On September 30, 2003, in an address to the AAFP's Congress of Delegates, President Michael O. Fleming, M.D., issued a personal challenge to AAFP members to take steps to improve their own health.
In the address to the Congress of Delegates, Dr. Fleming stated,
"Public health is one of our strategic priorities, and we are developing a program that addresses a serious health concern in our country. That problem is obesity. To help combat this health epidemic, our Commission on Public Health is developing a new program called Americans in Motion - AIM. AIM will give family physicians tools to help their patients, their families and their communities fight obesity. A unique component of Americans in Motion is that we will challenge family physicians themselves to live healthier lives. I am making a personal commitment to accept this challenge. I have committed our Academy to act - to join in the fight against the epidemic of obesity. I urge each of you to join me. Be a role model for your patients, your family and your community by living a healthier life. Let's walk the talk!
"I expect a great deal from me. I commit that when I stand here again next year to address you, there will have been a change. I will still be big in heart and big in the enthusiasm to serve you, but because of my commitment to AIM there will be less of me to speak to you."
In challenging members to live a more active and healthy lifestyle, Dr. Fleming and his wife have also made personal commitments to improving their own health and wellness. Dr. Fleming has made a commitment to:
Walk the Talk
- Wear a pedometer and aim to walk 10,000 steps each day.
- Use a personal scale to monitor his Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Enroll in the Active Lifestyle Program, a program of the U.S. President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports that urges citizens to participate in at least 30 minutes of activity five days a week for six consecutive weeks.
Enroll in the Active Lifestyle Program
-- This program of the U.S. President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports urges citizens to participate in at least 30 minutes of activity five days a week for six consecutive weeks. (Note: When enrolling, please use the group ID number, which is 4666, and the group ID name, which is AIM.)
It's time to 'walk the talk' and lead healthier lives, says Fleming
-- Article on the AIM initiative from the November 2003 post-Assembly edition of FP Report.
Tell Us Your Story
Tell us more about your efforts to stay healthy. -- Send us an email and tell us your story.
Step 1: Physicians
Dr. Fleming's Challenge
