Active Living

Goal: Increase physical activity by more than 50 percent.
Measure: Increase from 54 percent in 2011 to 85 percent in 2031 the proportion of adult Minnesotans who report that they meet or exceed 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days per week.

Active living is a way of life that incorporates physical activity into daily routines — like walking or bicycling to work, school or stores. Or playing in the park, taking the stairs and using recreation facilities.

It happens when:

• A community has complete transportation networks that consider the needs of all users and include safe crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes and off-street trails.
• A community has desirable destinations, such as stores, schools, a library and coffee shops.
• The trip is safe and pleasant.
• In short, when the healthy choice is the easy choice, active living becomes part of people’s daily routine.

Why does physical activity matter? It benefits the health of people in all age groups regardless of their health status. Among youth, physical activity helps to reduce body fat, improve cardiovascular, metabolic and bone health, as well as improve mental health. Among adults, physical activity lowers risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer and depression.[1]

Unfortunately, just over half (52.7 percent )[2] of Minnesota adults meet recommended activity levels of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days per week.[3]

Blue Cross is committed to changing norms, policies, systems and environments statewide to increase active living opportunities for all. We do this through funding community projects; providing learning opportunities for community leaders, professionals and advocates; and collaborating with organizations across the state.

Read the stories at right to learn more.

 

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