Hearts N' Parks program reports increase in physical activity, heart-healthy diets: June 10.

Participants in Hearts N' Parks initiatives across the country report significant improvements in what they know, think, and do about heart-healthy eating and physical activity, says a 2003 performance report on the program. A collaboration between the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, Hearts N' Parks is a community-based program to reduce the growing trend of obesity and to lower the risk of coronary heart disease in the United States.

The report compares the scores of pretest and posttest questionnaires completed by 2,800 participants from 48 Hearts N' Parks sires (Magnet Centers) across the country. For example, when asked whether they choose healthier foods over less healthy foods, children's scores improved 14%, and adolescents' scores increased by 15%. All age groups reported increasing their physical activity levels. Adults also reported reducing the number of hours per week spent in sedentary pursuits, such as watching TV, by 2 to 4 hours, says a press release from NHLBI.