Why It Matters
About 1 in 2 adults live with a chronic disease. About half of this group have two or more.
Only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases.
Getting enough physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths
It could also prevent:
1 in 8
cases of breast cancer
1 in 8
cases of colorectal cancer
1 in 12
cases of diabetes
1 in 15
cases of heart disease
in annual health care costs are associated with inadequate physical activity.
ECONOMIC
Building active and walkable communities can help:
- Increase levels of retail economic activity and employment
- Increase property values
- Support neighborhood revitalization
- Reduce health care costs
SAFETY
Walkable communities can improve safety for people who walk, ride bicycles, and drive.
WORKFORCE
Physically active people tend to take fewer sick days.
Benefits for Children
- Reduces risk of depression
- Improves aerobic fitness
- Improves muscular fitness
- Improves bone health
- Promotes favorable body composition
- Improves attention and some measures of academic performance (with school physical activity programs)
Benefits for Adults
- Lowers risk of high blood pressure
- Lowers risk of stroke
- Improves aerobic fitness
- Improves mental health
- Improves cognitive function
- Reduces arthritis symptoms
- Prevents weight gain
Benefits for Healthy Aging
- Improves sleep
- Reduces risk of falling
- Improves balance
- Improves joint mobility
- Extends years of active life
- Helps prevent weak bones and muscle loss
- Delays onset of cognitive decline
About 1 in 4 Young Adults is too heavy to serve in our military.
“Long-term military readiness is at risk unless a large-scale change in physical activity and nutrition takes place in America.”
Mission: Readiness
Military Leaders for Kids
