Physical activity

Physical activity is a key to good health

Being physically active is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  

Physical activity guidelines are detailed in the recently released Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Everyone has a different way to be active and Move Your Way has numerous tips for adults and parents on how to get moving.

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Adults need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity 2 days a week. Kids and teens need at least 60 minutes of activity every day that include muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities.

The American Heart Association also provides tips on how to meet these guidelines. Every Body Walk! is a documentary about walking and America Walks is a website that promotes walking events through out the United States. Another good resource for information on the benefits of activity is Tips to Help You Get Active.

Here are some ways we’re promoting physical activity for adults and children

  • Walk, Run, Ride or Roll - Physical activity improves health and reduces stress. Whether you walk, run, ride or roll, consistent activity reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and depression.
  • Safe routes to school - Schools and community partners are helping children walk and bike to school safely, reduce congestion around schools and improve air quality. 
  • Complete Streets - Making streets more walkable, bikeable, accessible to people with disabilities and better access to public transportation.

For more information, contact the Chronic Disease Prevention team.