[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           BE ACTIVE FOR LIFE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, two-thirds of our population lives a 
sedentary lifestyle with poor dietary habits that regularly include 
``super-sized'' meals. Such poor habits are particularly prevalent in 
our Nation's rural areas, including many of the North Carolina 
communities that I represent. These habits are increasing among older 
Americans. As a result, many rural Americans suffer from heart disease, 
diabetes and stroke. My home State of North Carolina ranks 12th in the 
United States for increased aging population and, according to a 
national report, 41st in overall health. According to this same report, 
individuals aged 50+ are the least healthy.
  More than 20 years of research shows that inactivity and a sedentary 
lifestyle are more significant in the effect on health than genetic 
factors. The good news is that even minimal activity can significantly 
extend life. Regular physical activity promotes physical and 
psychological wellbeing; increases energy levels; helps older adults 
become stronger and maintain independence; reduces the risk of 
diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer; and helps those with 
chronic disease manage their conditions better.
  To help my constituents in the 6th District of North Carolina, 
FirstHealth of the Carolinas, a health care system in Pinehurst, North 
Carolina, implemented Active for Life, a research-based program that 
teaches mid-life and older adults how to change their behavior and 
incorporate physical activity into their everyday life. This program, a 
part of a national effort to get older Americans moving, has measurable 
results. Fewer than a quarter of the participants reported being fairly 
active at the beginning of the program. After completing the 20-week 
Active for Life program, a remarkable 81 percent reported that they are 
active most of the days of the week. By doing so, they meet the Surgeon 
General's recommendation and, more importantly, they lead healthier 
lives. Participants report that they think differently about health and 
look for opportunities to be active. A man from Pinehurst was able to 
avoid medications when his blood pressure became under control during 
the program, while another woman from Southern Pines reduced her cane 
use when walking.
  The results achieved by FirstHealth and at other Active for Life 
sites demonstrate the effectiveness of such lifestyle programs. 
Participation in this type of evidence-based behavior change program is 
good preventive medicine, and an investment in these programs will save 
our health care dollars down the road. We need to get creative about 
getting Americans, particularly older Americans active. Incentives 
should be incorporated into health plans for patient and provider 
participation, and environmental changes should be made to develop 
``walkable communities.'' As a member of the United States Congress, I 
strongly urge decision-makers and community leaders to identify how 
they can take ``action''--both behind the scenes, as they determine 
policy, and literally on the road as they walk for their health.

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