New York State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Get More Active and Feel Better In Recognition of Move More Month In April
Report Finds Use of Active Transportation - Like Walking and Biking - to Get from One Place to Another Has Decreased Among New Yorkers
Increased Physical Activity Helps Improve Heart Health, Mental Health, and Can Lead to a Longer Lifespan
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 19, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recommends all New Yorkers get more active to improve overall health in recognition of Move More Month in April. The Department, public health programs, and the American Heart Association are supporting individuals in their efforts to make a lasting commitment to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
"The weather is warming up so it's the perfect time of year to 'move more' and add a little extra physical activity into your daily routine," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Walking, biking, and swimming may be easy places to start for many, and everyday activities such as gardening, house cleaning, pushing a stroller, or walking the dog also contribute to an active lifestyle. Adding physical activity can greatly improve both physical and mental health, so I hope everyone takes advantage of Move More Month to add more activity into their daily routine."
According to the Department's latest Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) report, 66.6 percent of adults reported walking for active transportation in a typical month, 10.5 percent reported biking, and altogether, 67.6 percent of adults reported using at least one form of active transportation in a typical month. It's important to note these data represent reported active transportation in a typical month and does not account for individuals who walked or biked for exercise or recreation.
The use of active transportation was significantly higher among males (71 percent) than females (64.5 percent) and people living in New York City were more likely to use active transportation (83.2 percent) than those living outside of New York City (59.3 percent). Across all demographics, reported use of active transportation has decreased from 2018 to 2021.
Regular physical activity has significant benefits across an individual's lifespan, including building stronger muscles and bones, better weight control, improved mental health, lowered risk of chronic disease, and increased life expectancy. Staying physically active can help prevent the onset of serious health conditions. It's estimated that 35 percent of coronary heart disease mortality is due to people not being physically active.
The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity to promote cardiovascular fitness. Children aged 6-17 should get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
Creating community environments that support walkable and bikeable communities, while also eliminating health disparities and inequities will produce safe and inclusive physical activity opportunities and remain a priority for the State Department of Health, the NYS Prevention Agenda, and New York's Health Across All Policies/Age-Friendly NY Initiative.
More information on physical inactivity and its impact on cardiovascular disease can be found here.
