Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities

What is a Surgeon General’s Call to Action? Briefly summarizes the science available on a topic of significant public health concern Based on expert scientific evidence & public input Reviews the nature and scope of the concern and effective interventions Addresses disparities Seeks to mobilize individuals, organizations, communities, and society to take immediate action

Substance of the Call to Action Why walking? o Americans are not sufficiently active to reduce chronic disease and improve health o Walking is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to get physical activity, improve health and build community Why walkability? o We need access to safe and convenient places to walk and exercise, and a culture that supports walking where we live, learn, work and play.

Why Get Involved? Physicians and other health care professionals have a unique opportunity to promote the health benefits of walking and affect real change among patients The Call to Action supports/complements your organization’s focus to improve health and wellness To create a healthier nation, we must promote the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities. There is a broad scope: Regular physical activity helps people of all ages protect and improve their health. Walking is a simple form of physical activity that can be done almost anywhere. Encouraging Americans to add walking to their daily routine has enormous long-term health benefits.

How fast do you need to walk to stay ahead of the Grim Reaper? Several studies have shown correlation between walking speed and survival Australia men, age >70; Measured walking speed at usual pace for 6 m (~20 feet); Speed correlated with mortality rates over 5 yrs.: o Walking speed of 0.82 m/s (2 mph or 3 kph) was most predictive of mortality (i.e. speed of Grim Reaper) o No men walking at speeds > 1.36 m/s (3 mph or 5 kph) were caught by Grim Reaper Walking faster protects against mortality! Stanaway, et al; BMJ, 2011

What Can You Do Now? Commit to support the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities Talk to patients about the benefits of walking and physical activity, and make it a part of their treatment plans Be an advocate for physical activity and walking/walkability Disseminate information about the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities via newsletters, social media, website, etc.

What Can We Do Now as an Organization? o Commit to support the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities o Disseminate information about the Surgeon General’s Call to Action via newsletters, social media, website, etc. o Encourage members’ to talk to their patients about the benefits of walking and to prescribe walking (Visit acsm.org/initiatives to request a free supply of walking prescription pads) o Offer on-going education of the benefits of walking o Think about how your organization can promote, encourage, and recognize members for engagement with walking and walkability Visit for ideaswww.everybodywalk.org