Be Active NYS's Co -founder Phil Haberstro (Buffalo NY) participated in the US National Physical Activity Plan launch event held May 3rd at the National Press Club . Haberstro expreseed hope that the National Physical Activity Plan will inspire resource support and action nationally while helping to guide State and local health promotion initiatives. During the event Phil encouraged attendees at the Plan launch to work with organizations (like the National Civic League www.NCL.org) that understand "CIVIC Life' , how to build sustainable grass roots capacity, foster leadership development and create community policies and environments that complement personal responsibility in supporting physically active lifestyles. Recent leadership addressing obesity by First Ladty Obama and Federal National health systen reform policy (that includes provisons supporting prevention and health promotion) complement the multi stakeholder team effort that developed (and wil implement) this first ever US NATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLAN . Taken together these national and local inititives ensure new resources for a powerful game changing focus on health promotion initiatives that will improve health and manage unsustainable sickness care costs Shifting the NATIONAl Health system paradigm to one that strategically values both the the health promtion and quality sickness care components of the US health syetm is essential to improving the health of Americans at all stages of their lives The human ,economuc ,environmemtal and social benefits of regular physical activity are well documented and ,in tandem, with good nuttrion provide a foundation to ensure a healthy America- Haberstro noted "Our challenge and solution ,,is both personal and societal Be Active NYS 's DANE HART (Albany NY ) has also been active in shaping the US National Plan and former Western New York resident Dr Russ Pate is Chair of the National Physical Activity Plan Coordinating Committee. Haberstro can be reached at 716 583-0521 or visit www.BeActiveNYS,org for National Plan up dates