Population-Based Physical Activity

According to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, people of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis. Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk for developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness in the United States, such as heart disease.

• Regular physical activity can also improve health in the following ways
   

• Reduces the risk for dying prematurely
   

• Reduces the risk for dying from heart disease
   

• Reduces the risk for developing diabetes
   

• Reduces the risk for developing high blood pressure
   

• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure
   

• Reduces the risk for developing colon cancer
   

• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety
   

• Helps control weight
   

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
   

• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling
   

• Promotes mental health and well-being

Although research has been limited, evidence so far indicates that aspects of the home, workplace, and community environments influence a person's level of physical activity. For example, the availability and accessibility of attractive stairwells, bicycle paths, walking paths, exercise facilities, and swimming pools, as well as the overall aesthetics of an environment, may play a role in determining the type and amount of physical activity people engage in.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease,

"Encouraging more activity can be as simple as establishing walking programs at schools, work sites and in the community. Some communities have an existing infrastructure that supports physical activity, such as sidewalks and bicycle trails, and worksites, schools, and shopping areas in close proximity to residential areas. In many other areas, such community amenities need to be developed to foster walking, cycling, and other types of exercise as a regular part of daily activity."