Physical Fitness

There are many components to a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, healthy environments, avoiding tobacco, and regular exercise. Exercise is one factor that can help prevent obesity, and it helps fight chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular exercise is also connected to our psychological health, as it can improve our mood and boost energy levels. And for some, it might even be the answer to a good night’s sleep. Americans get less exercise now than ever, yet the need may be the greatest as rates of obesity and chronic diseases are at all time highs.

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Facts

  • In 1969, approximately 50% of children walked or bicycled to school, with approximately 87% of children living within one mile of school walking or bicycling. In 2009 only 13% of schoolchildren walked or biked to school.

    Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership: http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/quickfacts

  • Kids are less active today, and 23% of children get no free time physical activity at all.

    Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership: http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/quickfacts

  • In 2008, 25% of Kansans and 27% of Missourians indicated that they did not allot any time for leisure physical activity.

    U.S. Physical Activity Statistics 2008, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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