The National Physical Activity Plan is an ambitious,
comprehensive, and vital blueprint for creating a more active
culture. It embodies the principles and best ideas formulated by
folks steeped in the urgent effort to increase physical activity
among all Americans. Already it is having an impact. But there
is a significant barrier. And it is one that must be overcome
before the vision of the Plan can be fully realized. It is the
misconception that the ultimate goal of the National Physical
Activity Plan is to promote physical activity. It isn't. The
ultimate goal of the National Physical Activity Plan is to save
lives - millions of lives - and to improve the overall health
and wellbeing of every American. It is a goal worthy of the full
attention of policymakers and thought leaders. And given the
staggering cost of obesity and chronic diseases in this country
- coupled with the dismal forecast for the life expectancy of
America's current generation of children - it is a seriously
urgent goal that requires imm