'76 Tons of Fun'

Mayor challenges city's residents to strive for better health

Through a program called "Fun, Fit, & Free!" Philadelphians are being taught how to live more healthfully. Dubbed the fattest city in America by Men's Fitness magazine in January, 2000, the newly elected mayor John F. Street made health and fitness a priority on his agenda. He appointed the city's first health and fitness czar, Gwendolyn Winston Foster, MPH, who quickly launched the "Fun, Fit, & Free!" program. Through the implementation of educational programs in schools and churches, public information outreach, and other initiatives, a noticeable change has taken place in the city.

"76 Tons of Fun" campaign

In February, Ms. Foster, in conjunction with the Philadelphia 76ers and several other major sponsors, launched the "76 Tons of Fun" campaign. Ten weekly health and fitness steps were implemented that had been successfully tested during "Fun, Fit, & Free!" health and fitness pilots. The 10 steps are: (1) select a buddy, (2) drink more water, (3) increase physical activity, (4) enjoy more fruits and vegetables, (5) eat foods high in fiber and vegetable protein, (6) take time to breathe deeply, (7) schedule time for rest and play, (8) adjust your eating schedule, (9) get adequate amounts of sunlight, and (10) give someone a reason to smile.

As of July 31, "76 Tons of Fun" touched the lives of 25,314 Philadelphia residents who accepted the challenge individually, through religious organizations, medical centers, fitness centers, schools, or work sites.

On July 3, a celebration was held in conjunction with the annual Mayor's Walk on Healthy Street and the "Fun, Fit, & Free!" annual festival. During this celebration, special recognition and awards were presented to Naomi Williams for having reported the most pounds lost (69 pounds) and she has stopped smoking; Keystone Mercy for being the corporate group reporting the most pounds lost (643 pounds); and the Department of Veterans Affairs for developing the most innovative "76 Tons of Fun" program for their employees.

" '76 Tons of Fun' has proven to be the most successful health-promotion campaign undertaken by the mayor's 'Fun, Fit, & Free!' health initiative," says Ms. Foster. "It involved a wide range of community-based organizations and corporate groups, and has proven to be a citywide effort for improved health."

Because of the vast number of organizations involved in the campaign, the mayor's office is working with statisticians from the University of Pennsylvania and others to help determine the total weight lost. Participants who signed up for "Fun, Fit, & Free!" will be surveyed to determine the effectiveness of the overall program.

The cities of Houston and Detroit, now ranked number one and two as the fattest cities in America by Men's Fitness magazine, have asked for advice about starting health and fitness programs.

"We received calls from all over the world with individuals, cities, and organizations wanting to replicate the challenge to help their constituents achieve improved health," Ms. Foster states. "The international media coverage of the campaign has assisted in getting the word out as to what Philadelphia is seeking to do to help its residents experience better health."

Ms. Foster is a 1977 graduate of the School of Public Health and a long-time member of the LLUAHSC and LLU Boards of Trustees.

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