Physical Activity
Physical activity improves respiratory, cardiovascular and overall health, and promotes strong muscles and bones. 80% of Americans are not getting enough exercise for optimal health. There are many barriers that people face when it comes to physical activity. The top reported barriers to physical activity include lack of time, interest, and enjoyment, as well as social and self-esteem factors. Those who live in low socioeconomic areas are more likely to face barriers to physical activity.
People in low socioeconomic areas are more likely to have poor health and life expectancy than people who live in high socioeconomic areas. Urban planning, financial constraint, work-life integration, community engagement, social support, and psychological factors lead to the barriers that those who live in low socioeconomic areas face when it comes to physical activity. Barriers to physical exercise include lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, fear of injury and lack of resources. More research about physical activity among adults with low socioeconomic status is needed, especially in industrialized countries. Increased physical activity among those with low socioeconomic status has potential to increase health and well-being of people, yet unfortunately increasing physical activity is an often-overlooked strategy.
Increasing access to physical activity can improve the quality of life and health of Americans of all ages. The CDC guide to strategies to increase physical activity in the community provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase physical activity in the community. In order to increase physical activity at a community-based level, environmental change and policy-related activity needs to take place to promote the benefits of physical activity.
Resources & Tools
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Bright Spot: Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More (Faithful Families)
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
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Bright Spot: A New Leaf... Choices for Healthy Living
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
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Bright Spot: Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH)
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
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Bright Spot: OSNAP Initiative: Strategies to Increase Drinking Water Access
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States
Resource
Published on 07/24/2009
Bright Spot: Centralized Wellness Referral Center-Linking Clinics to Community Resources
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
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Bright Spot: Healthy Lifestyles Challenge-"Get a Lifestyle!"
Resource - Model Policy
Brought to you by 100MHL
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Exercise is Medicine On Campus Action Guide
Resource - Guide/handbook
Brought to you by American College of Sports Medicine
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Step it Up! The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities
Resource
Brought to you by Office of the Surgeon General of the United States
As Insurers Offer Discounts For Fitness Trackers, Wearers Should Step With Caution
Story - Written
Brought to you by NPR
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise: How Physical Activity Can Help You Become Less Anxious, Depressed and Stressed
Story
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Original
Brought to you by Community Commons
Seattle to permanently close 20 miles of streets to traffic so residents can exercise and bike on them
Story - Written
Brought to you by CNN
Faster. Slower. How We Walk Depends on Who We Walk With, and Where We Live.
Story - Written
Brought to you by NYT
Rethinking Sidewalks and Streets in the Midst of COVID-19
Story - Written
Brought to you by National League of Cities
Parks for All People: Addressing Legacies of Racism, Displacement, and Exclusion in National Parks
Story
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Original
Brought to you by Community Commons
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