President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Focus Area 22: Physical Activity
- Objective 22.2: Increase the proportion of adults who engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day 5 or more days per week or vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes per day 3 or more days per week.
Currently, a larger number of Americans are not getting the required daily exercise they need and obesity is on the rise. As adults, we must learn to lead by example. By not setting a balance, healthy lifestyle for ourselves, our children will easily follow into our footsteps. They are susceptible to losing control of their own adult lives and become unhealthy with other diseases and health problems. Physical inactivity causes a tremendous burden of disease and death. Researchers commissioned by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports coined the phrase 'Sedentary Death Syndrome.'o And no wonder. In 2000, the Journal of Applied Physiology reported that approximately "250,000 deaths per year in the United States are premature due to physical inactivity." Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing forms of heart and cardiovascular diseases. These can also contribute to further risks of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, and diabetes. These are all forms of long-term health problems.
Researchers pointed to evidence in adults that an increase in physical activity can help reduce and address symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being physical active is a healthy habit with many benefits. Regular physical activity can improve health and lower risks for diseases. We must allow people of all ages into general fitness clubs. Or at least allow them access to clubs that are open for those who can provide there own health care, but cannot provide their own membership at other popular organizations.
Thank you for your time. We appreciate everything you have and continue to do for this country. We hope to continue to move forward in bringing awareness of the importance of physical activity. If I can provide any additional information or assistance please contact me at email@gmail.com or (123) 456-789.
Sincerely,
Jamie Somrock
Sedentary Lifestyle: no reported activity or any physical activity or pair of activities done for less than 20 minutes or less than three times per week.
Regular and Sustained: any physical activity or pair of physical activities that are done for 30 minutes or more per session, five or more times per week, regardless of intensity.
Regular and Vigorous: any physical activity or pair of activities done for at least 20 minutes, at least three times per week, that requires rhythmic contraction of large muscle groups at 50% of functional capacity.
- 59% of the New York population reported a sedentary lifestyle
- 58% of men
- 60% of women
- The nonwhite population had a 6% higher level of sedentary lifestyle
- 20% of the population meets the criteria for regular and sustained activity levels.
- 21% of men
- 19% of women
- The nonwhite population had a 4% higher level of regular and sustained physical activity
- 14% of the population meets the criteria for regular and vigorous activity levels.
- 13% of men
- 15% of women
- The nonwhite population had a 5% higher level of regular and vigorous physical activity
I think exercise is an important factor in everyone's life. I like to workout but I do have to admit sometimes I find it hard to motivate myself, especially now that it is winter. I hate getting back into my car and coming to school to workout! However, I do make myself and at the end of my workout I feel great! It is definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteYou chose a very important topic. I was surprised to hear that 56% of New Yorkers have a sedentary lifestyle, because when I think of New York, I think of SO many people walking that the streets are crowded. I suppose that does not account for the rest of the state, though. Regardless, having only 14% of the population meeting the standards for regular activity is extremely low. Our country obviously need to change something!
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ReplyDeleteSetting an example to our younger generation is so important in reducing the rise of obesity. Children are going to do what they learn from their parents and it's crucial that the parents start becoming a better role model. Great topic!
ReplyDeleteI like the graphs you posted in your fact sheet, it goes to show how well sedentary lifestyles and obesity correlate. I have a hard time understanding how people can't get exercise for just 30 minutes a week! People with busy lifestyles like college students or those with jobs that require being on your feet all day probably don't need to worry about making it to the gym, it's those who sit in an office or in front of the tv all day!
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't believe only 14% of the population meets the criteria for regular and vigorous activity levels! There is obviously a problem here and this bill seems to be a good way to curb that. We need to get more people educated and motivated to make a change. You included some very informative and persuasive information in your letter, good job!
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