Movement Matters: The Missing Piece in America's Health Policy
04/30/2025
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The absence of physical activity from critical national health policy conversations represents a profound failure of advocacy that demands immediate attention. In this eye-opening episode, our host, Michael Stack explores how the Department of Health and Human Services' recent announcement to combat chronic disease through "safe, wholesome food, clean water and elimination of environmental toxins" completely omitted any mention of movement or physical activity – one of the most powerful health intervention available to Americans.
This glaring oversight serves as a wake-up call for everyone passionate about movement and health. We simply aren't winning as a physical activity community when we remain invisible in national health policy conversations. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing that just 150 minutes of weekly movement delivers more health benefits than any other intervention of comparable time commitment, physical activity continues to be marginalized or completely forgotten in public health planning.
In this episode, we outline concrete steps for becoming effective advocates – from building relationships with local officials to engaging with state and federal representatives. The path forward requires both top-down organizational advocacy and grassroots engagement from passionate individuals willing to have conversations that elevate physical activity to its rightful place alongside food, water, and environmental factors. Until we secure our seat at the policy table, America's health will continue to suffer from this critical oversight.
Our Host: Michael Stack
Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions, the Michigan Moves Coalition and the More than Movement Foundation. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and the President of the Physical Activity Alliance. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the policy and system changes to ensure exercise professionals become an essential part of healthcare delivery.