Home
| Leisure
| Fitness & Exercises
| Fitness
| National Education on Nutrition & Fitness
National Education on Nutrition & Fitness
by Desire Hendricks
-
Overview
ab4ffb3b-0166-44a3-95f3-7ddc78856239500378
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develop and administrate public policies and programs to promote sound nutrition and physical fitness education for Americans. Established in December 1994, the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion communicates best nutrition practices based on scientific research to the public. This agency administrates national nutrition education initiatives like MyPyramid.gov and Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Within the DHHS, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has been recommending "programs and resources to promote regular physical activity for the health of all Americans" since 1956.
-
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
In 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services published the first edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. It provides the first comprehensive guide to the types and duration of physical activity Americans should engage in for health benefits.
-
The President's Challenge
The President's Challenge program offers Americans guides and resources to become their most fit. Participants log their activities with an online tracking tool or a form and earn points. To recognize participants' efforts and achievements, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are given based on the number of points earned. The program can be tailored to suit all ages and any fitness level.
-
National Physical Education and Sports Month
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports selected May for the observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in 1983. The observance seeks to promote fitness, physical activity and sports participation nationwide. Many schools and public partners use the month to educate the public and help Americans get moving.
-
MyPyramid
The Food Pyramid is a healthy eating tool familiar to most Americans. It received a redesign in 2005. The new design has the food groups fanning across the face of the pyramid in somewhat equal portions. The figure of a person climbs stairs at the side of the pyramid to emphasize the need for a balanced diet and physical activity for good health. The MyPyramid.gov website supplies a variety of tools to help people plan nutritious meals, count calories and complement their eating program with physical activity.
MyPyramid recommends eating three to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
9ea565e7-c234-467d-973f-a157d86159c6500334
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans gives in-depth information about the science behind the Pyramid's recommendations. It breaks down the nutritional requirements of individuals by age, gender and level of physical activity. This document is revised every five years. A new edition will be available in 2010.
