Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Advisory Council

In south central Idaho, 62% of adults are considered overweight. Further, 24% of adults do not participate in any physical activity, while 17% of children do not receive recommended levels of activity.

Source: Idaho Behavioral Risk Factors, IDHW, 2006

 

In response to this growing crisis, South Central Public Health District has established the Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Advisory Council. This council is a group of committed community partners who are working together to:

1. Promote healthy eating that follows national dietary guidelines

2. Promote recommended levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity from childhood through adulthood

3. Promote healthy weight among adults and children

4. Increase access to healthy foods and access to activities for every age and population group

PAN Advisory Council meetings are open to the public and new members.

2009 PAN Meeting Schedule
PAN Advisory Council meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of every third month. South Central Public Health District * Katz Conference Room 1020 Washington St. N. * Twin Falls, Idaho 83301 (College of Southern Idaho campus) To join the PAN Advisory Council or for more information, call the Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator for South Central Public Health District at 737-5945.
January	No meeting
February 3	noon - 1 p.m.
March	No meeting
April	No meeting
May 5	noon - 1 p.m.
June	No meeting
July	No meeting
August 4	noon - 1 p.m.
September	No meeting
October	No meeting
November 3	noon - 1 p.m.
December	No meeting

Key PAN Messages

Small Steps = Big Changes (Behavior Change)

• Positive small changes are likely to become permanent habits when they feel like they are easy to accomplish.

• Positive small changes continued over time can result in great health benefits (e.g. taking in 20 calories less than usual per day, or moving 20 calories more than usual per day, will keep 2 lbs. of fat off every year the habit is kept).

• Positive small steps kept up over time will result in a new, healthier lifestyle.

Enjoy Nutrient-Rich Foods (Nutrition)

• Get the most nutrition out of your calories that you eat and drink.

• Eat a colorful variety of fruits and 100% fruit juices without added sugar.

• Eat a variety of vegetables.

• Eating fruits and vegetables matters in maintaining a healthy weight and may decrease the risk of many diseases. Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice products are all good for you.

• Eat whole, fortified and fiber-rich grain foods - at least half of all grains eaten should come from whole grains.

• Eat or drink at least three cups of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products (1 cup milk or yogurt = 1.5 oz. cheese) each day. Children 2 to 8 years need two cups of dairy a day.

• Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.

• Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, added sugars and alcohol.

• Drink water instead of soda.

30/60 Every Day (Physical Activity)

• Adults - participate in a minimum of 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity (walking, cycling, gardening, dancing, etc.), 5 or more days per week. Thirty minutes can add up bit by bit during the day. it doesn't have to be 30 minutes all at once.

• Children - participate in a minimum of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. It can be all at once or bit by bit.



• Greater health benefits can be had by participating in physical activities that are more vigorous and are of a longer time period. More activity is better, to a point.

• Limit sitting activities such as television and video games.

• Being physically active is more important than BMI for good health. (Body Mass Index is a body weight and height ratio that can indicate underweight, normal, overweight or obese individuals.)

Energy In/Energy Out (Weight Management)

• Energy is measured in calories.

• To maintain weight, balance calories taken in with calories used ("energy balance" or energy in/energy out).

• To prevent gradual weight gain, or to promote gradual weight loss, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and/or increase physical activity - there are hundreds of easy ways to make the small changes.

• Simple math:
  - 100 calories/day fewer x 365 days = 36,400 calories/year fewer
     = 10 lbs body fat loss (1 lb. = 3,500 calories)
  - 1 mile walk = 100 calories
  - 1 mile = 2,000 steps (Use a pedometer to measure steps.)

• Breastfeeding results in better health and better weight control for children.

• Overweight children are more likely to become obese adults.

For More Information

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's State of Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition Program and information on supporting programs and links to resources.