January - February 2010 | USC-PRC Notes

“Promoting Health through Physical Activity”

Welcome to 2010! It seems like yesterday that we were breathing a sigh of relief that Y2K hadn’t resulted in a massive meltdown of computers throughout the world. I wonder what we’ll be saying about 2010 in 2020? I guess that’s up to us to decide. Will 2010 be a year of discovery and progress in battling sedentary lifestyles, or will it be a year of stagnation in our understanding of how to make a meaningful difference? I am confident that we will make headway against the obstacles we face, but it will take concerted and collaborative efforts by many. I look forward to our continuing endeavors to combat physical inactivity, and working with all of you to make sure that in 2020 we will say that the year 2010 was one of great strides (or is it steps?).

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

IN THIS ISSUE – JANUAURY-FEBRUARY 2010

NEWS YOU CAN USE: NHTSA Wants Your Opinion; USDOT Updates Transportation Planning Site; 2010 Transportation Planning Excellence Awards; APHA Physical Activity Special Interest Group

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON: New Livability Initiative; MUTCD Final Rule; Federal Policy Updates

RESEARCH NOTES: Development of The Community Healthy Living Index; Combining GPS, GIS, and Accelerometry; Creating Built and Social Environments that Support Walking in a Public Housing Community

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES: The Health and Well-Being of Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation; Complete Streets Resources; The Hidden Benefits of Exercise; New Online Community for Active Aging Issues

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: Operation TLC2 (Totally Liveable Communities through Tender Loving Care) Making Communities Safe!; Sidewalks Paved with Gold; Best Practices in Play Report: Save Play in Your City! ; Safety in Numbers in Portland

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS: 3rd Annual International Congress on Physical Activity and Health; 2010 Active Living Research Conference; National Bike Summit 2010; American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health and Fitness Summit And Exposition; American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition

USC PEVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES: USC Prevention Research Canter Notes and the Physical Activity Listserv Subscriber Rolls Have Grown

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WANTS YOUR OPINION. The NHTSA wants your opinion on how it can make highway travel safer for all road users: drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists! NHTSA is currently in preparing a strategic plan to guide its safety efforts for the next five years and beyond. The agency is seeking suggestions, ideas, and comments from you on how to reduce the number of people killed or injured each year on our nation's roadways. Please be sure to visit www.regulations.gov and answer the questions posed under docket number NHTSA-2009-0171. [American Bicyclist Update, November 23, 2009]

USDOT UPDATES TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SITE. The Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Program is a joint venture of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It delivers products and services that provide information, training, and technical assistance to the transportation professionals responsible for planning for the capital, operating, and maintenance needs of our nation's surface transportation system. The TPCB website is a one-stop clearinghouse for state-of-the-practice transportation planning information and resources. On this website http://www.planning.dot.gov/ you will find planning news and events, regulations, policies, training information, technical resources, and peer exchange reports. [Source: Centerlines, Issue 244, January 6, 2010]

2010 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING EXCELLENCE AWARDS. The American Planning Association (APA) supports the Transportation Planning Excellence Awards Program a biennial awards program developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to recognize outstanding initiatives to develop, plan, and implement innovative transportation planning practices. Nominations must be for a project, process, group, or individual involved that has used FHWA and/or FTA funding to make an outstanding contribution to the field of transportation planning. Winners will be announced in the summer. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2010. For more information and the nomination go to https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/tpea/2010. [Source: CenterLines 243, December 23, 2009]

APHA PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP. The PA SPIG at APHA is looking ahead to the 2010 APHA Annual Meeting in Denver, CO.(more info below). The Special Call for Abstracts is at http://apha.confex.com/apha/138am/pa.htm. The submissions deadline is February 1, 2010.

Abstract reviewers are needed! Anyone interested in reviewing PA-themed abstracts for the 2010 Annual Meeting should contact Sheila Smith (smitsa@musc.edu) by January 18th. Please include in your email a brief note explaining your interest in serving, your area(s) of PA expertise/experience, and your contact information.

Finally, articles for our Winter PA SPIG Newsletter are now being accepted. Those with brief articles, announcements, photographs, or reports that might be of interest to the membership of our PA SPIG should email our Newsletter Editor, Jim Konopack (jkonopac@monmouth.edu by February 1st for consideration.

