Some goals of the HeLP America Act include: improving the overall wellness of our children by increasing physical activity; providing tax credits to businesses that offer comprehensive programs to promote employee health; and encouraging new road construction that accommodates bicycles and pedestrians. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov and search for S1074 to view the bill text and status.
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RESEARCH NOTES

INCREASING PA WITH DOCTOR'S REFERRAL: Three hundred thirty-six patients age 50 and older were enrolled in a randomized trail to determine if a clinic-based physical activity intervention can lead to more community-based exercise referrals by providers and an increase in exercise motivation in patients. Fifteen primary care providers (PCP) were trained to offer referrals to community exercise programs to patients who reported contemplating regular exercise. Sixteen PCPs provided a control condition. The intervention PCPs were significantly more likely to advise patients who reported being contemplative about regular exercise to exercise than the control PCPs. Patients of the intervention PCPs reported higher levels on motivation to exercise (45% vs. 35%) and attempted to exercise more often the patients of the control PCPs. At the 4-month follow-up, 35% of intervention patients continued to exercise compared to 28% of control patients. Ackermann, Deyo, LoGerfo. Promoting Primary Providers to Increase Community Exercise Referrals for Older Adults: A Randomized Trial. J Am Geriatr Soc, 53:283-89, 2005.
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CHANGE IN PA AND BUILDING OF MULTI-USE TRAILS: Three hundred sixty-six adults over age 18 and living within 2 miles of multi-use trail under construction in North Carolina were interviewed before and after construction to examine if physical activity increases in association with the construction of the trail. At follow-up, 11% had never heard of the trail and 65% had not used the trial. In addition, 17% had used the trail but did not feel it increase their physical activity while only 5% did feel it increased their physical activity. Construction of the trail did not increase physical activity among adults living near the trail. Evenson, Herring, Huston. Evaluating Change in Physical Activity with the Building of a Multi-Use Trail. Am J Prev Med, 28(2 Suppl 2);177-185, 2005.

For additional summaries of recent research on promoting physically active lifestyles, visit the Research Updates section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/updates/index.htm.
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REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES

MODEL SCHOOL POLICIES: To assist local school districts meet the new federal requirements established by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA) convened a work group of more than 50 health, physical activity, nutrition, and education professionals from a variety of national and state organizations to develop a set of model policies. The policies, which focus on both nutrition and PA education and promotion, incorporate nutrition science, public health research, and existing practices from exemplary states and local school districts around the country. Visit http://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/index.html to view the policies as well as assessment and planning tools and other resources. [Centerlines 120]
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LIVABLE STREETS FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN: The National Center for Bicycling and Walking has published "Livable Streets for Schoolchildren," by Bruce S. Appleyard, MCP, AICP. The article describes how children view their neighborhood and surroundings. The author provides powerful graphic illustrations of how streets and communities are impacted by automobile traffic and inadequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The article shows how completing our streets for walkers and cyclists can help improve livability and our children's quality of life. Visit http://preview.tinyurl.com/36oxzo
to download the article. [Centerlines #119]
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GOOD WORK! RESOURCE KIT: The Maine Cardiovascular Health Program and the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine has just completed a pilot project to help different types of employers find ways to address employee health and wellness. The Good Work! Resource Kit was developed and includes key elements of a successful employee wellness program, strategies used by employers, and resources to sustain a wellness program. Physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use are topics covered in the kit. Check out the Good Work! Resource Kit and get more information about this project at http://preview.tinyurl.com/yr6zla.
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COMMENTS ON US DIETARY GUIDELINES: An editorial, "Comments on U.S. Dietary Guidelines" by Steve Blair and James Morrow, is in the current issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. The editorial focuses on the 3 physical activity recommendations mentioned in the Guidelines. For the complete text, go to http://www.humankinetics.com/eJournalMedia/pdfs/4773.pdf Blair, Morrow. Comment of US Dietary Guidelines. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2: 137-142, 2005.
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PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

