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Resources
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Many resources exist on the benefits of physical activity, the harms of inactivity, and strategies to improve physical activity. Here are a few useful ones.
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Physical Activity in Minnesota
A fascinating portrait of knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Based on findings from the inaugural Minnesota Physical Activity Survey.
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Physical activity and health: a report of the surgeon general
This 1999 Report emphasized the importance of regular, moderate activity for heart health. A major finding: short periods of moderate activity that add up to 30 minutes a day are sufficient to improve heart health. Blue Cross' do physical activity campaign builds on that principle.
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Design for Health
This site bridges the gap between the emerging research base on urban design and healthy living and the questions and priorities of local governments. Includes case studies technical assistance library, health impact assessment tool, and links to relevant Minnesota events. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Metropolitan Design Center, with support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
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Active Living by Design
Active living by Design (ALbD) is a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its focus: increasing physical activity through community design, public policies and communications strategies. Learn about communities across the country are doing. The site contains many resources, including a relevant news update section.
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Harvard's Disease Prevention Resource
The Harvard School of Public Health has launched "Your Disease Risk", an online resource on prevention. Here, you can find out your risk of developing five of the most important diseases in the United States and get personalized tips for preventing them. No surprise: physical activity is a recommendation to prevent all five. Contains numerous other resources.
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Heart disease and stroke prevention in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health's Minnesota Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Plan 2004-2010. The plan's Goal #2 is to reduce risk factors. Relevant objectives address increasing physical activity.
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Minnesota Cancer Plan
The Minnesota Cancer Plan 2005-2015 provides a comprehensive framework for action to reduce the burden of cancer among all Minnesotans. The first goal of the plan is to prevent cancer from occurring when possible. Objective #3 in the Prevention chapter is to increase the proportion of adults and children who meet recommended physical activity levels.
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American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society on-line article encourages physical activity and notes new research that regular exercise may prevent not only colon cancer but some kinds of breast cancer.
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Costs of Physical Inactivity in Minnesota
This fact sheet compiled by the Minnesota Department of Health provides a succinct and compelling summary of the human and economic costs of physical inactivity in our state -- and estimates the reduction in diseases and conditions that could be achieved if all Minnesotans were moderately physically active.
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