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.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

NEW LIVABILITY INITIATIVE. The first funding through the new Livability Initiative at the US Department of Transportation was announced on December 1. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that $280 million in grant funds would be made available in early 2010 for a variety of urban circulator projects, including streetcars, buses, and bus facilities. Grant money will be limited to a maximum of $25 million per project. Eligible projects will focus on streetcar and bus projects to promote walkable, mixed-use development. $150 million will be available for projects that focus on providing job-access and neighborhood redevelopment. Read more at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot20009.htm [Smart Growth America: Washington Update: December 22, 2009]

MUTCD FINAL RULE: The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Final Rule was published in the Federal Register December 16, 2009. It defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways and private roads open to public traffic. States must adopt the MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years. The Federal Highway Administration published the new edition of the MUTCD at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. [Source: American Bicyclist Update, December 22, 2009]

FEDERAL POLICY UPDATES. The Senate health care bill includes some policy of interest to complete streets advocates: a Prevention and Public Health Fund to provide community transformation grants (p. 1203, Sec 4201 that the Center for Disease Control would award on a competitive basis to states, local governments and non-profits for disease prevention activities. Activities that could be funded include infrastructure that supports active living, which would include projects to create complete streets. Also, the Complete Streets Act gained three new co-sponsors this month: Senator Gillibrand [NY] and Representatives Schauer [MI-7] and Ellison [MN-5]. [Source: Complete the Streets News, December 2009]

RESEARCH NOTES:

DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY HEALTHY LIVING INDEX. This paper presents a new, comprehensive tool for communities to assess opportunities for active living and healthy eating. The Community Healthy Living Index (CHLI) covers five major sectors where people live, work, learn, and play: schools, after schools, work sites, neighborhoods, and the community-at-large. CHLI and the accompanying procedures enable community teams to assess programs, the physical environment, and policies related to healthy living, and to plan improvement strategies. Preliminary data illustrate CHLI obtains reliable results and is feasible to implement. CHLI is a promising tool for community-based prevention efforts to draw attention to opportunities for healthy living and create impetus for community changes. Kim, Adamson, Balfanz, et a. “Development of the Community Healthy Living Index: A tool to foster healthy environments for the prevention of obesity and chronic disease.” Preventive Medicine, 50(S1), S80-S85, 2010.

COMBINING GPS, GIS, AND ACCELEROMETRY. This study assessed the feasibility of combining GPS, GIS, and accelerometry to understand transport-related physical activity (TPA) in adults. Forty adults wore an accelerometer and portable GPS unit over 7 consecutive days and completed a demographics questionnaire and 7-day travel log. Accelerometer and GPS data were extracted for commutes to/from workplace and integrated into a GIS database. GIS maps were generated to visually explore physical activity intensity, GPS speeds and routes traveled. Pragmatic issues of using GPS monitoring to understand TPA behaviors and methodological recommendations for future research were identified. Although methodologically challenging, the combination of GPS monitoring, accelerometry and GIS technologies holds promise for understanding TPA within the built environment. Oliver, Badland, Mavoa, et al. “Combining GPS, GIS, and accelerometry: methodological issues in the assessment of location and intensity of travel behaviors.” Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 7(1), 102–108,.2010.

CREATING BUILT AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT WALKING IN A PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITY. This study implemented and evaluated multiple interventions to increase walking activity at a multicultural public housing site. A community-based participatory research partnership and community action teams assessed assets and barriers related to walking and developed multiple interventions to promote walking activity. Interventions included sponsoring walking groups, improving walking routes, providing information about walking options, and advocating for pedestrian safety. A pre–post study design was used to assess the changes in walking activity. Self-reported walking activity increased among walking group participants from 65 to 109 minutes per day (p = .001). The proportion that reported being at least moderately active for at least 150 minutes per week increased from 62% to 81% (p = .018). Krieger, Rabkin, Sharify, Song. “High Point Walking for Health: Creating Built and Social Environments That Support Walking in a Public Housing Community.” American Journal of Public Health, 99(S3), S593-S599, 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:

THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN: A PORTRAIT OF STATES AND THE NATION 2007. This report presents indicators of the health and well-being of children as well as the factors in the family environment and aspects of the neighborhood that may support or undermine children's and families' health. The report was published by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Key indicators for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia -- including indicators related to the child's health and activities; the child's family; and the family's neighborhood -- are presented in comparison with national statistics. The report is available at http://mchb.hrsa.gov/nsch07/index.html. [Maternal and Child Health Library, January 8, 2010]

COMPLETE STREETS RESOURCES. 1) The National Complete Streets Coalition has posted a new fact sheet on Sustainable complete streets. This fact sheet covers the connection between green infrastructure and roadways that are designed for all users. 2) The Coalition has also updated its safety fact sheet with new data and research. 3) Walkable Streets Resources: New Urban News has created a one-stop location for news, resources, and case studies on designing walkable, complete streets http://www.newurbannews.com/walkablestreets.html. . [Source: National Complete Streets Coalition E-Newsletter, November 11, 2009]

THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF EXERCISE. The Wall Street Journal has published an article in its January 5, 2010 issue that says medical experts are offering an additional reason to exercise. A growing body of research is showing that regular exercise—as simple as a brisk 30- to 45-minute walk five times a week—can boost the body's immune system, increasing the circulation of natural killer cells that fight off viruses and bacteria. Regular workouts may help fight off colds and flu, reduce the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases and slow the process of aging. Also, exercise has been shown to improve the body's response to the influenza vaccine, making it more effective at keeping the virus at bay. Read the article at http://tinyurl.com/y9r9a6s

NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR ACTIVE AGING ISSUES. A new online Active Aging Community Center, located at http://www.humankinetics.com/aacc-home, brings tools and information on older adults physical activity to both professionals and students interested in the field. The website provides free access to tools and information from international organizations, physical activity program successes, research findings, educational opportunities, conference information, event calendars, grants, and other funding opportunities.

