The PHIT Act Takes a Step in the Right Direction Getting Proactive About the Inactivity Epidemic
While the PHIT initiative isn’t new — the original bill was introduced over a decade ago — the bill has finally picked up momentum and recently passed in the House. If it gets passed in the Senate and approved by the president, it will become law. The World Health Organization reports that every $1 invested in physical activity in the U.S. would save $3.20 in medical costs, and supporters of the PHIT Act see the bill as a way to make it easier for Americans to access fitness-related resources by allowing them to treat physical inactivity as a health issue. Jim Worthington, Newton Athletic Club owner and International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association chair, said, “[The] PHIT act has always made sense. The reality is that to control costs, you have to be proactive and not reactive, and the way our health care system is set up, we’re treating illness instead of preventing it. PHIT prevents illness. That’s our life’s work. That’s why we’re in the industry — to make people’s lives better.” Find more information about PHIT America and the PHIT Act at phitamerica.org. Then get proactive and call your senator to let them know you want the PHIT Act to pass.
The rise of technology has introduced advancements in many areas of life, but one crucial part of healthy living has taken a severe hit: physical activity. Since kids started using smartphones, playing outside
has become less appealing than watching a popular YouTube channel or playing Candy Crush. According to research from Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) America, only 7 percent of kids in the U.S. meet the standards for activity set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This inactivity pandemic is exactly the problem the PHIT Act aims to address. The PHIT Act is a health-related tax incentive that would allow taxpayers to take money from their flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) to spend on health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos, and youth sports leagues. As it currently stands, funds from these accounts can only be used for medical expenses, like doctor visits and medications. If the PHIT Act goes into effect, individual taxpayers will be able to take up to $1,000 a year from these accounts to pay for fitness-related expenses; families will be able to spend up to $2,000 a year. Have a Laugh!
Paleo Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Inspired by paleohacks.com
• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut cream, chilled • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 2 cups almond or coconut milk • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, bring almond or coconut milk to a boil. 2. Once boiling, remove from heat and gradually stir in cocoa and vanilla until well-combined. 3. To make whipped cream, remove coconut cream from refrigerator and pour into a large bowl; whisk with an electric mixer. Add coconut sugar and mix well. 4. Pour hot chocolate into a mug, top with whipped cream, and enjoy.
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