Active and Healthy Environments
Healthy Acadia strives to ensure that our indoor and outdoor spaces are safe, healthy, and promote physical activity and wellness.
Opportunities abound to improve access to physical activity throughout Hancock and Washington counties. Healthy Acadia and our partners are engaged in multiple initiatives to promote active communities.
Regular physical activity is a key component to improving health and wellbeing. People who are moderately or vigorously active lower their risk of many chronic diseases and conditions, including: high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity can also significantly improve our mental health. Exercise can sharpen thinking, learning and judgment skills, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help us sleep better.
Currently fewer than half of all Americans get the physical activity they need to provide health benefits, and 25% of adults are not active at all in their leisure time. In Maine, less than 1 in 4 youth get their recommended level of exercise of 60 minutes per day. Only 56% of Maine adults get their recommended levels of physical activity (30 minutes, 5 times per week).
Physical activity does not have to be strenuous and highly time-consuming to be beneficial. As an example, for adults, walking for 30 minutes, five times per week can benefit our health and wellbeing. For youth, participating in school sports, engaging in after-school activities, or walking to school can provide the recommended exercise to promote health and wellbeing.
Click here for an inspiring and informative 30-minute video entitled, "The Walking Revolution."
