::Publisher’sWelcome
A Plague onBoth TheirHouses Hold that thought: A good idea emerges to improve America’s health!
Nice idea, right? Butwith the national debt
as high as it is, can Congress afford to pass yet another tax break? A better question is, can it afford not to?
Consider this: Primary prevention—that is, deterring the onset of disease before it occurs—is the most efficient, cost-effective way to stem the tide of chronic disease.
Today, almost half of American adults suffer fromat least one chronic illness. According to the Partnership to Fight ChronicDisease, virtually allMedicare spending—96 cents of every dollar—is spent on chronic disease care and
treatment.That adds up to billions!
Onmost days of the year, the actions of
our nation’s politicians—Democrats and Republicans alike—seemto defy common sense and civility. Case in point: the debt- ceiling fiasco this summer. Therewas, however, one recentmoment
when common sense prevailed inWashington. On July 26, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas,with bipartisan support, introducedThe Personal Health InvestmentToday (PHIT) Act in the U.S.House of
Representatives.The PHIT Act (H.R. 2649)would significantly reduce physical fitness costs for the American public. PHIT would allowindividuals to pay for various physical activitieswith pretax dollars from a tax-favored account. As a health-clubmember, youwould be
allowed to use pretax health savings accounts to pay for yourmembership and portions of the costs of fitness equipment, just as you may currently use these accounts to pay for prescriptionmedications and doctor visits.
According to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, 80%of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes cases—aswell as 40% of cancer cases—could be avoided if people simply exercisedmore, ate a healthier diet and stopped smoking.
Bymaking fitnessmore affordable, PHIT would encouragemore Americans to exercise—one of themost effective forms of primary prevention.
Congress has a choice: It can sit idly by as
America’s health-care costs continue to sky- rocket, or it can take a simple step to encourage primary prevention and healthier living. PHIT is needed. Let’s pass it now!
Yours in health,
ABOUT IHRSA The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a nonprofit trade association representing health clubs, fitness facilities and industry suppliers worldwide.Every day IHRSA members help millions of people obtain better health through
exercise.To find a quality IHRSA club, visit
healthclubs.com. The health club industry’s premier event, IHRSA's 31st Annual International Convention & Trade Show,will be held in Los Angeles from March 14–17, 2012.
CEO&PRESIDENT JoeMoore
BOARDOFDIRECTORS ArtCurtis Chairperson MillenniumPartners Sports Club Management
ChuckRunyon Anytime Fitness, Inc.
DavidHardy Franvest Capital Partners Fitness Industry Council of Canada
Kilian Fisher Kilian Fisher Leisure Solutions
Kay Yuspeh Elite Sports Clubs
BillMcBride Club One, Inc.
RichardBilton Companhia Athletica
CarolNalevanko DMB Sports Clubs
BrentDarden TELOS Fitness Center
ScottGillespie Saco Sport&Fitness
Christian Pierar De Fitness Organisatie
Jay Ablondi Publisher
GETACTIVE! Join a nationwide effort to support positive health policy, such as PHIT (H.R.2649).Go to
healthclubs.comand click on “Exercise YourRights” to send a powerfulmessage toWashington.
Jasmin Kirstein My Sportlady Fitness
Robert Brewster The Alaska Club
David Patchell-Evans Ex-officio GoodLife Fitness Clubs
GET ACTIVE! 1
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