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Women's Health

Physical Activity

Publications and Materials

Below are selected publications and materials related to physical activity. Please note the year of publication may be later than the year(s) the data represent.

2009 Publications and Materials

Arthritis as a Potential Barrier to Physical Activity among Adults With Heart Disease- United States, 2005 and 2007 (2/27/09)
The results indicated that, for the 2 years combined, arthritis affected 57.4% of adults with heart disease (HD), compared with 27.4% of adults in the general population. Among adults with HD, the likelihood of physical inactivity was 30% greater compared with that of persons with HD but without arthritis, when adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and body mass index.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Physically Active Adults- United States, 2007 (1/27/09)
This report indicates that 64.5% of U.S. adults were classified as physically active in 2007, including 68.9% of men and 60.4% of women. Applying the HP2010 objectives to the same respondents, the percentage of U.S. adults overall in 2007 classified as physically active was 48.8%, including 50.7% of men and 47.0% of women.

2007 Publications and Materials

Prevalence of Regular Physical Activity among Adults- United States, 2001 and 2005 (12/20/07)
From 2001 to 2005, the prevalence of regular physical activity increased 8.6% among women overall and 3.5% among men.

Participation in High School Physical Education- Ontario, Canada, 1999-2005 (2/1/07)
PDF (p. 52) PDF
This report describes the results of an analysis which indicated a significant linear decrease from 1999 to 2005 in the percentage of students who were enrolled in PE. Female and older students were least likely to be enrolled in PE and to participate in vigorous physical activity during the average PE class. As in the United States, coordinated programs involving schools, communities, and policy makers are needed to provide effective PE for all youths in Ontario. During 1999-2005, male students were significantly more likely than female students to be enrolled in PE, attend PE class daily, and participate in vigorous physical activity during the average PE class.

Physical Activity among Adults- United States, 2000 and 2005 (2/1/07)
This report compares national estimates of physical activity, both usual daily activity and leisure-time physical activity, among adults based on responses to the physical activity questions found in the 2000 and 2005 National Health Interview Surveys. Between 2000 and 2005, there was little change in the percentage of adults engaging in usual daily activities and leisure-time physical activities.

Association Between Physical Activity and Proximity to Physical Activity Resources among Low-Income, Midlife Women (1/8/07)
PDF PDF
Results indicate the need for both individual and environmental intervention strategies to increase levels of physical activity among underinsured, midlife women.

Related Links

Physical Activity: Women’s Health Topics A-Z
View women’s health resources related to physical activity.

Fact Sheet: Physical Activity and Women
Learn more about physical activity and women.

Fact Sheets by Population: Physical Activity and Health
Learn more about physical activity and a variety of groups, including adolescents, adults, older adults, people with disabilities, and women.

Fast Stats A-Z: Exercise/Physical Activity
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/sgr.htm
View data and statistics on exercise/physical activity.

Easy Read How Parents Can Encourage Girls to Play Sports
View tips on how parents can encourage physical activity.

Easy Read Making Physical Activity Part of Your Life
Just knowing that physical activity is good for us doesn't mean that we'll easily be able to make it part of our daily routines—it's sometimes difficult to adopt new habits. But it's important to remember that you can start out slowly and work your way up to a higher level of activity. This site provides ideas for how to make physical activity part of your life and how to do it safely.

Nutrition and Physical Activity
Learn more about nutrition and physical activity.

Easy Read Physical Activity
Who ever said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous workouts that are painful and boring. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities you enjoy and look forward to. Do physical activity for enjoyment and watch the health benefits follow!

Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
Many Americans may be surprised at the extent and strength of the evidence linking physical activity to numerous health improvements. Most significantly, regular physical activity greatly reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Physical activity also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer; enhances mental health; fosters healthy muscles, bones and joints; and helps maintain function and preserve independence in older adults. Learn more.

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Content Source: CDC Office of Women's Health
Page last modified: August 18, 2010
Page last reviewed: August 18, 2010