Dear Colleagues,

The physical activity and eating habits of most Americans are cause for concern. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically across the nation and is now an epidemic. The effects on our children, families, and communities are far reaching—but they can be prevented and they are reversible.

Dental Hygienists Against Heart Disease (DHHD) is joining hundreds of thousands of people who are participating in America on the Move’s (AOM) September 2006, a national month long celebration highlighting the benefits of active living and healthful eating beginning Friday, September 1, 2006 through Saturday, September 30, 2006.

AOM emphasizes “energy balance”—2 small initial daily changes that will help prevent weight gain by balancing energy expenditure with calorie consumption:

• Move more—take 2000 more steps (the equivalent of 1 mile)
• Eat smarter —eat 100 fewer calories daily.

AOM research shows these daily changes can stop the current average rate of weight gain of 1-2 pounds a year (Science, Feb. 7, 2003). Small changes add up. Taking more steps and decreasing total calories each day can lead to big results over time.

The goal of September is to challenge everyone to experience just how easy it is to strike a healthy balance that can stop weight gain and enhance health. By joining AOM during the month of September, you will not only take a step to improve your own health, but you will also help support research and programs that combat childhood obesity.

Dental Hygienists Against Heart Disease (DHHD) has a new website! Go to PreventionSpecialist.com for registration information to participate in DHHD’s America on the Move group. I’ve attached a registration flyer for those of you who would like to invite family members, and friends to join our group. The first step is to buy a pedometer and start counting your daily steps. AOM provides you with 100 Ways to Add 2000 Steps and 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories, and you can track your progress online.

The DHHD website will promote monthly health observances related to oral health, tobacco cessation, obesity prevention, and diabetes prevention and management. The website includes “the best of” from Amy Nieves at AmyRDH.com, and the websites that I helped design for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the California Dental Hygienists’ Association.

DHHD activities will conclude this year with a 12-Week 10,000 Steps and Fitness Challenge beginning Monday, October 9 and continuing through Sunday, December 31, 2006. The upcoming holiday season can make it very difficult to start or stick with a fitness program, especially when most of us will have busier schedules, and not to mention, all that wonderful food! The 12-Week 10,000 Steps and Fitness Challenge will start you walking 15 minutes a day, and by New Year’s Eve you will have successfully added 60 minutes of walking into your daily routine. What a way to start the New Year.

Buy a pedometer, move more, eat smart, and celebrate September 2006!

C. Austin Risbeck, RDH
President
Dental Hygienists Against Heart Disease
www.preventionspecialist.com