Governor Newsom Launches New Fitness and Mental Wellness Advisory Council with Co-Chairs First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and 10-time Professional Player Ronnie Lott – The Pine Tree

Bakersfield, California … With California’s economy fully reopened and most COVID-19 restrictions lifted in gyms and fitness centers, Gov. Gavin Newsom today announced the Governor’s Advisory Council on the condition Physical and Mental Wellness, a new advisory board tasked with exploring healthy strategies to ensure Californians can thrive. With a particular focus on the physical and mental health of children, the Advisory Board will be led and convened by first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, whose California for ALL Kids initiatives support the physical, mental and socio-emotional well-being of children, and Pro Football Hall of Famous Inductee Ronnie Lott.

“As California reopens, we must address the impacts of this pandemic on fitness and mental health,” Gov. Newsom said. “Today, with California premier partner and football legend Ronnie Lott, we are launching an advisory board that will focus on fitness and wellness, two issues that require long-term commitment and strategy to ensure that our residents, especially our youth, get the physical exercise and personal care they need to thrive.

The governor was joined today at an In-Shape health center in Bakersfield by the first partner from California, who was a Division 1 athlete as an undergraduate student at Stanford University, as well as a member of the national junior women’s football team.

“Through the Governor’s Advisory Council, we will help ensure that Californians of all ages – but especially children and youth – are mentally and physically healthy, and able to thrive in all aspects of their lives.” , said the first partner. “After all, a healthy California starts with healthy children and families.”

“As a professional athlete, I’ve always done my best on and off the court,” said Ronnie Lott, who helped secure four Super Bowl wins for the San Francisco 49ers. “By integrating fitness and mental wellness into the lives of our young people, we will give them some of the skills and support that have helped me throughout my career as a professional athlete.”

The advisory board will include representatives from health and wellness organizations, youth sports programs, education, the entertainment and fitness industry, and others from across the state. Among the activities of the Council are:

• Tips on developing fitness and wellness goals for Californians of all ages.
• Advise on methods to educate all age groups, especially children and youth, on how physical activity, sport, nutrition and mental well-being contribute to healthy living and productive.
• Encourage intergenerational fitness activities, including the use of physical activity and sport to strengthen families.
• Facilitate collaboration between federal, state and local agencies, education, business and industry, the private sector and others in the promotion of physical activity and mental well-being.

“On behalf of the California Fitness Alliance, we’re excited to work with Governor Newsom and the New Fitness Council to make California the healthiest state in the country. Together, we will continue our mission of providing equitable access to fitness for all Californians while educating them about the mental and physical benefits of exercise and motivating them to move, ”said Francesca Schuler, co-founder of California Fitness Alliance and CEO of Fitness Health Clubs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life attitudes related to physical activity, sport, nutrition and wellness are formed early in life, and the establishment of healthy eating and physical habits during childhood is essential to prevent chronic disease in adulthood. Activities that promote physical health support children’s mental health, their social and emotional learning, as well as their academic and personal success. Specifically, participating in regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing depression in children and adults and can improve many symptoms experienced by people with depression.

The Advisory Board will be composed of a maximum of 15 members, who will be appointed at a later date.

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