GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS PROMOTES WELLNESS IN WORKPLACE, COMMUNITY AND SCHOOLS
September 27, 2007
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GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
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JACKSONVILLE – Governor Charlie Crist today congratulated the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness for focusing its second meeting on ways to foster healthy lifestyles in the workplace, schools and communities. The 21-member council was appointed by Governor Crist in May 2007 and charged with developing a state plan of action to help reduce the number of Floridians who suffer from chronic illnesses related to obesity. Hosted by the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, the meeting was led by Shannon Miller council co-chair and former gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist.
“Through partnerships and collaboration within our workplaces, our schools, our community organizations, and through commitment from our residents, we will make a difference in the number of people suffering from obesity in Florida,” said Governor Crist. “Our citizens deserve nothing less. This council is committed to finding solutions to help us achieve our goal of helping Floridians live healthier.”
During today’s meeting, the council heard from a variety of education and medical experts, as well as representatives from businesses and community organizations that operate fitness and wellness programs. Attorney General Bill McCollum addressed the council as the president and chairman of the board of Healthy Florida Foundation, which has recommended mandatory health, wellness, and physical education for all fitness levels in every grade K-12 and the use of public facilities such as public schools to support health programs for adults. A copy of the report and its findings can be found on the Web site http://www.healthyfloridafoundation.org/resources/hff-final-report.pdf.
Other presentations included information about wellness programs in the workplace and in community organizations such as faith-based groups and senior centers. The council also learned about wellness programs made possible through public-private partnerships. Dr. Janet Silverstein, professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida, described a study on childhood obesity and recommendations for prevention as well as the importance of diabetes self-management education.
“The council has taken a big step forward in the development of the state plan by reaching out to our businesses and community leaders to showcase best practices and successful programs in Florida,” said Co-chair Shannon Miller. “I am pleased that the council is looking at wellness models and community programs that will positively impact our residents.”
The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness will consider the best methods for promoting and encouraging a variety of programs and strategies that will help Floridians increase physical activity and adopt healthier eating habits in schools, workplaces and communities. The group is developing recommendations that are due to the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on December 1, 2007.
The next meeting of the council and subcommittees is scheduled for October 22 – 23, 2007, in Orlando, Florida. For more information regarding the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, please visit www.healthyfloridians.com.