Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
PREVENTIVE CARE, EXERCISE, AND SAFETY
53. Days Physical Health Was Not Good
The number of those reporting one or more bad physical health days in the past month was greater in 1997 than in 1994.
Physical well-being influences the ability to work, play, engage in social relationships and function independently. Physical health problems can lead to lost wages, increased healthcare costs, and social isolation.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Social Environment
- Insurance Coverage
Figure 7-26: Percent Respondents with One or More Days per Month Poor Physical Health
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
54. Participation in Leisure Activities
The proportion of those reporting no leisure activity was less in 1997 than in 1994. In a related question asked in the 1997 Mesa County Risk Behavior / Quality of Life Survey, 84% of the respondents rated recreational opportunities excellent or good; whereas, 16% rated the opportunities as fair or poor.
Those rating activities poor cited lack of activities (20%) and high costs (12%) as the reasons for the low ratings. Those living in poverty and ethnic minorities were more likely to give poor and fair ratings.
Leisure Activities
- Walking — 52%
- Exercise equipment — 10%
- Jogging — 6%
- Bicycling — 5%
- Aerobics — 4%
Figure 7-27: Percent of Respondents with No Leisure Activity
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
55. Activity Limitations
The Healthy People 2000 goal is for no more than 8% of the population to have activity limitations due to health problems or physical impairment.
There was an increase in the proportion of respondents indicating activity limitations in 1997 compared to 1994. Activity limitations compromise functional independence and quality of life.
Activity limitations may also be associated with higher healthcare costs and lost wages.
May link to . . .
- Transportation
- Economy
- Lifestyle
- Social Environment
Figure 7-28: Percent Activity Limitations Due to Health Problem
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
56. Overweight Population
The Healthy People 2000 goal is to reduce the prevalence of obesity in adults to no more than 20%.
The proportion of overweight respondents increased from 1994 to 1997 and remains a higher than the healthy people goal.
Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases, is multifaceted in origin, and has physical as well as social consequences.
May link to . . .
- Lifestyle
- Genetics
- Social Relationships
Figure 7-29: Percent Respondents Overweight
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
57. Percent Sedentary
The Healthy People 2000 goal is to increase to at least 30% the proportion of people aged 6 and older who engage in regular physical activities.
More than half of the respondents reported being sedentary in both the 1994 and 1997 surveys. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity and detracts from physical and mental well-being.
May link to . . .
- Lifestyle
- Physical Well-Being
- Mental Well-Being
Figure 7-30: Percent of Respondents Who Are Sedentary
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
Next