The Road to Developing Public Policy

The Cooper Institute has engaged with public health advocates and coalitions at the local and federal level to advance policies such as physical fitness assessments, strengthening physical education requirements and ensuring strong tobacco policies are in place that protect our health. Now, how do we determine what policies to support, advocate for, and defend — that is where months of planning, research and strategy discussions play a key role?...

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Stay Healthy and Physically Active. In school, at home or anywhere.

Despite the complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project schools assessed with FitnessGram significantly improved aerobic capacity and muscle fitness of their students....

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Does Fitness Level in Midlife Translate to Developing Chronic Conditions in Later Life? The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

As the median age of the U.S. population continues to increase, there has been a growing emphasis on the concept of healthy aging. An important component of healthy aging is maintaining a moderate to high level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The Cooper Institute has reported on midlife CRF in 18,670 adults who were tested during a Cooper Clinic examination, and how their CRF impacted the risk of developing 8 chronic conditions later in life....

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87th Texas Legislature Success

The Cooper Institute advocacy efforts have been instrumental in the implementation of public health policies such as smoke-free ordinances, strengthening physical education standards, raising the age at which tobacco products may be purchased to ensuring our school lunches are healthy and nutritious....

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Do you Need Water or a Sports Drink during Physical Activity?

Everyone knows how important it is to stay hydrated during physical activity. So, which is better to use during activity, plain water or a sports drink? The answer depends on the situation. Read on to learn more!...

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Are Blood Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Related to an Increased Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men, with annual mortality of approximately 32,000. Nearly 175,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. per year. Read how fatty fish can benefit your cardiovascular health....

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Data Driven Research Continues to Impact Policy

Research and science are the foundation of The Cooper Institute and over the years, our research has provided an opportunity to engage in the arena of public policy....

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Legendary “Father of Aerobics” Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper Turned 90

Fitness pioneer and “father of aerobics” Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, celebrated his 90th birthday on Thursday, March 4. In honor of Dr. Cooper, who has inspired millions to exercise for good health, we challenged America and the world to commit to living healthier....

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Message from the CEO - Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upset the balance of our daily lives and added significant levels of stress and anxiety to the mix....

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Student Physical Activity Dropped Worldwide During COVID-19, Raising Concerns for Health

The Cooper Institute has published a new research study demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on Physical Education and physical activity across the nation during this time of remote learning. The observed decrease in physical activity puts our children at increased risk for obesity and the related health outcomes in the future....

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Can a Stroke Be Prevented?

Stroke, which is also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries of the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by plaque and blood clots (ischemic stroke), or when an artery in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Read on to learn what you can do to prevent stroke!...

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Does regular exercise really reduce the severity of COVID-19?

By now, everyone is aware of the many benefits associated with engaging in regular exercise on most days of the week. However, if you’re anything like me, the COVID-19 related gym closures and restricted access to common spaces used for exercise have caused a major shift in your exercise regimen....

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