Date: March 13, 2002	Contact: Nancy Bowen, M.D., M.P.H.
	tel: (619) 641-5023

SAN DIEGANS URGED TO HOLD THE MAYO AND GET MOVING

Does your idea of exercise include repositioning yourself on the couch while watching television
and eating a deluxe bag of potato chips? Do you drive to your child’s school, even though it is only two
blocks away? Well, you’re not alone.

Approximately 85 percent of adult Americans don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity, and
61 percent are overweight. Approximately 70 percent of Californians eat fewer than five servings of fruits and
vegetables each day. The percent of overweight children has doubled within the past 30 years.

March is California Fitness Month. It’s a good time to start making healthier lifestyle choices.

"I am particularly concerned about the increasing problem of child obesity," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Ron Roberts, who highlighted the issue during his State of the County Address last month. "To tackle this, we've started the San Diego County Coalition on Children and Weight, a partnership that includes health professionals, school district representatives and community members."

“Being fit and eating properly offer all kinds of health benefits,” said Dr. George Flores, County Public Health Officer. “These benefits include increasing self-esteem, boosting energy, strengthening the heart and muscles, burning calories, improving cholesterol levels, reducing stress, helping decrease the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and some cancers, and preventing bone loss.”

Engaging in at least 30 minutes (all at once or in bits) of moderate physical exercise most days of the week and eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily are the goals. Higher levels of activity are recommended for children. Moderate physical activity includes walking, bicycling, using the stairs, active housework or gardening, and active play with children. A serving is the amount that could fit in the palm of your hand or a small glass.

Changes in eating habits or physical activity can be as simple as choosing the stairs instead of the elevator or choosing a baked potato, salad or fruit over French fries.

The County Health and Human Services Agency encourages you to sponsor and attend community, school and worksite physical fitness events. Participation in community planning groups, such as Walk San Diego, can make a difference. Walk San Diego can be reached by calling (619) 557-4565.