COVID-19 pandemic, research underscore importance of physical activity, infrastructure in the battle for community health
INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American College of Sports Medicine:
WHAT
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons, including reinforcing these three facts:
- Physical activity builds healthy immune systems.
- Everyone needs access to parks, trails and connected sidewalks to help maintain physical and mental health.
- City infrastructure like parks and recreation are essential civic, social and economic drivers.
For more than a decade, the ACSM / Anthem American Fitness Index® has recognized the critical role all three play in a city’s overall health and fitness. The science-based Fitness Index annually evaluates and ranks America’s 100 largest cities using 33 health behaviors, chronic diseases and community infrastructure indicators that support a physically active lifestyle. At the community level, the Fitness Index is used as an assessment and evaluation tool to educate community leaders on the importance of key indicators of physical activity. Leaders can then focus on policy, systems and environmental change strategies that create sustainability for their community.
ACSM and the Anthem Foundation launched the Fitness Index in 2008. Learn more at americanfitnessindex.org.
WHEN
ACSM and the Anthem Foundation will release the 2020 Fitness Index rankings at 7 a.m. EDT on July 14, 2020.
WHO
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 members and certified fitness professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to improve educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. ACSM advocates for legislation to help the government and health community make physical activity a priority. Find details at www.acsm.org.
As the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., the Anthem Foundation promotes the organization’s commitment to improving lives and communities. Through strategic partnerships and programs, the Foundation is addressing the disparities and social determinants that will help create a healthier generation of Americans. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s year-round Dollars for Dollars program which provides a 100 percent match of associates’ donations, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. Learn more about the Anthem Foundation at http://www.anthem.foundation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Contact ACSM Media Relations Manager Lisa Ramage at lramage@acsm.org for an embargoed news release and to interview ACSM and Anthem Foundation spokespersons.
Contacts
Lisa Ramage
ACSM Media Relations Manager
lramage@acsm.org
