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

It is with great excitement, and a sigh of relief, that I announce that the USC PRC has been approved for another 5-year cycle of support from CDC beginning October 2009.  Our major theme will remain the same (see above), and we will continue to explore multiple strategies to promoting physical activity in underserved populations.  Our long-time community partner, Sumter County Active Lifestyles Coalition, will be by our side every step of the way.  Our renewal will also allow us to further our communication of breaking news from science, practice and advocacy in this newsletter and via our listserv.  We look forward to another 5 years of serving you!

Steve Hooker, PhD, Director
http://prevention.sph.sc.edu

NEWS YOU CAN USE: Personal Fitness and the Recession; Rentabikenow.com Offers Rental Bikes in 144 U.S. Cities; National Great Outdoors Month; National Trails Day

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON: No Child Left Inside; Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009; Stimulus Funding for Bicycling

RESEARCH NOTES: Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survival; Maternal Education and PA in Children; Physical Activity in Renovated Parks

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:Strategies to Keep People Exercising after Chronic Disease Exercise Programs; Bicycle-Friendly State Rankings; Walk Slow, Long, and Often to Help the Heart

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: EPA Recognizes Healthier Aging Projects; Action Strategies Toolkit Offers Concrete Resources

SCHOOLS: U.S. Experts Urge Healthcare Reform in Cities and Schools

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS: Research to Practice Symposium; ISBNPA Annual Meeting; 5th Annual AAPHERD Leadership Conference; PE4Life Summit; National Plan 2009;4th IANA Meeting on Advances in Nutrition and Age Related Disease

USC PEVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:New Grant for Center and Core Research Project

PERSONAL FITNESS AND THE RECESSION. A recent Wall Street Journal article outlines how the recession is causing people to cut back on everything, including their exercise regimens. A new low-budget fitness movement has developed. There are low-cost and easy fitness alternatives that range from dusting off old dumbbells to jumping rope or kickboxing in front of the television. There are other creative workout options, such as investing in the “Wii Fit” videogame, or taking yoga at a local college. For more information and ideas on less expensive fitness regimens, read the entire article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123984558896723563.html#printMode. [Source: Athavale, A. “Lean Times Bring Workouts Home,” The Wall Street Journal, 04/16/09]

RENTABIKENOW.COM OFFERS RENTAL BIKES IN 144 U.S. CITIES. According to an Apr. 15th news release, "RentaBikeNow.com has launched North America's only coast-to-coast bike rental service.” Cyclists across the globe can easily reserve quality bikes online from hundreds of participating bike shops before they travel throughout the US and Canada. All types and sizes of bikes are available. Travelers can select a destination, travel dates and type of bike; photos, specs, prices, and shop hours are listed. Read more at http://www.prweb.com/releases/RentaBikeNow/bike_rentals/prweb2324484.ht. [Source: CenterLines 225, April 15, 2009]

NATIONAL GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH, June 1-30, 2009. http://www.funoutdoors.com/taxonomy/view/or/115

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY, June 6, 2009. http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx

4th IANA (International Academy on Nutrition and Aging) MEETING ON: ADVANCES ON NUTRITION AND AGE RELATED DISEASE

For a list of PA related observances and events, visit the PA links section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/PAlinks/index.htm.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE. On April 22, 2009, Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI: H.R.2054 and S.866). The draft bills seek to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly called No Child Left Behind) and provide means to expand environmental education, create environmental stewards, and produce graduates who are equipped to address the challenges, adjustments and opportunities of the 21st century.  The bills offer incentives through grant funding to state and local educational agencies for the creation of environmental literacy plans. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/cl6338. [Source: CenterLines 225, 04/15/2009]

SMART PLANNING FOR SMART GROWTH ACT OF 2009: On March 30, 2009 Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) submitted her own bill on transportation and climate change: H.R.1780. It aims to reduce greenhouse gases through transportation efficiency. The language in this bill is exactly the same as Rep. Waxman's energy bill (H.R.2371). Both would require states to submit plans for achieving transportation-related greenhouse gas reduction goals. Approved strategies to be incorporated into plans include efforts to increase and coordinate public transportation and land use planning, and promote walking, bicycling, and the use of public transportation. Bill Text at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090331/acesa_discussiondraft.pd.
[Smart Growth America's Washington Update, 4/20/09]

