Springboard for the future: why now?

Although health and fitness issues have become prominent in the public eye, there are some inconsistencies in the way Americans carry out fitness objectives. The statistics related to healthy, fitness-oriented activities often show an awareness of the importance of fitness, combined with continued inactivity. For instance, while Americans spent $3.25 billion on sports equipment in 1992 according to the National Sporting Goods Association, the number of frequent fitness participants in the U.S. declined by 4.8% in 1991 and again by 2.7% in 1992, according to American Sports Data.

According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control, today's high school kids are exercising less and engaging in sedentary activities more. About 37% of high school students surveyed say they exercise vigorously and regularly. However, 35% say that they spend at least three hours watching television or playing video games. Compare these figures with a similar study conducted in grades 10-12 in 1984 where 62% of high school students reported engaging in vigorous activities.

Related to overall health and fitness, Americans generally don't practice what they know to be healthy lifestyle habits. While more than 74% of Americans believe that lowering cholesterol levels reduces heart disease, less than a quarter of us eat low fat foods, according to FIND/SVP, a national market research firm. At the same time there has been a 40% growth in profits for steakhouse chains such as Lone Star and Outback, according to its 1995 index, Prevention magazine reported that 68% of adults exceed the recommended weights for their age, only 37% exercise strenuously and 64% feel a great deal of stress at least once a week.

Making the Wrong Choices

When we do find time to relax and recreate, Americans are often not making the most healthy choices. Leisure time is often spent on sedentary activities. According to NDP Research Group, there were 125 million casino visits in 1994, a 36% increase over the previous year. This increased attendance occurred despite $16.5 billion in losses, enough to operate the National Park Service for 15 years. Compare these findings to the fact that 71% of Americans live within walking distance of a public park, as reported by an NRPA study on the benefits of parks and recreation.

Despite these startling and somewhat discouraging facts, there is still hope. Americans know what is good for them and are trying to make more healthy choices. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers, American adults who characterize themselves as "less active" say that they have the desire, opportunity and predisposition to become more active. Of those surveyed, 59% would like to be more active, 81% say that there are recreation opportunities nearby and 85% agree that physical activity is fun. With these emerging attitudes, there is no better time for parks and recreation to become a community resource for fitness and wellness.

Health and well being are important factors in our longevity, happiness and our quality of life. As debate on national agendas such health care and Medicare take place, the issues of health and wellness have moved to center stage. "These topics have received such national attention, that the Surgeon General has undertaken a report on fitness scheduled to be released next spring. Focusing on the benefits of fitness and the dangers of inactivity, the report will bring a vital health issue to the forefront. The reaction from the American public should be similar to public reaction to the Surgeon General's Report on Smoking, released almost 20 years ago.

Parks and recreation agencies and professionals know people, we know quality of life, we know physical activity, and we know fun. This is the perfect opportunity for us to position ourselves so that we are able to respond to this public shift with tangible answers - our facilities and services tailored to community wellness needs.