A Program the NFL Should be Proud of

Hello to all of you out there in cyberspace--especially you sports fans, fitness buffs, and all concerned with the health impacts of poor physical fitness

In the past week, I have been delighted to learn that the NFL is now doing something I recommended in my latest study for Sports Business Research, "Physical Activity Trends: Business and Policy Implications, 2007 edition. The NFL and the American Heart Association have launched "What Moves U?" This is a national youth program that will promote physical fitness to an increasingly inactive generation of children. The website describing the program is http://www.jointheteam.com/programs/program.asp?p=41&c=4. I am also proud that my favorite NFL team, The Washington Redskins, are enthusiastically joining in this effort. Today's, December 30, Washington Post contains a special magazine section "Redskins Health and Fitness" which is also available on the web at http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=11492.

In the latest Physical Activity Trends study, I recommended that sports teams and leagues have their standout players endorse active lifestyles, help children and youth develop sports skils, promote responsible participation by children and youth in their sports and sponsor solely or jointly with charities mass participation athletic events.

This is a program the NFL should be proud of!