THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
I am pleased to present the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for
Americans, the first comprehensive guidelines on physical activity ever to be
issued by the Federal government. This document is intended to be a primary
source of information for policy makers, physical educators, health providers,
and the public on the amount, types, and intensity of physical activity needed
to achieve many health benefits for Americans across the life span. The good
news is that these guidelines are achievable and can be customized according to
a persons interests, lifestyle, and goals.
This document is based on the report submitted by the Physical Activity
Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group comprising 13 leading experts in the
field of exercise science and public health. The committee conducted an
extensive review of the scientific data relating physical activity to health
published since the release of the 1996 Surgeon Generals Report on
Physical Activity and Health. I want to thank the Committee and other public
and private professionals who assisted in creating this document for their hard
work and dedication.
Along with President Bush, I believe that physical activity should be an
essential component of any comprehensive disease prevention and health
promotion strategy for Americans. We know that sedentary behavior contributes
to a host of chronic diseases, and regular physical activity is an important
component of an overall healthy lifestyle. There is strong evidence that
physically active people have better health-related physical fitness and are at
lower risk of developing many disabling medical conditions than inactive
people.
Prevention is one of my top priorities. Although physical activity is
clearly vital to prevention, it is easy for many of us to overlook. These
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provide achievable steps for youth,
adults, and seniors, as well as people with special conditions to live
healthier and longer lives.
Sincerely,
Michael O. Leavitt
[Signed September 22, 2008] Michael O. Leavitt
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