Active Living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into your daily routine. This can start with making small trips. An example is walking between stores instead of driving from one end of Main Street to the other. Walking and being more active can have a dramatic impact on your Health.
Why Active Living?
The overall financial burden of obesity in Minnesota in 2006 was estimated at 2.8 billion (MN Dept. Health). There are both direct and indirect costs associated with being overweight and obese. Direct costs are the higher medical costs associated with diagnosing , treating, and trying to prevent conditions related to being overweight or obese. Indirect costs include morbidity cost related to loss productivity, absenteeism, and premature death.
Physical inactivity is a serious public health problem in the United States, largely because it contributes to the development of certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and even falls in older adults. Inactivity affects all ages.
Quick Facts:
- People who live near trails are 50% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
- People who live in walkable neighborhoods are 2 times as likely to get enough physical activity as those who don’t.
- Teens who live in poor or mostly minority neighborhoods are 50% less likely to have a recreational facility near home.
- The number of children who are physically active outside is 84% higher when schoolyards are kept open for public play.
What can You Do?
You can influence the built environment and help create a culture that promotes Active Living.
Cities with Active Living Plans
If you have any questions, contact Maxwell Kaufman.