Press: MFA Partners with NuStep, Inc. for the Fifth Annual Medical Fitness Week
February 28, 2009
ANN ARBOR, MI - The Medical Fitness Association (MFA), in conjunction with the MFA Education Committee, has teamed up with NuStep, Inc. to sponsor the Fifth Annual Medical Fitness Week, April 20–26, 2009. The goal of this MFA initiative is to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages and to highlight the medical fitness difference.
“As a supporter of the ‘Steppin’ Out...for a Lifetime’ National Walking Challenge since 2006, NuStep is pleased to see that interest and participation in the program has grown each year," said Steve Sarns, NuStep vice president of sales and marketing." Understanding the importance of physical activity in combating obesity and preventing chronic illnesses, NuStep enthusiastically endorses MFA's mission to motivate individuals to become active for life."
During this international event, medical fitness centers and communities are asked to offer programming that focuses on teaching families the skills they need to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Facilities participate in a number of ways including health-fairs, educational seminars, and open houses.
Many partners participate by entering in the "Steppin' Out...for a Lifetime" National Walking Challenge: 70,000 Steps in 7 Days. The National Walking Challenge encourages local communities to get up and move by striving for 70,000 steps in seven days from every participant. The challenge involves wearing a pedometer and tracking how many steps a day each person is achieving. Centers are encouraged to use this event as a fundraiser and donate all monies raised to local programs and scholarship funds in the fight against obesity or other health related issues.
“NuStep’s support of Medical Fitness Week and the National Walking Challenge assists the Medical Fitness Association in raising awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and exercise to prevent chronic disease. We thank NuStep for their commitment to the medical fitness industry and to this important initiative” said Cary Wing, EdD, Executive Director of the Medical Fitness Association.
During the past twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese. Medical Fitness Week will bring attention to the importance of medical fitness and physical activity in the fight against obesity and chronic disease.
About the Medical Fitness Association
The Medical Fitness Association (MFA) is a professional membership association and is the only organization dedicated to the medical fitness difference and integrated care as the prescription for better health. MFA serves facilities and professionals who are committed to promoting the benefits of health and fitness programs on lifestyle-related disease and making medical fitness programs and services available within their community.
A nonprofit organization founded in 1991, the MFA is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association and provides industry standards, educational programs, benchmarks, professional development and networking. To learn more about MFA or Medical Fitness Week, please call 804-897-5701 or visit www.medicalfitness.org.
About NuStep
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., NuStep, Inc. is the manufacturer of the NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainers. These patented machines were developed by exercise physiologists to help people stay in motion regardless of physical condition. The company's products are used at fitness, wellness and rehabilitation centers around the world, including the Mayo Clinic, the University of Michigan, the Cleveland Clinic and the Duke Center for Living. For more information, call 800-322-2209 or visit www.nustep.com.