Research

Physical Activity is Fundamental to Preventing Disease

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity:

	12.6 million people have coronary heart disease;
	1.1 million people suffer from a heart attack in a given year;
	17 million people have diabetes; about 90% to 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and physical inactivity; approximately 16 million people have 'pre-diabetes';
	107,000 people are newly diagnoxed with colon cancer each year;
	300,000 people suffer from hip fractures each year;
	50 million people have high blood pressure; and
	Nearly 50 million adults (between the ages of 20 and 74), or 27% of the adult population, are obese; overall more than 108 million adults, or 61% of the adult population are either obese or overweight.

"The Problem": Physical Activity and Diet

	14 percent of all deaths in the United States were attributed to activity patterns and diet.
	Sedentary lifestyles linked to 23 percent of deaths from major chronic diseases.
	On average, people who are physically active outlive those who are inactive.
	Most adults and many children lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle.
	More than one-third of young people in grades 9-12 do not regularly engage in vigorous physical activity.
	43 percent of students in grades 9-12 watch television more than two hours per day.
	Physical activity declines dramatically over the course of adolescence.

"The Solution": Physical Activity and Good Physical Health

Participation in regular physical activity--at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on at least five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity at least three times per week--is critical to sustaining good health. Youth should strive for at least one hour of exercise a day. Regular physical activity has beneficial effects on most (if not all) organ systems, and consequently it helps to prevent a broad range of health problems and diseases. People of all ages, both male and female, derive substantial health benefits from physical activity.

"The Solution": Physical Activity (with a Nutritious Diet) is Key to Maintaining Energy Balance and a
Healthy Weight

Regular physical activity along with a nutritious diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight. In order to maintain a healthy weight, there must be a balance between calories consumed and calories expended through metabolic and physical activity. Although overweight and obesity are caused by many factors, in most individuals, weight gain results from a combination of excess calorie consumption and inadequate physical activity.

Our Research

Our research is investigating the effects of a wellness-based curriculum on lifestyles, health behaviors, and chronic disease risk factors in adolescent girls and boys.

CVD Risk Assessment

CVD Risk Assessment worksheet

Individual CVD Risk "Case Study"

Individual Case Study Document