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Physical Activity Facts:
Physical activity is one of the CDC’s Leading Health Indicators,
thus one of our top Public Health priorities.
- Studies have demonstrated that the more frequent and vigorous your
activity levels, the better your health.
- The U.S. Surgeon General recommends an accumulated 30 minutes of
moderate endurance-type physical activity on most, if not all, days
of the week to achieve health benefits.
- Studies have shown that a lack of regular physical activity doubles
the risk of developing:
Cardiovascular Disease
Adult Onset Diabetes
Obesity
Hypertension: Regular physical activity prevents or delays
the development of high blood pressure, and exercise reduces blood pressure
in people with hypertension.
- To get more physical activity, just get up and move around!
West Virginia Physical Activity Statistics:
- WV is the third least active state in the nation (1998 BRFSS)
- 44% of our population reported getting no physical activity in the
last month, compared to an overall national average of 28% (1998 BRFSS)
- West Virginians have become more sedentary in the last 15 years,
increasing from 61% in 1984 to 68% in 1996. If this trend continues,
the rate could rise to 74% or greater by 2010.
- Some populations are more likely to be sedentary than others, including:
(1998 BRFSS)
Education: Adults with less than 12 years of education
83%) as compared to those with four or more years of college (55%)
Income: Adults with lower income levels (80%) as
compared to 59%) for $50,000+
Gender and race: Minority women (49.1%) were the
least active, followed by Caucasian women (42.9%), Caucasian men (41.7%)
and minority men (38.9%). (1990-98 BRFSS combined)
To be added to the WV Physical Activity information distribution list serve, contact:
Physical Activity Coordinator, Cardiovascular Health Program, WV Bureau
for Public Health, 304-558-0644
Physical Activity’s Decline:
- Labor saving devices, technology
- Ever-increasing media consumption (TV, computers, videos)
- Dependence on automobile for transportation
- Long commutes (sitting time)
- Physical Education and/or recess reduced or dropped in schools
- Elevators present and stairwells hidden
- Perception of neighborhood as unsafe for walking or playing
What you can do:
- Choose activity over inactivity
- Turn off the TV (Studies correlate hours of TV with obesity)
- Park your car and walk
- Work more physical activity into your daily routine
- Support schools providing Physical Education and facilities
- Support community initiatives for increasing Physical Activity
- Parks, playgrounds, walking trails
Contact Information
Kristy Blower
Physical Activity Program Manager
West Virginia Bureau for Public Health
Division of Health Promotion
Room 206
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301-3715
(304) 558-0644
Kristy.D.Blower@wv.gov
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