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

OPERATION TLC2:(Totally Liveable Communities through Tender Loving Care) MAKING COMMUNITIES SAFE!.This is the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) volunteer management and background screening program designed to ensure that your agency attains the best, most qualified volunteers to support the safety and quality of life your community needs. This program supports the NRPA Recommended Guidelines for Credentialing Volunteers, developed to ensure that members never grant the privilege of working with our most vulnerable populations without first qualifying volunteers through a comprehensive national criminal background check system. To take advantage of this member benefit, visit the NRPA Store at www.nrpa.org. For more information, contact NRPA at 800.626.6772 or www.nrpa.org/tlc2.

SIDEWALKS PAVED WITH GOLD. At the recent Walk21 International Walking Conference in New York, there was a session that showed how walkability pays off handsomely in economic benefits to a local community because walkers interact more with their environment. If that's a retail street, then they make more purchases. In one London neighborhood, it was found that shoppers who arrived on foot spent over $146.00 (£91), while bus riders spent a little over $100.00 (£63), car drivers $103.00 (£64), and subway-riders $74.00 (£46). Go to http://www.americawalks.org/2009/10/sidewalks-paved-with-gold/ to read about other ways walkable cities pay back. [Source: America Walks Monthly E-Newsletter, November 2009]

BEST PRACTICES IN PLAY REPORT: SAVE PLAY IN YOUR CITY! Children playing outside—in spaces dedicated for play or not—signify a vibrant, healthy community. However, children just don’t get out and play as they used to. Barriers to play include increased TV/video time, reductions in school-based playtime, more traffic, less open space, run-down play areas, and caregivers’ fears about safety. Providing more opportunities for play is emerging as a civic responsibility. KaBOOM! Has identified 12 relevant and innovative best practices to help cities develop policies to promote play. Go to www.kaboom.org/bestpractices. [Source: Parks and Recreation Weekly News Brief, December 22, 2009]

SAFETY IN NUMBERS: PORTLAND: The Portland Police Bureau's Traffic Division conducted a ‘mini-sting” operation at one of Portland’s less safe intersections for walking. A woman in red did laps across the marked intersection. She wore a bright color to help drivers see her. Many drivers allowed her to cross the intersection. When drivers didn't yield for her, they found themselves quickly pursued by a member of Portland Police Bureau's Traffic Division. Enforcement actions like this aren't about writing tickets, the Portland police will tell you. "It's about teachable moments." Click here to read continue reading about pedestrian successes in Portland. [Source: December E-Newsletter from America Walks]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

3RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH. , May 5-8, 2010, Toronto, Canada. Early Bird Registration until January 31st. http://www.cflri.ca/icpaph/en/registration.php

2010 ACTIVE LIVING RESEARCH CONFERENCE.February 9-11, San Diego, California. The theme is Engaging Communities to Create Active Living Environments. http://www.activelivingresearch.org/conference/2010

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2010. March 9-11, 2010, Washington, D.C. http://www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit10/index.php

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE (ACSM) HEALTH AND FITNESS SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION. April 7-10. Austin, Texas,. http://preview.tinyurl.com/5unah6

AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPOSITION. November 6-10, 2010, Denver, Colorado http://www.apha.org/meetings/pastfuture/

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:
USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER NOTES AND THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LISTSERV SUBSCRIBER ROLLS HAVE GROWN. The USC PRC continues to publish and distribute six e-mail newsletters per year to over 1,900 subscribers (an increase of over 40% since 2004). Newsletter subscribers are categorized by email address as 36.7% from educational institutions (universities, colleges, medical schools, and K-12schools); 32.9% from individual physical activity practitioners; 11.4% from state, local, and regional governments; and 5.0% from 12 federal government agencies and the military.

The USC PRC Physical Activity and Public Health On-Line Network Listserv provides a forum for public health researchers and practitioners to share ideas and resources, debate current issues about PA, and has 1042 subscribers (an increase of 44% since 2004.) Inquiries about best practices for interventions, research tools, conference notices, and job opportunities are the most common topics on the Network. Listserv subscribers are categorized by email address as 41.6% from educational institutions (universities, colleges, medical schools, and K-12schools); 36.8% from individual physical activity practitioners; 10.6% from state, local, and regional governments; and 8.1% from 11 federal government agencies and the military.

For both the e-mail newsletter and listserv, the USC PRC has met the goal of enrolling over 50% of state physical activity specialists as subscribers: we now have 62% of these specialists as subscribers.

Writers: Marsha Stepp, Jorge Banda

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.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, e-mail the Prevention Research Center at USCPRC@mailbox.sc.edu. When subscribing, please include your name, e-mail address, title, and organizational affiliation. There is no subscription cost. If you have an e-mail filter in place that only allows messages from approved email addresses, please add uscprc@gwm.sc.edu to your approved list.

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.

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