Master Plan Why Parks Maek Life Better

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Conejo Recreation & Park District Master Plan Section II provide adequate parks and recreation opportunities and recognizes the benefits of increased physical activity. b. Diminishes Risk of Chronic Disease such as Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, and Osteoporosis People who engage in regular physical activity benefit from reduced risk of premature death, reduced risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, non-insulin dependent diabetes, improved maintenance of muscle strength, joint structure, and joint function; weight loss and favorable redistribution of body fat; improved physical functioning in persons suffering from poor health, and healthier cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems. (Sherer, 2003) • Because of the lifetime external costs proven by economists that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle, prevention of a sedentary lifestyle is an important individual and societal issue and provides an economic rationale for health - promotion programs and active leisure lifestyles. (Iso -Ahola, et al., 2001) Exercise significantly reduces the chance for heart problems, according to 43 separate studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control. Those who do not exercise are twice as likely to have coronary heart disease. (AHS, n.d.) • The risk of Type 11 diabetes decreased progressively with increasing levels of physical activity, as found in a long term study of 5,159 men. (Wannamethee et al., 2000) • A study of 121,701 nurses (aged 30-55) from 1976-1992 found that those who were more physically active in adulthood had a lower risk of breast cancer than those who were less physically active. The study also found that consistency of activity was more important than intensity. (Rockhill et al., 1999) • Women, who exercised regularly in their 20's and had a healthy intake of calcium, decreased by 30% their risk of developing osteoporosis in their 70's. (Gorman, 2002, Jan. 21) c. Boosts Immune System People who exercised for 20 minutes once a week were significantly less likely to call in sick than non -exercisers. Those who exercised twice a week missed even less work according to an Oklahoma State University study that tracked 79,000 people for a year. (Mooney et al., 2002) • There was a 23% reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections for people who were regularly active compared to those who were not, according to a study of 547 adults. (Nieman, 2001) d. Increases Life Expectancy 11-14 June 2, 2011