EP171: Active Communities do Better!

The Aspen Institute's Project Play does a great job researching trends in physical activity levels in children in an effort to build healthy communities through sports. It is their belief, and quest, that active communities do better and they have the data to support it. Need proof? Active communities have lower obesity rates, less smoking, less heart disease, higher property values and lower unemployment. So how do we get these benefits and improve the health of our communities? 

Physically active children are usually associated with being influenced by physically active adults. If you are a parent, teacher, coach or in any other mentor-type of role, you have the ability to positively effect the activity levels of the children you work with. Remember, what you prioritize, they will prioritize. If we want to improve the health of our community, we need to lead by example and show the youth what healthy living is all about!

The benefits and motivation to be physicall active goes way beyond looking healthy. In early childhood, physically active kids have been found to have higher test scores and improved self-efficacy. As they move through adolescence, these kids are 15% more likely to go to college, less likely to partake in risky behavior like smoking and drug use, and have higher self esteem. As they progress into adulthood, they become more productive at work, have higher earnings, and reduce the rate of disease.

If we want a healthier, more productive community, it starts with us and the example we set forth!