TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Robert Moser appointed six new members to the Governor’s Council on Fitness, with three-year terms beginning in 2014.

“We appreciate the time and expertise these talented new members are giving to promote physical activity and other healthy choices to enhance the health of Kansans,” he said in a news release

One of the new council members is Quinter physician Dr. Douglas Gruenbacher.

Gruenbacher earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Kansas State University and a medical degree from the University of Kansas. He practices as a full spectrum family medicine physician in Quinter.

Gruenbacher represented the American Academy of Pediatrics as a torch bearer in the 2012 London Olympics.

Mary Jo Halfiger, Wakeeney, also serves on the board from northwest Kansas.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use. The GCOF hosted the Kansas Summit on Obesity in 2012 and 2013 to generate recommendations for improving health across the state. Last year, the council launched the Get Active Kansas campaign through a network of more than 100 Physical Activity Champions. For more information, visit www.kansasfitness.org.