STIMULUS FUNDING FOR BICYCLING: States must spend 3 percent of their allocation on the Transportation Enhancements program, which is a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. The remaining “highway” money also creates an opportunity to build complete streets. Highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible. A number of funding opportunities exist, but cycling advocates must get their cities and states to request funds for these purposes. Read more at http://preview.tinyurl.com/crfdjd. [Source: “Welcome to the Fast Lane,” the Official Blog of the US Secretary of Transportation, 4/22/09]

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RESEARCH NOTES:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL. A cohort of 1,231 women diagnosed with breast cancer was followed to determine the association between lifetime total physical activity performed prior to diagnosis and disease outcomes.  Participants were followed for a minimum of 8.3 years for any cancer progressions, recurrences and new primaries; and a minimum of 10.3 years for deaths.  A decreased risk of breast cancer death and all deaths was observed among women in the highest vs. the lowest quartiles of recreational activity.  Both moderate and vigorous intensity recreational activity decreased the risk of breast cancer death. Additionally, moderate intensity recreational activity decreased the risk of a recurrence, progression or new primary cancer. Friedenreich, Gregory, Kopciuk, et al. “Prospective cohort study of lifetime physical activity and breast cancer survival.” International Journal of Cancer, 124(8), 1954-1962, 2009.

MATERNAL EDUCATION AND PA IN CHILDREN. Maternal education was reported by parents of 184 5 – 6 year olds and 358 10 – 12 year olds to associations between socioeconomic position (SEP) and physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors among children and adolescents. PA was assessed by accelerometry, with PA and television (TV) viewing behaviors self-reported in older children, and proxy-reported by parents of younger children.  Girls of higher SEP demonstrated greater decreases in TV viewing behaviors than those of low SEP. In general, no prospective associations were evident between SEP and objectively measured PA. This study did not find strong evidence that maternal education was cross sectionally or longitudinally predictive of children’s PA or sedentary behaviors. Ball, Cleland, Timperio, et al. “Socioeconomic position and children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviors: longitudinal findings from the CLAN Study.” Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6(3), 289–298, 2009.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN RENOVATED PARKS. This study examined visitation and physical activity (PA) levels in two parks in low-income neighborhoods that underwent field renovations.  Data was collected in two intervention parks and a control park from May 30 to June 5, in 2006 and 2007. Both intervention park playfields saw significant increases in male and female visitors, with over a 4-fold increase in the average number of visitors per observation among most age groups. For both genders, there was a significant increase in sedentary, moderately active, and vigorously active visitors to the intervention park playfields.  Park playfield renovations, with and without family and youth involvement initiatives, appear to increase visitation and overall PA. Tester,Baker. “Making the playfields even: evaluating the impact of an environmental intervention on park use and physical activity.” Preventive Medicine, 48(4), 316-320, 2009.

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:

STRATEGIES TO KEEP PEOPLE EXERCISING AFTER CHRONIC CONDITION EXERCISE PROGRAMS (CCEP): Many health care providers and organizations are now offering such programs, since exercise helps people with chronic health conditions manage those conditions and improve their quality of life. A major issue, however, is that many participants stop exercising after they complete the program. The April 2009 WellSpring identifies promising strategies to keep people exercising after they finish a CCEP. For information on these strategies, visit http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/wellspring/2009/apr-chronic-condition-exercise.html. [Source: Alberta Center for Active Living. WellSpring, 20(2), April 2009]

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY. Speaking at the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition. Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM, immediate past-president of ACSM and chair of Exercise is Medicine™ stated that “Physical inactivity is the most emergent public health problem of our time.” He also stressed the powerful effect exercise has on disease treatment and prevention. “If we had a pill that provided all the benefits of exercise, we would recommend it to every patient," said Sallis. "Physicians must encourage patients to take a step toward a healthy lifestyle." Read more About Exercise is Medicine™ at http://preview.tinyurl.com/pva8nf. [Source: American Bicyclist Update, 04/13/2009]

