Sixty percent of adults in the United States are overweight. Almost four in 10 adults admit they do not fit any leisurely physical activities into their daily routines. Those, among others, are some of the alarming new statistic released by the National Center for Health Statistics survey.
Factors studied in this survey include gender, age, race, education, and income. Some sectors of the population were found to be more likely to be overweight and inactive. And people who live in the South, yes that includes middle Tennessee, are the least likely of any region to exercise.
Regardless of where you live, your race or income level, the big picture is simple: Americans are overweight. Americans need to get moving.
This data is not new. There have been numerous studies and reports over the past decade that illustrate the poor health of Americans. Cities and states are taking notice, and launching campaigns to help residents change unhealthy habits and adopt healthier lifestyles.
One such effort is happening right here in Music City. Last fall, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean announced a series of Monthly Walks as part of the Healthy Nashville Initiative. The goal of this campaign is simple: to improve the health and quality of life of all Nashvillians. Key issues the campaign hopes to address include obesity, tobacco use, and disparities in heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A schedule of Mayor Dean's next Monthly Walk is available online.
Other cities around the country are also embarking on new healthy living initiatives. New York city is trying to get restaurants and packaged foods nationwide to lower sodium in recipes to help in the battle against high blood pressure and stroke. The Quad cities (mid-Mississippi Valley) are working on a partnership to address the region's mental, physical, social and emotional health. And San Francisco has a multitude of health initiatives, some focused on under-served youth and others targeting low-income families.
But whether mayors across America endorse health initiatives or not, there is no silver bullet to fixing this national epidemic. The bottom line is Americans are overweight and out of shape. And for those of you who fall into the 60% of overweight and inactive individuals, here are some ways to incorporate a little movement into your daily routine.
Hit the trails. Nashville has several greenways around the city. Find one near you and walk for 30 minutes at lunch.
Join a gym. Find an exercise gym near your office. Many companies offer gym membership discounts. Some offices even have health clubs on site.
Find a buddy. Workout buddies are great for keeping you company and keeping you motivated. So find a friend and take a walk, play a game of tennis, or shoot some hoops. It doesn't matter what you do, just that you do.
Park farther away. It really can be this simple. Whether its at work or a shopping center, park farther away from the entrance.
Two-wheel it. Try riding your bike to and from work. This will not only get you active, but it will also be good for the environment.
For more information about the new Health Survey, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.
Tomorrow, how you can train with "Biggest Loser" trainers inside your own home.
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