Fitness and Wellness

Justification: North Carolina ranks 49th out of 50 in regards to physical activity according to the Center for Disease Control. Likewise, a study conducted by the nursing school at UNC-Chapel Hill indicated that North Carolina public school students were obese and overweight at a greater rate than the national average. The documented proof of exercise as a preventative form of medicine and the use of exercise in containing rising health care costs indicate a need to promote sound policies of activity in our youth, senior citizens, and work site wellness stations. Research finding by the Governors Council on Physical Fitness and Health and the Governors Task Force on Cardiac Health and Stroke Prevention provide reinforcement to document the need for our state's residents to become active, healthy citizens.

Proposed activities of the Program for Public Policy in Sports (PPPS):

1. A history of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health from its inception in 1958 to 1998 needs to be prepared in monograph form.
   Status: In progress.
2. PPPS needs to promote support and endorse the BANC Initiative proposed by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health.
   Status: In progress.
3. PPPS needs to work with public school officials to reestablish required physical education classes in our schools.
   Status: In progress.
4. A comprehensive program of activities for senior citizens needs to be developed.
   Status: In preparation at this time.
5. The PPPS needs to help prepare legislation in conjunction with the Governor's Council to overcome our sedentary lifestyle.
   Status: Discussion level.
6. The PPPS can disseminate useful information and research findings about NC public school students' fitness and well-being.
   Status: Discussion level.
7. The establishment of an Orange County Physical Fitness and Health Council needs to be developed.
   Status: In progress.