Calendar of Events

Physical Activity

January – February – March – April – May – June – July –
August – September – October – November - December

January

New Year’s Day. Time to make reasonable fitness goals and resolutions that will stick all year-long.

February

American Heart Month. Sponsored by the American Heart Association to promote awareness of heart healthy lifestyles, which include regular physical activity. For more information: www.americanheart.org or 1-888-MY-HEART.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Sponsored by the National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition. The Day was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women. For more information: http://www.aahperd.org/ngwsdcentral/

March

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the U.S. and the 3rd most common cancer in men and women. Regular physical activity can help reduce risk. For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/

April

National Cancer Control Month. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the event provides an opportunity to discuss the impact of lifestyle (diet and physical activity) on the prevention of an assortment of cancers. For more information: www.cancer.org or 1-800-ACS-2345 or 1-800-4-CANCER.

National Youth Sports Safety Month. Sponsored by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, and dedicated to reducing the number and severity of injuries youth sustain in sports and fitness activities. For excellent fact sheets and general information: www.nyssf.org

Prevent Injuries America! “Move Better, Play Better, Live Better.” Throughout the month orthopedic surgeons will provide injury prevention information on topics such as preventing playground, workplace and sports injuries, plus more. For more information:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/

May

Arthritis Month. Don’t let arthritis keep you from enjoying a healthy active lifestyle. The Arthritis Foundation encourages the public to take control of arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability. For more information on prevention, control and cure: www.arthritis.org.

Mother’s Day. Why not celebrate Mother’s Day with a family hike, bike ride, or canoe trip? You’ll get to spend time with Mom and contribute to her health and well-being. If your mother has a competitive streak, invite her to beat you at game of basketball or bowling. What’s most important is that you spend time together. Physical activity makes it all the more fun. For more information on women’s health: www.4woman.gov/owh

National Bike Month. The League of American Bicyclists promotes the bicycle as a “personal wellness vehicle” and a fun recreational activity. Learn more: www.bikeleague.org. Make note of National Bike to Work Week and Day, posted on the League’s web site. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers tips for riding safely so you and your family can enjoy the health benefits of cycling. For more information: www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

National Osteoporosis Prevention Month. Sponsored by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and designed to promote early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. A great opportunity to promote the importance of weight-bearing activity to strengthen bones. For more information: http://www.nof.org/

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Sponsoredby the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. This observance is designed to make the public aware of the benefits to a lifelong program of regular moderate physical activity as prescribed by the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health. For more information: www.fitness.gov or, especially for youth: www.verbnow.com

National Running and Fitness Week. Celebrated the third week in May and sponsored by the American Running and Fitness Association. This public health education campaign is designed to help people get active. For more information: 1-800-776-2732 or www.americanrunning.org or www.amaasportsmed.org

Senior Health and Fitness Day. Always held the last weekend in May. Organized by the Mature Market Resource Center, the annual event promotes the importance of physical activity for seniors. For more information: 1-800-828-8225 or www.fitnessday.com

June

Father’s Day and Men’s Health Week. Held annually the week preceding Father’s Day.A perfect opportunity to promote physical fitness and activities that improve men’s health. For more information: http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/omh.html

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. Gardening is wonderful exercise, and the fruits of our labors further contribute to good health. Sponsored by the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association. For more information: http://5aday.gov/

July

National Therapeutic Recreation Week. Sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association, and held the 2nd full week of July. The event gives attention to the recreation rights, needs, and abilities of people who are disabled and seeks to expand leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Fitness is for everyone! For more information: www.nrpa.org

August

National Kids Day. Held annually the first Sunday in August. The effort is led by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in collaboration with KidsPeace and other youth-serving organizations. The day serves to advocate for the importance of meaningful time and relationships between caring adults and young people. What better way to spend quality time with youngsters than with physical activity? For more information: www.kidsday.net

September

Family Health and Fitness Day. Always held the last Saturday in September to promote the value of health and fitness for families. For more information, contact the Health Information Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for consumer health information to promote participation in health and fitness activities. For more information: http://www.health.gov/nhic/

Healthy Aging Month . Staying physically fit can help seniors retain independence. For more information: www.healthyaging.net

National Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy being physically active with grandchildren. For more information: www.grandparents-day.com.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Always celebrated the last Wednesday in September; the event focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women of all ages. For more information, go to the Health Information Resource Center: http://www.health.gov/nhic/

October

Children’s Health Month. Children need an hour of physical activity/play each day. For more information about Children’s Health Month and Children’s Health Day (celebrated annually the first Monday of October), contact: www.mchb.hrsa.gov

Walk to School Day. Held during the first week of October. Whether your concern is safer and improved streets, healthier habits, or cleaner air, Walk to School Day events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage a more walkable America - one community at a time. Sponsored by the Partnership for a Walkable America with a goal of encouraging adults to walk with their children to teach safety and reap the tremendous health benefits of regular, daily walking. For more information: www.walktoschool.org or www.nsc.org/walk/wkcheck.htm

November

American Diabetes Month. Physical activity can help prevent the weight gain that often precedes the development of Type 2 diabetes. Exercise also helps control blood sugar and improves circulation. For more information: www.diabetes.org

Great American Smokeout. Held annually on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, the Great American Smokeout is an upbeat, good-natured effort to encourage smokers to give up cigarettes for 24 hours. Not sure what to do if you’re not smoking? How about walking? Go for a brisk walk when the urge hits to light up and see how much better you feel. In fact, trade smoking for physical activity and chances are you’ll add years to your life. For more information: www.cancer.org

Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis (November 1 – December 31). The annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk takes place during the holiday season throughout November and December. Communities nationwide celebrate this festive event to help prevent, control and cure arthritis. For fun, participants dress in holiday costumes and decorate their shoes with jingle bells. More information: www.arthritis.org or 800-283-7800.

December

Toys and Gifts Galore. While choosing gifts for loved ones this season, think “fitness.” Frisbees, jump-ropes, mittens, running shoes, swim goggles, ice skates, bikes, balls, and hoola-hoops – you name it. Fun and fitness are a perfect team.