WIN Wyoming

Thought Bullets
for
October 1999

October’s thought bullets come from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site on Nutrition and Physical Activity <http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa>.

• Chronic diseases account for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the United States. Sixty percent of the total medical care expenditures go for the treatment and care of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases have on enormous impact on decreased quality of life for millions of Americans.

• At the turn of the century, the life expectancy for Americans was 45 years. Today it is 75 years (67% increase). Researchers believe 5 years of the 30-year gain can be attributed to advances in medicine. The other 25 years are attributed to advancements in public health including sanitation, immunization, and improved housing.

• Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating have critical impacts on health. Only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths in the United States.

• Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial. Example of beneficial moderate physical activity: 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.

• Documented benefits of regular physical activity include:

*    Reduced risk of dying from coronary heart disease

*    Reduced risk of colon cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure

*    Control of weight

*    Maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and joints

*    Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Despite the proven benefits of regular physical activity, more than 60% of American adults do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity to achieve the known benefits.

• Promotion of physical activity must be accorded the same degree of attention as other important public health messages. The CDC has launched a campaign called Physical Activity: It’s Everywhere You Go. Messages include physical activity at work (take the stairs instead of the elevator), physical activity at home (enjoy gardening) and physical activity in the community (enjoy throwing a frisbee in the park).

• Communicating the message of get active is not enough. The get active message must be supported by programs, policies and environments that support physical activity.

 
Compiled by Betty Holmes, MS, RD

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