- Preface
- Physical Activity and
Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
from the Surgeon General
U.S. Public Health Service
I am pleased to present the first report
of the Surgeon General on physical activity and health. For more than a century,
the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service has focused the nation's
attention on important public health issues. Reports from Surgeons General on
the adverse health consequences of smoking triggered nationwide efforts to
prevent tobacco use. Reports on nutrition, violence, and HIV/AIDS - to name but
a few - have heightened America's awareness of important public health issues
and have spawned major public health initiatives. This new report, which is a
comprehensive review of the available scientific evidence about the relationship
between physical activity and health status, follows in this notable tradition.
Scientists and doctors have known for
years that substantial benefits can be gained from regular physical activity.
The expanding and strengthening evidence on the relationship between physical
activity and health necessitates the focus this report brings to this important
public health challenge. Although the science of physical activity is a complex
and still-developing field, we have today strong evidence to indicate that
regular physical activity will provide clear and substantial health gains. In
this sense, the report is more than a summary of the science - it is a national
call to action.
We must get serious about improving the
health of the nation by affirming our commitment to healthy physical activity on
all levels: personal, family, community, organizational, and national. Because
physical activity is so directly related to preventing disease and premature
death and to maintaining a high quality of life, we must accord it the same
level of attention that we give other important public health practices that
affect the entire nation. Physical activity thus joins the front ranks of
essential health objectives, such as sound nutrition, the use of seat belts, and
the prevention of adverse health effects of tobacco.
The time for this emphasis is both
opportune and pressing. As this report makes clear, current levels of physical
activity among Americans remain low, and we are losing ground in some areas. The
good news in the report is that people can benefit from even moderate levels of
physical activity. The public health implications of this good news are vast:
the tremendous health gains that could be realized with even partial success at
improving physical activity among the American people compel us to make a
commitment and take action. With innovation, dedication, partnering, and a
long-term plan, we should be able to improve the health and well-being of our
people.
This report is not the final word. More
work will need to be done so that we can determine the most effective ways to
motivate all Americans to participate in a level of physical activity that can
benefit their health and well-being. The challenge that lies ahead is formidable
but worthwhile. I strongly encourage all Americans to join us in this effort.
Audrey F. Manley, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General (Acting)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
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