|
|
IHRSA’s Vision for a Healthier America
IHRSA and its members believe that any effort to rebuild America’s health and redesign the health system must include physical activity as a central and constant component. Regular physical activity, as a core component of prevention and health promotion will lead to a healthier, happier and more productive America, while reigning in sky rocketing health care costs.
Changing the course of America’s health, requires the commitment of the government, employers, medical and public health professionals, insurance providers, schools, and each of us individually. Together, we must work together to create a culture and environment of wellness and to encourage Americans of all ages and physical conditions to exercise regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle. IHRSA supports inclusion of the following components in any plan for creating a healthier America.
Government:
- The federal government should establish a coordinated, central system of leadership for promoting physical activity and should increase funding for research on the correlation between exercise and the prevention of chronic disease.
- Government should create tax incentives and remove financial barriers with the objective of increasing physical activity for Americans at home and at work.
Employers:
- Businesses should provide incentives and access to both exercise and wellness programs to encourage employees to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles.
Medical professionals:
- The medical community should adopt and implement preventive care standards that promote regular physical activity and healthy eating.
- Physical examinations by medical professionals should include a discussion of physical activity, and that discussion should be a recognized by insurance companies as a necessary medical expense.
Insurance providers:
- Health insurance providers should offer incentives to encourage participation in wellness and prevention programs that include weight loss and fitness programs.
Children:
- All children should receive quality physical education and opportunities for physical activity during recess in school on a regular basis.
- Physical activity should be as fundamental to families as reading together and eating nutritious meals.
Individuals:
- All Americans should take personal responsibility for their health. Adults should engage in at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
|
|
