PRESIDENT'S (fitness) CHALLENGE: Never heard of it?

[Tamar Knox]

Mrs. Obama seems to have overshadowed the long-standing President's Challenge (PC).  If you are in your 50's, you will remember (memory loss would be nice in the case blows to  self-esteem in gym class) those "president's badges" you earned for running, doing sit-ups, & doing pull-ups.  Oh...let us not forget that side-stepping drill to test...who knows what. 

 

The PC has been around since the late 1950's and "operating" through the Bush 2 administration. 

It seems Mrs. Obama has taken  the latest about kids health and updated the fitness effort.  I guess what was old is new again.

 

Check out the really drab PC site.

http://www.fitness.gov/challenge/index.html

[Marisel Brown]

The PC as I recall was completely school-based in the 70's. With many schools strapped for funds starting in the 90's and very little promotion of the program by the White House over the last 20 years, PC is ineffective.
In the 90's the program made itself a bit more relevant to the times by tagging on an adult component to talk advantage of the fitness craze started by Jane Fonda, who at the time was not considered a good spokesperson for anyone who aspired to a political career. The last high visibility spokesperson was Lynn Swann, a former football player (Dallas??) appointed by President Bush #2.
This is a case of what is old is new again, but this time, it seems there is a commitment at the highest level; greater urgency given the statistics; and a far more widespread & sophisticated obesity prevention effort already underway. Note obesity rates went skyward from the 80's onward when PC was still on the roster of DHHS programs. White House backing makes it likely that this effort should take root....one hopes.
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[Monica Gulisano]

The PC as I see it used today is not a tool to 'prevent' childhood obesity. It is more a tool to 'test' our children in different physical tasks and follow their performance in these tasks year after year. It is used by physical education teachers as such.

While I'm happy to see the urgency of addressing the problem of childhood obesity coming from the highest level of our government, I seem to agree with the observation that 'Let's Move' may overshadow many other programs such as the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Pres. Clinton's Foundation program) and We Can! that are already in place. I guess what I'd like to see is a commitment to make changes where it matters such as through funding for 'real' food in the school cafeteria, education and counseling (when necessary) to parents and children, access to programs for those who need them to learn cooking skills or get active, and selling the message that taking care of ourselves by eating right and being physically active is key to a healthy and vital life.

[Percival Scott Fife]

Monica-
An important part of the eat healthy mesage is starting very early in life. Parents need the know how best to keep their children healthy and places here they easily get healthy food. The best time to catch a parent's attention is in pre-school years.

I don't know why we do not have more work taking place with parents (positive parenting education etc.). The Harlem Children's Zone is a good example of what some of the posts on this website are about-creating an environment where a person can reach his/her potential.
See the article below.
http://www.reversechildhoodobesity.org/webfm_send/19" target="_blank