Why It Matters
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Only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases.
About 1 in 2 adults live with a chronic disease. About half of this group have two or more.
Physical Activity Saves Lives and Protects Health
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
Not Getting Enough Physical Activity Costs Money
in annual health care costs are associated with inadequate physical activity.
Physical Activity Benefits Communities
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.
Physical Activity Builds a Healthy and Strong America
Benefits for Children
- 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
- 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
Impact on Military Readiness
About 1 in 4 Young Adults are 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
- Page last reviewed: August 21, 2018
- Page last updated: August 21, 2018
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