The Lifestyle Chronicles - NGA Healthy America Forum

I returned today from the winter meeting of the National Governors Association. The weekend was devoted to the 2006 Healthy America Forum. Objectives of the forum and the follow-up are to educate, motivate and guide gubernatorial action to improve the wellness of all Americans. The governors, members of their staff and their invitees participated (I was invited by Governor Sanford as a representative of SC).

The two days consisted of sharing best practices for improving wellness where people live, work and learn. Discussions centered on facilitating healthy choices in communities, implementing model programs and policies at public and private worksites and using the public education system to improve child nutrition and physical fitness.

The governors are in a unique position to play a positive role in helping Americans change behaviors and choose healthier lifetyles. Individually and as a group they appear to be commited to this purpose. Listed below are the governors serving as a Task Force to accomplish the objectives.

Mike Huckabee
Governor of Arkansas
NGA Chairman

Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona
NGA Vice Chair

Mark Sanford
Governor of South Carolina

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California

Tom Vilsack
Governor of Iowa

Phil Bredesen
Governor of Tennessee

Over the next week or so, I will be reporting to you about different aspects of the forum. Please share with me any thoughts you have about this effort. Also, contact members of the task force and your governor about thoughts regarding this project, and copy me so I can follow-up (marcusnewberry(at)charter(dot)com). I think the governors have an excellent opportunity to accomplish something and I will do anything possible to assist. It can't be done without your involvement.

Also, I saw Arnold and listened to his presentation from a choice seat in the front row but did not get the chance to meet him.

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