Fighting Fat with Fun!

America’s Public Lands and WatersMichael Suk, MD JD MPH FCLMWhite House FellowU.S. Department of the Interior

Facts We Know

• The United States is facing an epidemic of chronic disease

• Much of which is preventable and can be directly linked to physical inactivity

Public Health 101

• 95% of the 1.4 trillion dollars spent on health care goes to direct medical services

• 5% is allocated to preventing disease and promoting health and healthy lifestyles

• Obesity is the #1 health threat to Americans surpassing tobacco for the very first time!

• Is Obesity the next Tobacco?

The Future

• Fat Kids!– 10% of 2-5

year olds– 15% of 6-19

year olds

• Roper ASW– Participation

decreasing

America’s Public Lands and Waters:

The Gateway to Better Health?

Executive Order 13266

The framework for unprecedented coordinationThe framework for unprecedented coordination

HealthierUS

Based on the premise that increasing personal fitness and becoming healthier is critical to achieving a better and longer life.

4 Principles

• Be Physically Active Every Day

• Eat a Nutritious Diet

• Get Preventive Screenings

• Make Healthy Choices

Problem and Opportunity

• HealthierUS is not widely known

• Despite the mandate for land and water management agency involvement, we have not capitalized on the full potential of collaboration…

• Resulting in some missed opportunities…

National Trails DayJune, 2002National Trails DayJune, 2004

A Fundamental “Disconnect”

• Physical Activity = EXERCISE

• The exercise message fails to connect with the audience that need it most…

What is “Exercise”?

Exercise is a process whereby the body performs work of a demanding nature… in a clinically-controlled environment… meaningfully loading the muscular structures… to stimulate a growth mechanism within minimum time.

Ken Hutchins, Super Slow®: The ULTIMATE Exercise Protocol, 2nd Ed. ©1992Ken Hutchins, Super Slow®: The ULTIMATE Exercise Protocol, 2nd Ed. ©1992

What is “Recreation”?

Recreation is the refreshment of health or spirits by relaxation and enjoyment or an activity or pastime that promotes this.

The Collins English Dictionary © The Collins English Dictionary © 20002000

“Recreational Activity”

• The physical and mental health benefits of “recreational activity” are well documented

Natural Cure for the Blues

• 80% - 90% of outdoor participants– Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment– Feel the natural setting allows them to

escape the pressures of everyday life– Believe it keeps then feeling young– Feel it allows them to connect with

themselves

*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.

What Brings a Peaceful State of Mind?

Men Women

Nature 37% 53%

Sex 27% 15%

Payday 8% 13%

The Bottom Line

• ANY activity above sedentary is beneficial• However, the “exercise” message lingers

in most minds and has failed to resonate with the recreation community.

Obesity experts to docs: Start 'prescribing' exerciseFebruary 10, 2004

Bridging the Gap

• Between those who will seek out “recreation” but will seldom seek opportunities to “exercise”

• Linking the concepts:– “light to moderate physical activity” – “recreational activity”

What is Physical Activity?

• Physical activity can be broken down into 3 cultural functions:– Necessary to fulfill obligations of paid

work, household work, personal care and child care

– Undertaken as a specific means to improve health or to escape negative health consequences

–Inherently part of a pleasurable leisure experience

Enjoyment is the Key

It would appear that, in the next few decades, the greatest potential to increase human movement in daily life will be by increasing participation in physical activity which is inherently part of a pleasurable leisure experience and has meaning aside from exercise.

In other words, leisure, play, recreation, sport, contact with nature, etc.

Gateway to Better Health

• Hiking, biking and camping have the greatest longevity that any of the human powered outdoor activities*

• People who enjoy these activities are more likely to try– Climbing– Downhill skiing– Snowboarding– Kayaking– Cross-country skiing– Trail running – Snow shoeing– Volunteering

*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.

VolunteeringThose who volunteer on environmental projects are nearly 3 times (2.7) more likely to be meeting recommended levels of physical activity

Most popular activities among American travelers

Source: TravelScope, 2002

3%

6%

8%

8%

9%

10%

10%

11%

14%

17%

34%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Golf/Tennis/Skiing

Sports Event

Gambling

Nightlife/Dancing

Theme/Amusement Park

National/State Park

Cultural Events/Festivals

Beaches

Historical Places/Museums

Outdoor Activities

Shopping

Percent of Person-trips

Secret to Success? Start Young!• 90% of active adult

participants started between the ages of 5 and 18*

• The average age Americans start their favorite activity is 18 years old.*

• Personal challenges and health benefits are what keep people active throughout their lives*

• If a person becomes involved in one activity, that they will be interested in other activities, thus raising their activity throughout their life.*

*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.

Opening the Doors Wider at America’s Public Lands…

• Unmatched distribution network for a common heath related message

• The nexus for unprecedented collaboration between unconventional partners

• Economies of scale by providing federal partners access to recreation venues and vice versa

But not so wide…

• We should not create the health care message

• We should not retrain employees to become health care experts

• We should not compromise the primary mission of stewardship of public lands

Achieving Balance

• Provide the necessary information on where recreation opportunities exist

• Provide the essential link to state and local governmental sites and initiatives

• Provide the nexus for unconventional partnerships

• Provide a network for communication which touches individual lives

Seizing Opportunity

• Increased utilization of refuges, lakes, trails, and parks

• Enhanced stewardship of public lands

• Positive public image• Health care

messaging is among the most effective way to reach a public audience

• Encourage the public to see land and water management agencies in a different, and very positive light

It’s not just about caring for the public lands…

It’s about caring for the people who use them

The Federal Family