SURGEON GENERAL'S REPORT ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH

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SURGEON GENERAL'S REPORT ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH.

On July 11, the Public Health Service released "Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General." According to the report, regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing or dying from coronary heart disease, noninsulin dependent diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer. Physical activity also reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, controls weight, and improves the health of bones, muscles, and joints. Among the elderly, it helps to maintain independent living and prevent falling and fractures.

The report's two most important findings are: a "moderate" level of activity is beneficial (i.e., one that expends 150 calories a day, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes), and the benefits increase with the amount of such activity. Other examples of moderate physical activity include raking leaves for 30 minutes, swimming laps for 20 minutes, or running 1.5 miles in 15 minutes. Most U.S. adults do not engage in regular physical activity at this level, and about 25 percent are physically inactive. For the executive summary of this significant report or to order the full report, call the CDC at 888-232-4674, or through the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

— DM Berwick

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine August 2, 1996

Citation(s):

Publication of surgeon general's report on physical activity and health. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1996 Jul 12 45 591-592.

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