On May 1, 2014, Philadelphia City Council passed a
resolution recognizing May as Physical Fitness and Sports Month. HPC's
Executive Director Vanessa Briggs, together with representatives from
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, Independence Blue Cross, and
other HPC staff, accepted the resolution on behalf of HPC.
HPC is committed to promoting health and physical
activity, sometimes known as active play, because it is an important strategy
for preventing and managing chronic disease. We are pleased to announce the
launch of the Philly Play Summer Challenge--an exciting new initiative that
provides opportunities for Philadelphia youth to be physically active across
all ten City Council Districts. Philly Play is a collaboration with its
creator, Councilman Bobby Henon (6th District), Philadelphia Department of
Parks and Recreation, City Council and Health Promotion Council (HPC), who is
leading the programmatic design, implementation and coordination.
Why Philly Play?
The
recently released 2014 United
States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children & Youth gave U.S. youth
a physical activity grade a D- and another recent study purported that
obese adults participate in less than one minute of vigorous physical activity
a day. Not very promising results are they?
Because
people are more likely to start and continue things that they enjoy, maybe it
is time to start thinking of physical activity as play and fun so that you're
more likely to get and stay active. For example, if you don't like running on a
treadmill but enjoy nature, why not jog or walk along the Schuylkill river walk
or to your nearest playground? If you're
like me and don't like running but have a competitive side, play a game of
handball or Frisbee with family and neighbors.
And, if you're just starting out, try a less intense activity like
gardening or a lunch break walk. Remember, it doesn't matter if it's a pick-up
basketball game or a walk with a best friend or dog (not mutually exclusive) -
It's about getting our hearts pumping and having fun while we're at it.
The
rewards of being physically active are many but you may wonder: how much physical
activity do I need to be healthy? Experts recommend 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, 5
days a week for adults; and 60 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, 5 days per week for kids. But you can make a positive difference in your health and the health of your family
with even small amounts of physical activity every day. Start with goal of a
level of activity that is reasonable for you. A weekly walk with friends or a
dance class at your local recreation center could be a great way to start a
lifelong routine.
