Physical Activity

Studies show that regular physical activity reduces people’s risk for heart attack, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure and may reduce their risk for stroke. Physical activity also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications.

More than 50% of U.S. adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. Activity is less common among women than men and among those with lower incomes and less education.

Two-thirds of young people in grades 9–12 are not engaged in recommended levels of physical activity, partly due to high school physical education classes dropping from 42% in 1991 to 33% in 2005.

Physical activity does not be strenuous to be beneficial. It can also help people avoid developing functional limitations, can improve physical function, and can provide therapeutic benefits for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, arthritis, lung disease, and other chronic diseases. A 30 minute brisk walking most days of the week can be benificial.