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.

News

Regional

More News

Resources

Infographics

Regional

National

  • 2008 City Walk Score Rankings

    Source: walkscore.com

  • Safe Routes to School National Partnership

    Serving a diverse national community of organizations that advocates for and promotes the practice of safe bicycling and walking to and from schools throughout the United States.

  • President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

    Acts as a catalyst to promote healthy lifestyles through fitness, sports and nutrition programs and initiatives that educate, empower and engage Americans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

  • National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity

    Uniting the strengths of public, private, and industry efforts into collaborative partnerships that inspire and empower all Americans to lead more physically active lifestyles.

  • National Association for Health and Fitness

    Improving the quality of life for individuals in the United States and its territories through the promotion of physical fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles by fostering and supporting Governor's and State Councils on physical fitness and sports.

  • Bicycling and Walking in the United States 2010 Benchmarking Report

    Alliance for Biking and Walking, January 2010.

  • Action for Healthy Kids

    A volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by helping schools become healthier places and our kids learn to eat right, be active every day and be ready to learn.

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.

From the Blogs

Local Health Buzz