American College of Sports Medicine American Fitness Index™
NIFA formalized a partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index™ (AFI) program as an AFI National Health Promotion Partner. AFI’s emphasis, along with its community focus, closely aligns with the NIFA strategic goal to improve the nation’s nutrition, health, and quality of life. These goals are implemented by NIFA principally through partnerships with the Land-Grant University, Cooperative Extension System (CES). Through these partnerships, the delivery of community-based nutrition education helps individuals, families, and communities make informed choices about food and healthy lifestyles. CES nutrition and health education programs incorporate physical activity guidance into curriculum and training materials. In addition, efforts are underway to reach out to community leaders to better support active, healthy lifestyles to improve quality of life and well-being of community residents.
Working in partnership with the ACSM, NIFA nationally and CES in states and communities benefit from AFI programming, resources, and advocacy efforts related to preventive health, health care, and policies supportive of physical activity. As a result, extension specialists, educators, and others can effectively serve as community and county resources to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of individuals and families in many of the top 50 metro areas identified in the AFI through effective programming on healthy lifestyles.
Visit ACSM AFI™ Web site for more information
Community Action Guide: useful to Cooperative Extension staff in the states and counties. This guide provides an overview of the critical factors related to effective community action and suggests practical tools and resources. Many of these tools and resources listed in this document provide detailed “how-to” information. Most are available free and online. Hyperlinks are included.
Contact Shirley Gerrior, NIFA national program leader in the Families, 4-H, and Nutrition Unit, for additional information.
Back to Nutrition Home Page |
