~ State Site

In January 2005, the California Nutrition Network established Regional Nutrition Networks in 11 regions throughout California. The Regions are striving to build relationships to enable, encourage, and adopt healthy eating and physical activity lifestyles. To assist in the accomplishments of this goal, Physical Activity Specialists (PA Specialists) were also established to integrate PA into nutrition education activities and programs (PDF).

The PA Specialists are charged with the task of integrating physical activity into all Network-funded nutrition education efforts and programs that work with the Regional Nutrition Networks, The California Fruit and Vegetables Campaigns, Local Incentive Award Programs, Faith-based programs, Food Security Initiatives, and other Special Projects.

Primary actions and responsibilities of the PA Specialist include:

• Being the primary contact and resource person for physical activity promotion and integration.
• Creation or modification of a regional physical activity and nutrition resource directory that includes information on low-cost and accessible community physical activities.
• Implementing Nutrition and Physical Activity education forums including information from PA agencies and PA resources listed in the Directory.
• Empower and train others on physical activity integration and resources by providing technical assistance and conducting “train the trainer” events.
• Be up to date on current physical activity recommendations, requirements, programs, curriculum, statistics, literature, and events.
• Provide the connection and relationship between physical activity and nutrition.
• Extend the work of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to Network partners.

Contact

Physical Activity Integration is administered through the Sonoma County Family YMCA .