The Council was originally founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 as the President’s Council on Youth Fitness. Since its beginning, the Council has been vital in getting Americans physically active through a range of programs, events and initiatives including the establishment of May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
PCFSN was most recently known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. On June 10, 2010 President Barack Obama authorized in an Executive Order the name change and expanded the mission of the Council to include “nutrition”.
The Council seeks to promote good health through fitness, sports and nutrition for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through partnerships in national, state and local organizations, programs and initiatives. The Council plays a key role in the development of priorities, outreach and awareness efforts to improve the health and quality of life for all Americans. Among the Council's responsibilities are to encourage:
1. Regular physical activity
2. Participation in sports
3. Healthy eating
The President’s Challenge
The President’s Challenge is the PCFSN signature awards and recognition program and includes the following:
* Youth Physical Fitness Test
* Adult Fitness Test
* Two School Recognition Programs
* Two Physical Activity Awards Programs
* Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)
* Presidential Champions Award, available to people aged 6 and older.
PCFSN utilizes and promotes efforts associated with the following guidelines:
1. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
2. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
3. National Physical Activity Plan
There are many national, regional, state and local programs and initiatives that aim to get Americans active and healthy. Below is a review of three programs: "Let's Move", "Kids Eat Right", and "We Can".
Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.
Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active.
2. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
3. National Physical Activity Plan
There are many national, regional, state and local programs and initiatives that aim to get Americans active and healthy. Below is a review of three programs: "Let's Move", "Kids Eat Right", and "We Can".
Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.
Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active.
First Lady Michelle Obama has been active with many groups in promoting the Let's Move program.
Let's Move! Active Schools Launch
with First Lady Michelle Obama
with First Lady Michelle Obama
Beyoncé in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) created "Move Your Body" video for the Let's Move! Flash Workout. Here you will find First Lady Michelle Obama making a surprise visit to Alice Deal Middle School to join students in a Lets Move! Flash Workout. Over 600 schools across the country participated in similar workouts at the same time.
Kids Eat Right, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Kids Eat Right supports the efforts of the White House to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.
The goal of Kids Eat Right is to educate families, communities, and policy makers about the importance of quality nutrition. The Kids Eat Right campaign provides resources to help Academy members become recognized leaders in childhood obesity prevention.
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition)
is a science-based national education program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We Can helps children ages 8-13 stay at a healthy weight. We Can! offers materials to help caregivers and families encourage children to become more active.60 Second PSA for We Can!
We Can!® Tools and Resources
We Can! Make Physical Activity Fun
We Can! Try Tips to Eat Well and Move More
Resources
