Susan Provence, MAT

The majority of Americans remain inactive despite evidence of significant health benefits from even moderately intense activity. Previous intervention efforts have generally focused on changing individual behavior. This article discusses the use of policy, legislative and regulatory, and environmental interventions in promoting physical activity to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases. The authors present evidence on the need, formulation, description, and effectiveness of policy and environmental interven-tion approaches. Types of approaches addressed to promote physical activity include federal, state, and local legislation and regulation, policy development and implementation, and environmental support. They also describe opportunities for state and local health departments to initiate and participate in environmental and policy approaches. Epidemiology and Health Risks of Physical Inactivity Over four decades of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory research provide compelling evidence for the importance of physical activity to the health, functioning, and well-being of Americans. Regular physical activity can help prevent and control a variety of chronic diseases and conditions, and it may reduce mortality associated with them.’- ’ Further, physical activity helps to enhance functional independence, menta