On any given day you can open your Internet browser to search for a new study ranking the fittest cities, best places to live, healthiest cities in the world, and so on. These studies demonstrate it is possible to build a healthy community despite political, environmental or economic challenges. This is consistent with the ActivEarth philosophy, which highlights the environmental benefits of human physical activity and encourages people to live their lives in more sustainable ways.

One particularly useful ranking is our American Fitness Index (AFI). The AFI provides an evidence- and science-based measurement of the state of health and fitness at the community level. Organizations, communities, and individuals throughout the country use the AFI data and analysis to assess factors that contribute to health and fitness, and measure their progress toward achieving them.

In addition to the data report, AFI now offers a Technical Assistance Program to help selected cities identify opportunities to improve the health of their residents and expand community assets to better support active, healthy lifestyles. It is a tool to help government, community leaders, health promotion groups and individuals create a healthier environment.

So what can you do to build a healthier community?

You don't have to be part of the AFI Technical Assistance Program to help nudge your town toward better health. One effective strategy - amplified when more residents participate - is to support bsuinesses that make your community healthier. For example:

• Farmers markets offer fresh produce from nearby growers. This provides you with healthy foods to eat, and economically supports local suppliers.
• Local businesses can partner with health initiatives and health/wellness retailers to encourage workers to lead healthier lifestyles.
• National companies often support community-based programs as a way of strengthening local ties. Approach them as an interested customer. Perhaps you can partner with them as a local business owner.

  

Encourage community leaders to create a built environment that's conducive to healthy lifestyles:

• Write to your mayor or city department to urge continued development of sidewalks, greenways, bike lanes and hiking trails.
• Support the development of pocket parks where they are most needed.
  
• Call for school facilities to be available after-hours for community recreation.

Singling out a notable program

One notable program, recently recognized by the Let's Move! Communities on the on the Move video challenge is "100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future." 100 Citizens is a program of the City of San Fernando Partnership for Healthy Families; its proponents believe that ending childhood obesity begins with the family. Families receive advice and guidance about beginning exercise programs. The strategy is to drive public health awareness and implementation at public parks through participation in programs delivered by students and professionals trained in kinesiology.

Whatever route you choose, good luck with your efforts to make your community a little healthier. Let us know what you're doing.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that physical activity is good for you. The list of health benefits regular physical activity can bring seems endless. During childhood in particular, being active is just plain fun. Today, America’s youngest generations are met with frequent obstacles to being physically active during a time when running, jumping, and playing is a natural – and crucial – part of growth and development. 

Across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we're teaming up to tackle these challenges. Today we are excited to share with you the latest happening on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG). The President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) convened a subcommittee to review the evidence on strategies to increase physical activity among youth. The subcommittee is chaired by President's Council member Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey and comprised of experts in physical activity.

PAG Mid-course Review Subcommittee Members

• Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA (Chair), President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Council Member, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 
• Joan M. Dorn, PhD, CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
• Janet E. Fulton, PhD CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
• Kathleen F. Janz, EdD University of Iowa
• Sarah M. Lee, PhD CDC, Division of Population Health
• Robin McKinnon, PhD, MPA NIH, National Cancer Institute
• Russell R. Pate, PhD University of South Carolina 
• Karin A. Pfeiffer, PhD Michigan State University 
• Deborah Rohm Young, PhD Kaiser Permanente Southern California  
• Richard P. Troiano, PhD, CAPT NIH, National Cancer Institute 

The subcommittee will present their findings in a Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Mid-Course Review Report. The report is scheduled for release in 2013, and the topic is "Strategies for increasing physical activity in youth (3-17 years)."

We want to hear from you. A federal register notice will be released this fall, announcing an opportunity for you to provide public comments on the draft report.

What makes a healthy community? One answer is contained in the physical spaces and services that enable older adults to engage in healthy behaviors. Bike paths, walking trails, outdoor fitness spaces, meditation areas and labyrinths are just a few examples of infrastructure that can inspire and engage older populations. Another example can be found in upgraded senior centers providing spaces for community gardens and offering numerous educational campaigns and incentives to help lead their population towards a healthier life across the lifespan.

The second answer lies in the catchphrase of "personal responsibility." For a community to be healthy, the people living in that community need to take action. Here are 10 tips that can help you inform your older consumers about ways in which they can lead a healthier life, thus creating a healthy community. Here we go...

1. Expectations: If they have been following a healthy lifestyle up until now, simply tell them to keep going. If they need to make changes, help them to anticipate succeeding, not failing - and don't let age be a barrier. Research has shown that thinking positively about getting older can extend their life by as much as 7.5 years.

2. Enthusiasm: Few people are thrilled with every aspect of their lives, but many have at least one area - family, friends, work, avocation - that they feel good about. Identify an activity or connection that sparks their enthusiasm, and make it their lifeline; try to get them to extend that enthusiasm to other areas of their life.

3. Energy: Having the energy and motivation they need to age well are hallmarks of healthy living. If they are fatigued all the time, don't let apathy and lethargy drag them down; suggest they get a checkup to try to determine the cause and the solution.

4. Eating: Eating a balanced diet and attaining/maintaining a normal weight are keys to physical and mental health; if they need to lose weight or make changes in their diet, keep their expectations high - they can do it!

5. Exercise: Staying physically active fuels the body and mind. If they are already exercising regularly, encourage them to keep it up. It they are just getting started, help them to understand their skill level, get them to set goals and progress at their own pace, and get them to be consistent.

6. Engagement: Volunteers have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than those who don't volunteer; volunteering and other forms of civic and social engagement can play an important role in the maintenance of good health later in life. Get them involved in the community.

7. Emotions: Everyone feels down at times, but full-blown depression is a major cause of disability. If they are feeling out of sorts for two weeks or more, talk with their doctor or have them take an online screening test. In many instances, simply exercising and eating right can change their mood.

8. Education: Lifelong learning is important to living an independent and fulfilling life. Suggest your customers start now to learn a new area of knowledge or physical activity. It's good for the brain.

9. Effort: Changing expectations and embarking on new behaviors takes energy and effort, but the results for your customer will be well worth it.

10. Enjoyment: A healthy life generally is a joyous one. Suggest ways in which your customers can savor the process of being or becoming active, engaged, and truly alive.

How will you use this information to help build a healthier community in your town or city?