(Circulation. 1996;94:2045.)
© 1996 American Heart Association, Inc.
Articles |
Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health Is Hailed as a Historic Step Toward a Healthier Nation
the AHA Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC.
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Introduction |
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On the eve of the Centennial Olympic Games, the Clinton Administration released the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on physical activity and health. This report, comparable to the Surgeon General's 1964 report on tobacco and the 1988 report on nutrition, documents the large volume of scientific and medical evidence that emphasizes the need for this nation to step up its efforts to increase physical activity by all Americans. Because physical inactivity is now seen as a major detriment to the health and well-being of this country, it is critical that the US Congress actively incorporate components on physical activity into this nation's public health agenda.
To raise awareness and promote physical activity, the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity was established to unite the public and private sectors into a partnership to inspire Americans to lead physically active lifestyles and enhance their quality of life. More than 100 member organizations have identified physical activity and health as their primary mission. By working together, the National Coalition members will be better able to coordinate and direct numerous public and private efforts to educate people about healthy lifestyles. Facilitated by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the American College of Sports Medicine; and the American Heart Association, the National Coalition's long-term mission is to motivate more Americans to be physically active.
The benefits of exercise are far-reaching. The links among physical activity, fitness, and health are well established scientifically and medically. The evidence indicates that physical inactivity is a