Calling on All Americans: Get Active & Cut Health Care Costs
As part of its Campaign for a Healthier America, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association is urging Americans of all ages and abilities to make 2010 the year we unite in a national effort to create a culture of movement in America wherein regular daily exercise is highly valued and widely practiced.
Inspire others and help spread the new culture of movement by sharing your story today.
Vision for a Healthier America
We believe that any effort to rebuild America’s health and redesign the health system must include physical activity as a central and constant component. Regular physical activity, as a core component of prevention and health promotion will lead to a healthier, happier and more productive America, while reigning in sky rocketing health care costs.
Changing the course of America’s health, requires the commitment of us all. Together, we must work together to create a culture and environment of wellness and to encourage Americans of all ages and physical conditions to exercise regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle. IHRSA supports inclusion of the following components in any plan for creating a healthier America.
Government:
The federal government should establish a coordinated, central system of leadership for promoting physical activity and should increase funding for research on the correlation between exercise and the prevention of chronic disease.
Government should create tax incentives and remove financial barriers with the objective of increasing physical activity for Americans at home and at work.
Employers:
Businesses should provide incentives and access to both exercise and wellness programs to encourage employees to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles.
Medical professionals:
The medical community should adopt and implement preventive care standards that promote regular physical activity and healthy eating.
Physical examinations by medical professionals should include a discussion of physical activity, and that discussion should be a recognized by insurance companies as a necessary medical expense.
Insurance providers:
Health insurance providers should offer incentives to encourage participation in wellness and prevention programs that include weight loss and fitness programs.
Children:
All children should receive quality physical education and opportunities for physical activity during recess in school on a regular basis.
Physical activity should be as fundamental to families as reading together and eating nutritious meals.
Individuals:
All Americans should take personal responsibility for their health. Adults should engage in at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
Speaking Out for Healthy Lifestyles
Watch a great video of Tanya from Portland, Oregon as she talks about the economic impact of healthy lifestyles.
Help promote healthier lifestyles for all Americans by sharing the role exercise plays in your life.
Support Workplace Wellness
Are you an HR professional? Support the Workforce Health Improvement Act and ask Congress to encourage tax incentives for worksite wellness initiatives... More Info
Workforce Health Improvement Program Act
The WHIP Act (H.R. 2106/S. 913) would create tax incentives for consumers and employers alike to participate in and offer workplace wellness programs that include subsidies for off-site fitness centers. Currently, such benefits are taxed as additional income and companies face lots of administrative costs. The WHIP Act would make it easier for everyone and encourage higher participation. Workplace wellness programs have proven successful in creating strong health outcomes and significant health care cost savings.
Personal Health Investment Today Act
If passed, you could pay for:
your health club membership,
exercise classes,
home fitness equipment,
your kid’s sports league fees,
and much more with pre-tax dollars.
This allows you the opportunity to save the amount you would otherwise pay in federal taxes.
