In recent years, humans (and particularly kids) have become increasingly sedentary. This trend is affecting mental and physical health as well as healthcare costs. But a few weeks ago, ACTIVE customers from parks and rec agencies, collegiate rec departments, YMCAs and other community organizations gathered at our user conference to discuss these issues.
So we’d like to pass the statistics onto you to a) get you thinking about these statistics in your community and b) to ask you to share what your organization is doing to reverse the trends. Here are some startling numbers:
1. Childhood Obesity Rates in the US
- 1980: 7%
- 2008: 20%
Obesity rates have tripled since 1980
(US Center for Disease Control)
2. US Healthcare Cost as a Percent of GDP
- 1970: 7%
- 2010: 18%
3. How Activities Lessen Crime
- With 1 after-school activity, 70% of youth are less likely to get involved in illegal drugs or bad behavior
- With 2 activities, that percentage increases to 90%
(This is from a Portland-area specific study – here is the source)
As First Lady Michelle Obama has said, “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.” But everyone who visits this blog positively impacts our youth on a daily basis.
Share your programs and initiatives designed to reverse these trends. Comment below, tweet at us or join the discussion in our LinkedIn group. This is a chance to compile stories and ideas, community by community.
