Step It Up The Surgeon Generals Call To Action To Promote Walking And Walkable Communities PDF Download

Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of all ages can take to improve their health. But only half of adults and about a quarter of high school students get the amount of physical activity recommended in national guidelines. Step It Up! The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities aims to get Americans walking and wheelchair rolling for the physical activity needed to help prevent and reduce their risk of chronic diseases and premature death. And it supports positive mental health and healthy aging as well.From the time we take our first steps as children, walking becomes such an important part of our lives that we often take it for granted. As a way to enjoy nature, get the blood moving, or just get from one point to another, for many people, walking is an easy and free way to explore the world.But for some, access to safe places to walk isn't so simple. Without well-connected sidewalks and paths, or nearby destinations, our daily decision to walk or roll can be a bit tough. And that is especially true for people who need to use assistive devices or wheelchairs.That is why this Call to Action is so important. The Call to Action provides strategies that communities can use to support walking, which we hope will result in long-lasting changes to improve the health and health care of Americans today and of the generations that follow. The Call to Action adds to our work to educate, empower, and engage Americans to take control of their health, including initiatives like the National Prevention Strategy: America's Plan for Better Health and Wellness, the National Physical Activity Plan, Healthy People 2020, and the Healthy Self campaign.