Our Healthier Communities Initiatives are built on the concept that local communities can work together to give all community members healthy choices and support the pursuit of healthy lifestyles.  More than 160 Ys are working in collaboration with community leaders to make changes in policies and the physical surroundings in those communities so that healthy living is within reach for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

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Active Living Strategy #18: Implement Campaigns on Physical Activity Across Many Venues of the Community

Media advertising, websites, and public relations events support the importance of physical activity and the availability of physical activity opportunities. Community-wide campaigns to promote physical activity can be effective in increasing physical activity.

 

Community-wide campaigns to promote physical activity have been shown to be effective in increasing physical activity. Using media advertising (e.g., newspapers,
TV, radio), websites, and public relations events in campaigns to promote physical activity have increased awareness of the importance of physical activity and the availability of physical
activity programs. These campaigns also saw increases in participation in physical activity programs. The campaigns led to increased public support and advocacy for policy changes that, in turn, increased opportunities for funding to advance policy and environmental initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity in the community.

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References

1. Brownson, R., Smith, C., Pratt, M., Mack, N., Jackson-Thompson J., Dean, C.G., Dabney, S., & Wilkerson, J.C. (1996). Preventing cardiovascular disease through community-based risk reduction: The Bootheel Heart Health Project. American Journal of Public Health, 86, 206–213.
2. Huberty, J.L., Dodge, T., Peterson, K., & Balluff, M. (2009). Active Omaha: The journey to an active living environment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(6S2), S428–S435.
3. Reger, B., Cooper, L., Booth-Butterfield, S., Smith, H., Bauman, A., Wootan, M., Middlestadt, S., Marcus, B., & Greer, F. (2002). Wheeling Walks: A community campaign using paid media to encourage walking among sedentary older adults. Preventive Medicine, 25, 285–292.
4. Thomas, I.M., Sayers, S.P., Godon, J.L., & Reilly, S.R. (2009). Bike, walk, and wheel: A way of life in Columbia, Missouri. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(6S2), S322–S328.

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