In an effort to help Americans improve their physical activity and nutrition habits, President Barack Obama initiated The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (PCFSN). To assist with the task of promoting good health and fitness, Dr. Gregory Heath, UTC Guerry Professor of Health and Human Performance and Assistant Provost for Research and Engagement, has been named chair of the Science Board for the Council.
PCFSN serves as a catalyst 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’s mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans across the lifespan to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.
The Council formed the PCFSN Science Board in 2003 to ensure that the messages and programs of the Council are scientifically sound. Heath, who has served on Board for three years, is currently the Chair of the Board.
“The Board’s primary functions are to provide scientific oversight for the activities of the President’s Council — this includes publishing a quarterly publication, the Research Digest, which serves the academic and practice community in the fields of exercise science, sports medicine, physical education, and nutrition. We also provide oversight to the Council’s campaigns for The President’s Challenge, and the Physical Activity and Active Living Awards,” Heath said.
According to Heath, the Board currently is facilitating an updated scientific review in association with the National Physical Activity Guidelines, which can be found here.
For more information about the Council and the Board, click here.
