AAFP Partners with PepsiCo to Support Fitness Initiative and Provide Patients with Educational Materials

LEAWOOD, Kan. – The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is pleased to announce that its fitness initiative, Americans in Motion (AIM), has partnered with PepsiCo, Inc. in the AAFP’s 10-year effort designed to improve the physical activity, nutrition and emotional well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Nearly 60 million adults in the United States (one in three of all adults) are classified as obese, according to the latest data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. With these statistics in mind, the AAFP continues to seek new and innovative ways to reach the public with health, fitness and wellness information. The AAFP welcomes partners such as PepsiCo who support family physician’s efforts to fight the battle against obesity.

PepsiCo, Inc. has provided the AAFP with financial support for its AIM initiative and an educational grant for the development and distribution of patient education posters for display in the physician office and a companion tear pad with health tips on adopting healthier lifestyles to distribute to patients. PepsiCo’s support of the AIM initiative is in conjunction with its Smart Spot program, part of its ongoing commitment to health and wellness. Launched in August 2004, the Smart Spot symbol is designed to help U.S. consumers identify food and beverage choices that contribute to healthier lifestyles – now found on more than 100 PepsiCo products.

“By partnering with organizations such as PepsiCo, we achieve two goals – educating our patients and the public on health and food choices, and encouraging the food industry to provide healthy food options for consumers,” says Michael Fleming, M.D., AAFP past president. “PepsiCo recognizes the contribution they can make toward a healthier America. By working together, we have the potential to help millions of Americans make healthier nutritional choices.”