Commit to Your Health! Live Well. Be well. Look GREAT!

Kids Health Campaign

"Commit to Your Health" offers a complete weight-training program designed by a certified personal fitness instructor as well as a complete dietary regimen by world renowned nutritionist, Dr. Edward Group III, a Doctor of Osteopathy who owns a total-body wellness clinic as well as a Rehabilitative Neurologist. The subject of the "Commit to Your Health" program is a middle-aged man with a neuromuscular disease who uses a wheelchair.

"Commit to Your Health" is a tremendously motivating and inspiring DVD which offers MANY benefits to younger audiences, such as:

Physical Activity Fundamental To Preventing Disease

Regular physical activity, fitness, and exercise are critically important for the health and well being of people of all ages. Research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals can benefit from regular physical activity, whether they participate in vigorous exercise or some type of moderate health-enhancing physical activity. Even among frail and very old adults, mobility and functioning can be improved through physical activity.1 Therefore, physical fitness should be a priority for Americans of all ages.

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity:

12.6 million people have coronary heart disease2;
1.1 million people suffer from a heart attack in a given year2;
17 million people have diabetes; about 90% to 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and physical inactivity3; approximately 16 million people have ‘pre diabetes’;
107,000 people are newly diagnosed with colon cancer each year4,5;
300,000 people suffer from hip fractures each year6;
50 million people have high blood pressure2; and
Nearly 50 million adults (between the ages of 20 and 74), or 27% of the adult population, are obese; overall more than 108 million adults, or 61% of the adult population are either obese or overweight.7,8

In a 1993 study, 14 percent of all deaths in the United States were attributed to activity patterns and diet.9 Another study linked sedentary lifestyles to 23 percent of deaths from major chronic diseases.10 For example, physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. On average, people who are physically active outlive those who are inactive.11-16

Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity, most adults and many children lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle and are not active enough to achieve these health benefits. A sedentary lifestyle is defined as engaging in no leisure-time physical activity (exercises, sports, physically active hobbies) in a two-week period. Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows that in 1997-98 nearly four in 10 (38.3 percent) adults reported no participation in leisure- time physical activity.

Exercise (Physical Activity) and Children

AHA Scientific Position

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. It also increases the risk of stroke and such other major cardiovascular risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, low HDL ("good") cholesterol and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

Why is exercise or physical activity important for my child?

Increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. And physical activity helps with
- controlling weight
- reducing blood pressure
- raising HDL ("good") cholesterol
- reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer
- improved psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem
How do I promote physical activity in my child?
- Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television, playing computer video games or talking on the phone).
- Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents.
- Parents should try to be role models for active lifestyles and provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity.
What if my child is uncoordinated or overweight?

All children, even less-coordinated ones, need to be physically active. Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical and psychological well-being of children with a weight problem.

The American Heart Association recommends:
- All children age 2 and older should participate in at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activities every day that are developmentally appropriate and varied.
- If your child or children don't have a full 30-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 15-minute periods or three 10-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional developmen
- "Commit to Your Health" is designed to motivate and give people the feeling of "if he can do it, then so-can !!"

"Commit to Your Health" was created by Westfall Foundation, which is a national, tax-exempt, 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, our IRS Determination Letter can be downloaded here.

Participation is simple:

We are now on Amazon.com! Click here too buy the DVD!

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

For inquirees about becoming a Westfall Foundation corporate sponsor/partner, please email kerrywes@westfallfoundation.org

Contact me:

Email: kerrywes@westfallfoundation.org

Kerry Westfall
CEO, the Westfall Foundation
http://www.westfallfoundation.org/