Rosie Bretthauer-Mueller Vital Signs August 2012 More People Walk to Better Health Better spaces, more places needed Rosie Bretthauer-Mueller DNPAO Strategic Communication Team Leader National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity

Vital Signs: Walking Key message: More people are walking their way to better health MMWR article on a CDC study found that Walking has increased Data from 2010 National Health Interview Regional data from US Department of Transportation All demographics showed increases Those who walk are more likely to meet the Physical Activity Guidelines Reminder: Adults should get 2-1/2 hours of moderate (eg, a brisk walk) physical activity each week Guidelines can be achieved in 10 minute sessions of activity Physical activity improves health and lowers the risk of many chronic diseases Call to Action: Better spaces and more places needed for walking The problem is too many adults are still inactive People need safe places that are nearby or easy to get to so that they can be physically active What can be done? States and counties can promote walking through joint use agreements Worksites can create walking paths near the work place Individuals can participate in local planning efforts

Vital Signs: Walking Press Briefing Web and Social Media Spokespeople Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., CDC Director Joan M. Dorn, Ph.D., Physical Activity and Health Branch Chief Dianna D. Carroll, Ph.D., Physical Activity and Health Research Scientist Tuesday, August 7 at 12pm CDC Press Release embargoed until August 7 at 12pm Web and Social Media Vital Signs www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns CDC’s Physical Activity update www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity Podcast, badges and buttons www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns E-newsletter – subscribe at www.CDC.gov “Get Email Updates” Twitter -- @CDCgov and @CDCObesity #physicalactivity CDC Facebook State and Community Outreach Partners and programs call Monday, August 7 at 12pm Town Hall for state health officials Tuesday, August 14 at 2pm National Society for Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health call August 20 at 1pm

Vital Signs: Walking Program Resources CDC State Obesity Program Highlights about Active Transportation, Urban Design and other topics CDC.gov/obesity/stateprograms/highlights.html Exercise for Any Patient, Every Patient CDC Expert Commentary Video Medscape.com/Partners/CDC/Public/cdc-commentary Steps to Wellness: A Guide to Implementing the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans CDC.gov/physicalactivity HHS' 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Toolkit http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/toolkit.aspx

Vital Signs: Walking Questions? Feedback to Rosie Bretthauer-Mueller DNPAO Communication Team RBretthauer-Mueller@cdc.gov 770.488.6289 Dr. Dianna Carrol DNPAO Physical Activity Researcher feu9@cdc.gov 770.488.6339 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity