Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIn July 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the President's Council on Youth Fitness to promote public awareness of the importance of exercise at a young age. Since then the council has continually expanded its reach, and this year, in an effort spearheaded by Michelle Obama, it was renamed the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition in order to emphasize the country's epidemic of childhood obesity. The council's co-chairs, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, were kind enough to carve out time between wall sits and pull-ups to discuss the council's goals and specific initiatives.
On Friday, I brought you my conversation with Drew Brees, where we chatted about specific guidelines for parents and kids for incorporating fitness and proper nutrition. Today, I present my conversation Brees' co-chair, Dominique Dawes, with a focus on one of the Council's most important initiative, "Let's Move," and how all Americans can earn a John Hancock from a guy you may have heard of -- President Barack Obama.
Melissa Jacobs: What was your first reaction when you received the news that the President was interested in you as co-chair of his Council?
Dominique Dawes: It was a call from the White House informing me that the President had selected me to be on the President's Council but also had recommended me to be co-chair. My initial response was not a "yes" right away because I really wanted to know what the responsibilities would entail and, at 34, I've realized that I can say no to things. But once they told me what my role would be and who my co-chair would be (Drew Brees), I was on board right away. I knew I could commit to what they were asking for and any focus on fitness, sport and nutrition is right up my alley. This has been my focus since my 1996 Olympic win.
MJ: We're celebrating the one-year anniversary of the "Let's Move" initiative that you've been heavily involved in within the Council. What are the program's biggest successes thus far?
DD: Some people have wondered whether we can really measure success with "Let's Move," and I would have to say "yes" because we've done a phenomenal job galvanizing communities. ... 500 mayors signed up to get their communities more physically fit and active and to make smarter choices when it comes to nutrition. Also, there's a "Let's Move" faith building campaign, where the First Lady has rallied faith based communities involved, and understanding that for many people church is like a second home and can focus a great deal on positive lifestyle changes when it comes to physical fitness and nutrition. There's also the Child Nutrition Bill where schools are replacing a lot of the sugary snacks and sodas with healthier options. It's especially important since kids today spend a good six or seven hours a day in school. So parents can't preach to kids about smart choices if when they go to school they're given a majority of unhealthy choices.
Courtesy of PCFSN Dominique Dawes has found her calling as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.MJ: While our generation may be getting more health conscious, how do you get the parents who have turned a blind eye to nutrition to suddenly become better examples?
DD: The thing is our generation, and like I said I'm 34, is healthier but I wouldn't say we are truly healthy. On the President's Council we don't only focus on kids but the need for adults to make smart lifestyle changes, and what I love to preach to parents is to be good role models. Don't preach about the importance of eating healthier food options, yet you're constantly going through the drive-thru and choosing unhealthy options. And of course I understand the advantage of quick meals that drive-thrus offer, but make those smarter choices. Get the grilled chicken. Get the apple slices instead of the fries every now and then. Take the time to make a meal and sit down with your kids. When it comes to physical activity, I know families today are limited with time. But if they find ways to engage their kids by walking or running together or going to their local park, that would be a way to have their life focused on something a little more positive.
MJ: Is there anything a non-parent can do to be involved with the "Let's Move" initiative?
DD: Everyone can get involved. You can go to "Let's Move's" website. Also, individuals can work hard to earn their PALA award, which stands for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. The way an adult can earn this award is by logging in to the website, and as long as they workout or do some type of physical activity for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for six weeks, they will then earn their PALA award, which is actually a signed certificate by the President of the United States. That in and of itself is very motivating and can really jump start someone's fitness routine, even as an adult. Just the other day I was Facebooking and tweeting and telling my followers to follow me and celebrate "Let's Move," and one lady, Kelli Knight, wrote back to tell me how great the program is and how she lost 60 pounds just by PALA program. I was pretty shocked to hear her individual story, and more and more stories have come in where people are saying these programs are making a difference.
MJ: What has it been like working with the Obamas?
DD: Well, the President is very passionate about ensuring that Americans are making smarter choices when it comes to physical activity and nutrition. The good thing about the First Family is they're not only talking the talking but walking the walk. When they first got into the White House, one of the first things they did was create an organic garden and a playground set outside for their kids, so it was really about nutrition and activities for them personally. Each and every time I've had an opportunity to work with the President or the First Lady they've been very passionate and very appreciative of the work that myself and the other council members have given to this cause. And I must say, the First Lady is so down to Earth that when I first did an event with to kick off my role as co-chair, she was out wearing nice clothes yet jumping rope with me along with young kids at a D.C. school. I love how the First Lady is so hands on -- I mean there's footage of her playing football, jumping rope, running, skipping and playing with the kids. I think that they are both such good role models is what matters most.
MJ: What are some of the non-governmental activities you've been up recently?
DD: (Laughing) Non-government? I've been doing motivational speaking for quite some time. I truly think that's my second calling and passion for me to do right now. It's funny because people say they do work that they themselves actually need. It is so true because after my speaking engagements, I feel so much more motivated and inspired. Also, I'm the co-host of a show on Yahoo! News called Weekend Edition where I focus on fitness, sports and wellness. Getting the opportunity to co-host this show and talk about issues that are very important to me has been great. And last thing, I still do gymnastic clinics at clubs throughout the nation.
MJ: Keep up the great work, Dominique and thanks for the time today.
DD: Thank you.
