The month of February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association has a "Go Red for Women" campaign ( http://www.ncpad.org/659/2692/2004-02-01#1 ) designed for women to make their health a priority. Participants will receive e-cards and can register for the free "Choose to Move" and "Simple Solutions" programs, which helps teach healthy eating and exercise habits. Also see the International Council on Active Aging's American Heart Month support package with information on heart disease. Go to http://www.ncpad.org/659/2692/2004-02-01#2 to download posters, facts about heart disease, as well as resources and downloadable tools.

Make plans for sending your child to camp this summer with the useful "Discover Camp" guide now on NCPAD's Web site at http://www.ncpad.org/discover/index.html. Sections include information on preparing for camp, frequently asked questions, and resources for finding a camp.

By observing formal physical therapy sessions, caregivers can develop a better understanding of postures and exercises that are appropriate and comfortable for the family member, and help develop daily exercise routines as well as understand correct alignment and positioning (The Women's Center at Premier HealthCare Newsletter, p. 11).

22% of adults are considered obese in the U.K., followed by 13% in Spain, and 11% in Finland. The U.S. is one of the most obese nations in the world at a staggering rate of 31%, and obesity increases in other countries are associated with an infiltration of American-style fast foods. Though this study shows that only 15% of the U.S. children are obese, compared to 36% of Italian children, 30% of children in Spain, and 22% of the children in the U.K. (USA Today, November 18, 2003, 13A; International Obesity Task Force; Organization of Economic and Cultural Development), other studies indicate that American children are heavier and less active than their international counterparts. Vincent et al. (2003) found that American children had BMI calculations between 33-36%, compared to Swedish children at 16-17%, and Australian children at 14-16% (http://www.ncpad.org/126/1023/Activity~Levels~and~Body~Mass~Index~of~Children). The London-based International Association for the Study of Obesity ( http://www.ncpad.org/659/2692/2004-02-01#3) is working with the World Health Organization to address some of these issues.