Active Living: A Guide for Policy- Makers explains how the built environment-street layout, zoning and recreation facilities, among other design elements- can either encourage or discourage routine physical activity. The guide also outlines how expanding opportunities for physical activity, especially in neighborhoods with few existing options, can improve the health of our communities. In particular, the guide offers nine policy strategies that can create more activity-friendly environments, including:

• establishing collaboration between public-sector departments and coordinating efforts among sectors.
• supporting school facilities and policies that promote active living.
• improving streets, sidewalks and street-crossings for safer routes to school.
• supporting safe, pedestrian-oriented transportation.
• supporting land-use planning and development that encourage active living.
• identifying and creating funding sources for active living initiatives.
• publicizing the availability of active living resources in the community.
• supporting parks, trails and recreation facilities.
• creating tax and other incentives to promote active living in workplaces, communities and households.

Submitted applications will be reviewed and one award of $1,000 and one award of $500 will be given each fall and each spring. Based on availability of funds and quality of applications, additional awards may be given. Award monies must be designated to fund identified strategies in the school's implementation plan. To apply, go to the Health and Wellness Coalition website. You will find the healthy school checklist, and award application. You will also find these documents attached to this email. Deadlines for the applications are October 1, 2007 and March 1, 2008.

Kansas was among about 20 states that scored an "F" for school nutrition, according to a newly released national scorecard. But state officials say the report, "School Foods Report Card 2007," issued by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, should be taken with a grain of salt.

"It's a very one-dimensional view and there are good things happening in Kansas," said Jodi Mackey, a school nutrition specialist with the Kansas Department of Education. "Our schools have done a lot to make improvements in a la carte and competitive foods." Mackey said the report card overlooked much that is happening in Kansas. She said many local school districts were already taking steps to limit vending machine offerings. She also pointed to progress that Kansas school districts are making with development of wellness policies that focus on nutrition, exercise and other factors important to child health. She said the state education department is encouraging healthier foods in school, but it is Kansas policy to leave to local districts the actual decision making.

"I don't think it's fair to say we're not doing anything. State law does require that schools consider guideline and we have collected data from all the Kansas school districts (on their wellness policies). Shortly after first of the year we'll be putting that data online."

It's that time of year: Millions of older adults are resolving to start a new fitness or physical activity regime. While advice on how to accomplish this lifestyle change is widespread, little of it is targeted to adults ages 50-plus. To help answer questions that Baby Boomers and their parents have about how to become more physically active, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) created its "Welcome Back to Fitness" website. ICAA, an association that supports professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults 50 and over, has geared this site especially to the needs of older adults, offering a unique collection of checklists, questions and answers, as well as guides to age-friendly fitness centers, equipment and trainers.

Individuals who are contemplating lifestyle change can turn to the "Health Tips" section of the ICAA Welcome Back to Fitness site to find out about the many options for activity. But this site is not only for people who are thinking about becoming active, it is also for those who are just getting started with exercise and those who are working out regularly. In addition, the resources provided are helpful regardless of whether older adults intend to or already exercise at home or in a gym or seniors center.

Realistic Resolutions