Jim Bell, PhDc

1. New studies are emerging indicating that Americans continue to lose the battle of the bulge. Obesity rates among adults and children are reaching new record highs. This will have a devastating effect on all Americans. With medical and health cost already beyond one trillion dollars a year, who will pay the cost of care for the current crop of couch potatoes this country is now growing? Little Johnnies and Janies are spending all their time in front of computers, TV and video games; they receive little or no exercise with even PE class being cut from most school budgets. Kids meals now consist of traveling from one fast food shop to the next. Kids consume more sugar, fat and processed foods, while consuming fewer nutrients. You should tremble at the thought of what happens to our Great Nation at the hands of the growing generation of Michelin Tires!

2. Unfortunately, the medical community cant win this fight, as is reported to us from fitness professionals all across the country the medical community has no understanding, little interest and only a modicum of respect for the fitness industry.                             We at the IFPA feel very strongly that the vast majority of the medical and health care concerns, expenses and problems of today can only be resolved by an army of dedicated fitness professionals. Estimates run as high as 80% of all medical and healthcare costs are a direct result of lifestyle choices. The only logical conclusion to draw is that: the fitness and nutrition experts of today will become the doctors of tomorrow. The IFPA is asking you to join the fight. The fight is to motivate, train and educate the public away from the destructive anti-lifestyle that is so prevalent in our community. The anti-lifestyle is (1) physical inactivity (2) smoking, (3) poor nutrition, (4) substance abuse and (5) stress.                                The medical community (including ACSM) has lost this the fight. It is now up to us, the IFPA and the fitness community to win this fight. It is up to you to win this fight.

3. The best possible way for you to help right now is to make childrens fitness an essential part of your business. Parents will go to great lengths for the welfare of their children. With proper planning you can substantially improve your income while substantially improving our community. For those of you who have never considered working with kids PLEASE consider it now. The rewards can be tremendous financially, emotionally, professionally and spiritually.