MNN Physical Activity

BE ACTIVE, BE HEALTHY! Take Time! Physical Activity Recommendations Physical Activity Links Physical Activity Resources Physical Activity Programs (This will take you to the State and Local Team Nutrition Section)
Why Do I Need to be Active? Regular physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Type II diabetes; it can also prevent premature death. Physical activity is a key part to any weight management plan. Mainers Don’t Meet the Minimum Requirement for Daily Physical Activity In Maine, 47% of Maine adults are either completely inactive or are not meeting the minimum requirement for daily physical activity (BRFSS,2003). Roughly 61% of Maine adults are overweight or obese (BRFSS,2004). Let's Get Moving, Maine! Healthy eating and physical activity go hand in hand. Every time we talk about nutrition we should include physical activity in the plan. Remember a key recommendation from the Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2005 is be physically active regularly and to be less sedentary. Don’t forget the kids! Physical activity is crucial for proper development in childhood and adolescence. Physical activity increases a child’s ability to learn and improves self-confidence.   What are the Benefits of Being Physically Active? Physical activity can: Lower the risk of stroke, some types of cancer, high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases. Prevent and help manage Type II diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression Help to maintain a healthy body weight Improve mood, energy levels, and ability to sleep Increase productivity and ability to learn What Can You Do?
	Maine is an ideal place to be active.  Spend time with your family exploring the many beaches, trails, parks, lakes, woods and wonderful communities - like your own! Try a variety of physical activities and find the ones you enjoy!
Hike bike, walk, swim, play catch with your kids, or walk the dog together. Invest in your family's health. When purchasing family birthday and holiday gifts, buy things that support being active, such as basketballs, bike helmets, reflector vests, pedometers, skateboards and jump ropes. For more ideas like this, click here. Limit the purchase of “screen stuff” like video games, DVDs and other "sedentary" gadgets for your family. Check out TV Turn –Off for more information. Set rules about T.V. and computer time! And stick to them as a family. Almost everything is more active than watching TV. Walk or bike to school or the bus stop with your kids. Be an active role model. Walk or bike to work whenever possible, take the stairs, and park further away. Start a vegetable garden as a family project. What Can Your Community Do? Improve or build parks with basketball hoops - research shows basketball is one of the favorite activities for both boys and girls. Open community facilities for indoor walking and other physical activities Place bike racks everywhere! Schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds, etc. Focus on improving or creating sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths and walking trails. Use items such as basketballs, bikes, helmets, locks and reflectors as incentive prizes or raffle items for school and community events. Create land use and built environment plans that connect schools to neighborhoods and villages so that communities become more "walkable." Create social support networks such as community walking, biking or hiking clubs. Get the word out! Create posters, newsletters, pamphlets, and other media that advertises local walking clubs, fitness classes, open gym times, etc. Place “Point - of - Decision” prompts at strategic places. For example, place signs in the vicinity of elevators and escalators that encourage people to use the stairs or signs in parking lots that encourage people to park further away for health benefits. Place mile markers throughout existing community trails so users will know how far they traveled. Mileage markers act as incentives for people, encouraging them to walk, run, or bike more than a quarter of a mile further. Paint footprints or a blue-line to mark a safe walking routes in your neighborhood or community.
Whatever you do, make sure your efforts are spent on changes that are sustainable and will continue to support your community and family for years to come. By improving the physical and social environment where we live, the active choice becomes the easy choice.
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