Reversing the Epidemic of Inactivity Policy Position Statement

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Physical inactivity is one of the 10 leading risk factors for death worldwide and causes economic harm at both the social and individual level.

Good news is that physical inactivity is modifiable and regardless of weight status, you can reduce your risk of disease and death by being physically active for 150 minutes per week, or 22 minutes per day. However, lack of access to safe places to walk, bike, and play is a major barrier for Latinos to be active and healthy.

The America Council on Exercise (ACE) released a new policy position statement on The Inactivity Epidemic.

ACE seeks public policies that will reverse the epidemic of inactivity by making physical activity more accessible for all populations.

ACE believes a public-policy change is required to reverse decades-long trends in: designing communities that are not walkable; creating workplaces that don’t motivate employees to be active; planning school days without compelling physical education or recess; overlooking non-traditional partners to provide activities at the community-level; neglecting individuals with physical limitations or disabilities; and limiting funds for health promotion and disease prevention.

Addressing the inactivity epidemic will not only reduce chronic disease and premature death, but will boost overall quality of life and cut down healthcare costs.

Share ACEs one-pager on Reversing the Epidemic of Inactivity with local elected officials, local city/community/transportation planning departments, parks departments, schools, employers, non-profits, universities and others who may be interested in improving community health.