Leisure-Time Physical Activity
The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that regular physical activity, fitness, and exercise are critically important for the health and well-being of people of all ages. Physical inactivity is associated with premature mortality, obesity, and increased risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes mellitus. In the USA, women, older adults, and the majority of racial/ethnic minority populations have the greatest prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity.
Research has demonstrated that all individuals can benefit from regular physical activity. Mobility and functional health can be improved through physical activity – even for those who are very frail. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases. Millions suffer from chronic illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity. In the USA, currently 12.6 million people have coronary heart...
Suggested Readings
- Crespo, C. J., Keteyian, S. J., Heath, G. W., & Sempros, C. T. (1996). Leisure-time physical activity among US adults. Results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 156(1), 93–98.CrossRefPubMedGoogle Scholar
- Jones, W. K. (2003). Understanding barriers to physical activity is a first step in removing them. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 25(3Si), 2–4.CrossRefPubMedGoogle Scholar
- Solomon, C. G., & Manson, J. E. (1997). Obesity and mortality: A review of the epidemiologic data. American Journal of Clinical Nuturition, 66, 1044S–1050S.Google Scholar
Suggested Resources
- For information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/
- For information on the Let’s Move! campaign. http://www.letsmove.gov
- For information on the U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome
- For information on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/