Phit Act – John Mickelson's Soap Box

Join Thunderclap to #PassPhit

by Meredith Poppler

What is Thunderclap?
In our digital age, it is hard to be heard and capture people’s attention above all the noise. One person tweeting, calling or emailing can be the same as a person yelling across a full stadium to get the attention of someone on the other side. It is simply drowned out. But when the entire stadium yells the same message at the same time, not only is it heard, but it reverberates for miles. Thunderclap is a digital version of the entire stadium yelling the same message at the same time.

How Does Thunderclap Work? Continue reading “Join Thunderclap to #PassPhit” →

Message From John, Phit Act

John’s April Musings

Dear Soapbox Readers,

What a month this has been! The Superbowl / World Series all rolled up into one event called the IHRSA Convention. At the Petra-1 booth, we were slammed. Then add to the activity list in our attending the IHRSA Foundation mixer, Bill McBride’s reception and finally Augie’ Quest, we were running on fumes when I boarded the airplane on Saturday morning.

Next year the IHRSA Convention is in San Diego, one of my most favorite venues. Looking forward to seeing all of you at this spectacular event.

We have a number of articles in this issue and all of them worthy of your attention. It’s our mission to inform and inspire you to make a difference in those around you. You can make a difference and hopefully after you have reviewed the articles in this April issue, you will write me and let me know is we are motivating you in some small way to make a difference. Continue reading “John’s April Musings” →

IHRSA, Phit Act, Wellness

Supporting PHIT

Legislation That Will Make Physical Activity More Affordable and Accessible

Physical inactivity is the cause of 1 in 10 deaths worldwide. We are in the midst of an inactivity and obesity crisis which is costing billions of dollars in unnecessary healthcare expenditures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 86% of nationwide healthcare costs are used to diagnose and treat chronic diseases. Needless to say, something has to change! Decades of research prove that leading a physically active lifestyle is integral to good health. Simply put, an investment in staying physically active is an investment in staying well. And good health means lower healthcare costs. At a time when Americans are carrying the growing weight of their healthcare costs, they should have greater choice in how their healthcare dollars are spent. While America’s healthcare dilemma is complex and will require many solutions, passing PHIT will make staying physically active an easier and more affordable choice.

“The PHIT Act would make it easier for Americans and their families to prioritize health and wellness – and hopefully save money on future doctor visits.”

– PHIT co-sponsor Senator John Thune (R-SD)

The Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT – H.R.1267 and S.482) will allow Americans to use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos, and youth sports leagues. If passed, it will allow individuals to use up to $1,000 per year to cover these expenses and families to use up to $2,000 per year.

Continue reading “Supporting PHIT” →