Goals > Physical Activity
Physical Activity
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Being physically active is one of the most important things people can do to improve and maintain their health. Regular physical activity benefits everyone, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity or ability. Half of all Americans have one or more preventable chronic diseases, most of which can be influenced by physical activity (CDC, 2018).
Physical activity can be undertaken throughout the day, not just in dedicated time slots. Incorporating physical activity as part of daily life is recommended as a strategy to meet physical activity guidelines (US DHHS, 2015). |
Proven Strategies
Equity and Inclusion
Not everyone has equal opportunity to incorporate physical activity on a regular basis. Disparities in physical inactivity exist across racial and ethnic groups, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. The existence of these disparities can be traced in large part to decisions made by by federal, state, and local governments, including transportation and land use planners, that have resulted in inequitable access to community environments that support health (Bullard, 2003).
Implementation Guidance
Guides & Reports
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A Practitioner's Guide for Advancing Health Equity: Community Strategies for Preventing Chronic Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013 Steps to a Walkable Community: A Guide for Citizens, Planners, and Engineers Sam Schwartz Engineering & America Walks, 2012 Fact Sheets & Infographics
Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2020 Tools
Model Policy & Code
The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2018 Smart Growth America & National Complete Streets Coalition, 2019 |
Building Healthy Corridors: Transforming Urban and Suburban Arterials into Thriving Places Urban Land Institute, 2016 Built Environment Assessment Tool and Manual National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015 |
Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults with Disabilities Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), n.d. |
Health in All Policies: Experiences from Local Governments National Association of County and City Health Officials, 2017 |