With the month of May behind us, we are reflecting on another wonderful and successful observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and Older Americans Month. This year, ODPHP and its partners used these observances to highlight the integral role of physical activity in preserving our mental health and maintaining good overall health as we age.
In case you missed any of it, here’s a recap of some of last month’s highlights:
- The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN), which champions the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and sports participation for all Americans, opened the nomination period for its 2024 Council Awards. The PCSFN is accepting nominations for all three awards – the Lifetime Impact Award, Community Leadership Award, and PCSFN Hero Award – through July 1.
- Registration opened for the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) webinar, “Coaching Youth Sports: Tips to Keep Kids in the Game,” which will be held virtually on June 25. Members of the PCSFN and members of NYSS Champions organizations will join ODPHP staff to share tips and resources that youth sports coaches can use to help young athletes get active, avoid burnout, and learn valuable life skills.
- Dr. Katrina Piercy, Director of ODPHP’s Division of Prevention Science, appeared on the Association of State and Territorial Health Official’s (ASHTO) Public Health Review Morning Edition podcast to discuss ways that health professionals supporting older adults can implement strategies from the Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report to help older adults get more activity.
- Adm. Rachel Levine, HHS’ Assistant Secretary for Health, joined PCSFN member Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, and Brandon Gassaway, Director of Social Responsibility, Player Programs, and Diversity & Inclusion Communications at the NBA, on a panel to discuss the relationship between physical activity and mental health. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff kicked off the event with remarks emphasizing the Biden-Harris administration’s continued commitment to providing youth access to mental health resources and safe spaces to be active. You can watch a recording of the meeting here.
You don’t have to stop moving just because May is over! The great thing about physical activity is that its benefits can be experienced year-round, at any time. Not sure where to start? The Move Your Way® campaign has resources to help everyone find ways to get active. And if you need some real inspiration, check out this video to see how members of the President’s Council choose to stay active every day!