CHILD AND YOUTH FRIENDLY: The Centre for Sustainable Transportation has just completed a series of publications dealing with the needs of Children and Youth when planning transportation and land use. These reports include: "Child-and-Youth Friendly Land-Use and Transportation Guidelines," a 68 page document that explains why land-use and transportation planning should be made more child and youth friendly, with 27 guidelines for implementation. In addition, there are several shorter booklets targeting different audiences: health and recreation professionals; educators; municipal officials (elected and staff); parents; and youth. Go to http://preview.tinyurl.com/374mu9 to access these publications. [Centerlines #121]
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NEW ALR RESEARCH SUMMARIES: Active Living Research has released three new Research Summaries for policy makers, planners, developers, public health officials and others working for more active communities and reduced childhood obesity. Each 4- to 6-page brief summarizes the latest research findings on the links between health and the way we build communities, presenting results from the latest peer-reviewed studies as short bullet points. A new summary, Designing to Reduce Child Obesity, shows the importance of giving children better access to healthy choices for both physical activity and nutrition. Updated versions of Designing for Active Transportation and Designing for Active Recreation present newly published research as well as new charts and graphics. To download the summaries, go to the Active Living Research website, http://www.activelivingresearch.org/index.php/
What_We_are_Learning/117.
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ALR CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AVAILBLE ONLINE: The Active Living Research Conference PowerPoint presentations are now available for viewing on the conference website. To view, click on Conference and choose 2005 Conference Agenda. Click on the dates under "More Details" to access the PowerPoint slides for presentations given that day. Go to http://www.activelivingresearch.org/index.php/
Program_at_a_Glance_2005/278
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PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

INCREASING PA WITH VIDEO GAMES: To help combat the crisis of childhood obesity, 85 children, ages 7 to 12, in West Virginia are being recruited to participate in West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency the Games for Health project. The project uses an interactive video game called Dance Dance Revolution to increase physical activity. Visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/
2005-04-02-obesity-video-game_x.htm to read the story in USAToday.
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DAILY PA NOW REQUIRED IN NC K-8 SCHOOLS: The North Carolina State Board of Education voted to revise the Healthy Active Children's Policy (HSP-S-000) in April. It will mandate at least 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity in all NC schools K-8 by fall of 2006. In addition, structured/unstructured recess and other physical activity shall not be taken away from students and severe/inappropriate exercise may not be used as a form of punishment.
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ANTI-OBESITY INITIATIVES

AFRICAN AMERICAN ANTI-OBESITY INITIATIVE: In April, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the award of $1.2 million to improve efforts to reduce obesity among African Americans through a new partnership with national African American organizations. The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), will work with the National Urban League, and the National Council of Negro Women. Initiatives planned by these organizations include prevention, education, public awareness, and outreach activities intended to bring about a greater understanding of the impact of obesity on other conditions. In addition to other projects targeting African Americans, the National Urban League will pilot-test an Urban Health and Fitness Campaign focused on physical activity, nutrition and prevention of diseases such as diabetes. Working through selected local affiliates, the project aims to develop comprehensive community action plans, influence school-based curricula and health/fitness activities, and provide technical assistance to meet community needs.
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CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY: The American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation have joined together to raise public awareness about childhood obesity and take steps to improve our children's health. The joint goal of the Clinton Foundation-American Heart Association alliance is to stop the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States by 2010 by fostering an environment that helps all kids pursue a healthy lifestyle. An online, interactive Web site for children ages 9-13 that will teach heart-healthy habits by encouraging good nutrition and increased physical activity will be launched later this year. Visit the initiatives home page at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3030527.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

ACTIVE LIVING RESEARCH CONFERENCE. The 3rd Annual ALR Conference will be February 16-18, 2006, in Coronado, California. Abstracts are due July 21, 2005. For details, go to www.activelivingresearch.org/index.php/
Annual_Conference_2006/271.
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WALK 21 REGISTRATION OPEN: Registration for the Walk 21 Conference 2005 in Zurich, Switzerland is now open. The conference will be held September 22- 23. Visit http://www.walk21.ch/conference/registration.htm to register.
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For a more complete list of conferences and workshops, visit the PA links section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/PAlinks/index.htm.
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USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATE

RECENT PUBLICATIONS OF THE USC PRC: Wilcox S, Der Ananian C, Sharpe PA, Robbins J, Brady T. Correlates of Physical Activity in Persons with Arthritis: Review and Recommendations. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2(2):230-252, 2005.
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This and past issues of the “University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center Notes” are available on our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/Newsletter/index.htm.

To submit an item, please e-mail Delores Pluto at dmpluto@sc.edu.

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For continuing discussions about physical activity, join the Physical Activity and Public Health On-Line Network listserv. Instructions are located on our website, at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/newsletter/commands.htm.

The USC Prevention Research Center is a member of the CDC Prevention Research Center's National Network, consisting of 28 Centers in the U.S. For more information about the PRC National Network, visit http://www.cdc.gov/prc.

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

This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number 5-U48-DP-000051 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC