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LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS |
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Physical Activity Opportunities in Park Improve Health & Reduce Obesity
Obesity and related conditions such as diabetes are an epidemic problem across the country, which cost the US $123 billion in 2001 (University of Virginia).
- Creation of places for physical activity, such as parks, produces a 48.4% increase in the frequency of physical activity (Sherer, 2003).
- Active park users were less likely to be overweight than those who used parks for passive activities or not at all (Study of Cleveland Park Users, Published in Parks & Recreation Magazine).
- Proximity to parks and tree lined streets appeared to have the greatest impact on the lives of study participants, even when taking into account factors known to affect longevity, such as gender, marital status, income and age (American Planning Association, 2003).
- If adults became physically active, the potential savings could be $76.6 billion (ThePhysician and Sportsmedicine, October 2000).
- Strong evidence shows that when people have access to parks, they exercise more. (Why America Needs More City parks & Open Space, Trust for Public Land, 2003)
- Overweight and obesity are epidemic problems across the country, and related conditions such as diabetes are on the rise. Scientists attribute these worrisome trends to two factors: more calories consumed, and fewer calories burned.
- 16% of young people, ages 6 - 16 are overweight - three times the percentage in 1970
- Obesity costs the U.S. $123 billion in 2001, including direct health care costs for diseases related to obesity and indirect costs, such as loss of economic productivity, according to an analysis by the University of Virginia.
- A study of park users in Cleveland, published in P&R magazine, include:
- Active park users were less likely to be overweight than those who used the park for passive activities or did not use the park at all.
- Active park use negatively related to visits to physicians other than routine checkups
- The level of physical activity was the strongest predictor of lower blood pressure.
- A study in October 2000 issue of The Physician and Sports Medicine found that physically active individuals had lower annual direct medical costs than inactive people. The cost difference was $330 per person - if adults became physically active, the potential savings could be $76.6 billion in 2000 dollars.
- Experts recommend that children engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day - it is reported that 50% of young people 12-21 do not. (Center for Disease Control)
- Creation of or enhanced access to places for physical activity, such as parks, produces a 48.4% increase in the frequency of physical activity. People who engage in regular physical activity benefit from reduced risk of coronary heart disease, weight loss and favorable redistribution of body fat, healthier cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine system and many more health benefits (Sherer, 2003).
- Exercise is more beneficial, leading to enhanced tranquility, and reduced anxiety and depression, when it occurs in natural settings, like parks. (American Planning Association, 2003)
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