Benefits

Communities in motion can help increase physical activity among individuals in their community. Increased physical activity levels can have many community, health, economic, personal and social benefits.

Community benefits:

• A healthy vibrant community that people take pride in
• Increased social relationships
• Crime prevention because there are more "eyes" out in the community
• More productive individuals at work, home, school and in the community
• Active modes of transportation may have many benefits to the environment
• Promotes community partnerships
• Promotes ethnic and cultural harmony

Health Benefits:

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Reduced risk of hypertension
• Reduced body fat and risk of obesity
• Reduced risk of osteoarthritis
• Reduced risk of some cancers
• Reduced risk of Type II diabetes
• Better posture and balance
• Improved fitness
• Stronger muscles and bones

Economic Benefits:

• Health care spending was estimated at $121.4 billion dollars in 2003, up from the $84 billion spent in 1998.
• $2.1 billion total direct health care costs can be attributed to physical inactivity
• Diabetes cost estimates are $9 billion in direct & indirect costs
• Cost of obesity if over $1.8 billion
• Reducing the number of inactive Canadians by 10% would result in savings of $5 billion

Personal and Social Benefits:

• Contributes to a full and meaningful life
• Is one of the very basic methods of health insurance for individuals
• Feel more energetic
• Builds self esteem and positive self image
• Improved relaxation and reduced stress