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Scientific research has shown that
regular physical activity promotes health and well-being and reduces the risk of developing overweight and obesity, many chronic diseases or
premature death. Walking routes offer a safe and fun way
to get health-promoting physical activity. Walking requires
little or no equipment and can be enjoyed by most individuals,
regardless of their athletic abilities. Many routes also
offer an opportunity for use by wheelchairs.
How much physical activity is needed for
health benefits?
- Adults should be moderately active
(a brisk walk would fit this definition) for 30 or more
minutes on most days of the week. This can even be accumulated
in short spurts of physical activity, ten minutes at a
time.
- Youth should be active 60 or more minutes
per day, with some of that activity being vigorous (makes
you sweat or breathe hard).
Scientific evidence has demonstrated
that providing access to places for physical activity increases
the level of physical activity in a community. The "Task
Force on Community Preventive Services" strongly recommends
creating or enhancing trails for physical activity. Studies
have shown that creating or enhancing access to places for
physical activity has shown a 25% increase in physical activity
levels. 1
What are the health benefits of
using trails?
- Impact Maine's rising dual epidemics of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity
by providing a place for regular physical activity. Physical
activity is also important in weight loss efforts.
- Provide an opportunity for individuals
to help control their blood pressure. Participating in
aerobic training significantly reduces systolic and diastolic
blood pressure.
- Protect against developing
non-insulin-dependent diabetes through moderate physical activity such as walking and cycling on trails.
- Improve symptoms
of mild to moderate depression and anxiety through aerobic
exercise training, such as walking & bicycling.
National Statistics
- The percentage of overweight young
people has almost doubled in the last twenty years for
children aged 6-11 years and almost tripled for adolescents
aged 12-19 years.
- In overweight children, risks
for heart disease and stroke such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, etc., have been shown in children as young as
five years old.
What is the status of Maine's health?
- Nearly half(46%) of Maine's adults have
a sedentary lifestyle, which means that they are not getting
enough physical activity to enjoy health benefits. 2
- Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Maine
high school students do not participate in vigorous physical
activity three or more days in the past week. 3
- Sixty (60%) of Maine adults are
overweight or obese - almost one quarter (23%) of all Maine adults are obese. 2
- Eleven percent (11%) of Maine high school
students are overweight, and fourteen percent (14%) are
at risk for becoming overweight. 3
1. www.thecommunityguide.org/pa/index.html May 19, 2009
3. CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2005
4. CDC High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005
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