BICYCLE FRIENDLY STATE RANKINGS. The League has released the second annual ranking of Bicycle Friendly States. To determine the rankings, the League scored all 50 states on a 75-item questionnaire that evaluates a state's commitment to bicycling and covers six key areas: legislation, policies and programs, infrastructure, education and encouragement, evaluation and planning, and enforcement. For 2009, the top five highest scoring states are Washington, 1; Wisconsin, 2; Maine, 3; Oregon, 4; and Minnesota, 5. The lowest scoring states (46-50) are New Mexico, 46; Alaska, 47; Oklahoma, 48; Montana, 49; and Alabama, 50. See the complete list at www.bicyclefriendlystate.org. [Source: American Bicyclist Update, 05/11/09]

WALK LONG, SLOW, AND OFTEN TO HELP THE HEART. A new study has shown that frequent long, slow walks -- 45 minutes to 60 minutes a day at a moderate pace, five to six days a week -- were found to burn more calories, improve cardiac function, and reduce weight and body fat in overweight cardiac rehab patients. The current standard rehab regimen consisting of walking, biking, or rowing for 25 minutes at a brisk pace 3 times per week doesn’t result in weight loss. Read about this study at http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=626952. [Source: Health Behavior News Digest, 05/12/2009]

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PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

EPA RECOGNIZES HEALTHIER AGING PROJECTS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized two universities for improving the quality of life of older residents through community planning and strategies that support active aging and smart growth. The University of Maine's Center on Aging will receive $100,000 to develop a statewide summit for older adults to learn about smart growth development activities within their own communities. Portland State University will use their $100,000 to demonstrate the benefits of Green Streets for Active Aging, building upon their groundbreaking work in the area of green streets and active living. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/c9u7z9

ACTION STRATEGIES TOOLKIT OFFERS CONCRETE RESOURCES. Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has created the Action Strategies Toolkit to provide guidance on some of the best approaches policy-makers can use to make their states, communities and schools healthier places to live.  The toolkit offers practical examples of policy approaches and resources that can help state and local policy-makers prevent childhood obesity and improve children’s health. It covers a wide range of issues, including increasing access to parks and recreation centers, improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, offering healthier foods in schools, and attracting grocery stores that provide healthy, affordable foods to lower-income communities. Download full toolkit and executive summary at http://tinyurl.com/ptqslf. [CenterLines 227, 05/13/2009]

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SCHOOLS:

U.S. EXPERTS URGE HEALTH REFORMS IN SCHOOLS, CITIES. A panel of experts commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has stated that the government should broaden its efforts to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system to include steps that provide better access to good food and recreation rather than an intense focus on how much it costs to treat the sick." While getting coverage to all Americans is a very important goal ... it turns out that programs that may have the biggest impact on our health are programs that we don't think about as being healthcare programs at all," said Dr. Mark McClellan, panel chairman. Read more at http://www.reuters.com/article/euRegulatoryNews/idUSN0150765320090402. [Source: Reuters, 4/2/2009]

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UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

RESEARCH TO PRACTICE SYMPOSIUM: Promoting Environmental and Policy Change to Support Healthy Aging. September 15-16, 2009, UNC William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF BEHAVIORAL NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (ISBNPA). June 17-20, 2009. Lisbon, Portugal, http://www.isbnpa.org/

54TH ANNUAL AAHPERD LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE. June 17-20, 2008, Washington, DC

PE4LIFESUMMIT. June 19, 2009, Bentonville, Arkansas. http://www.pe4life.org/sub/Events/index.cfm

NATIONAL PLAN 2009 CONFERENCE. July 1-2, 2009, Washington, DC. http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/conference2009.htm

4th IANA (International Academy on Nutrition and Aging) MEETING ON: ADVANCES ON NUTRITION AND AGE RELATED DISEASE. July 5, 2009, Paris, France. http://www.healthandage.org/html/min/iananda/congress.htm

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.

USC PRC UPDATES:

NEW GRANT FOR CENTER AND CORE RESEARCH PROJECT. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded more than $25 million to study how people and their communities can avoid or counter the risks for chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. The funds will support prevention research at 35 academic institutions in 25 states.  This includes 28 previously funded programs and seven newly funded programs.  The awards are for the first year of a five-year funding period. The USC PRC is one of the previously funded programs whose project has been approved.

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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 Marsha Stepp at mstepp@mailbox.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 33 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
921 Assembly 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.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.