Physical Activity
"Physical Activity is the wonder drug."--Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Active Transporation
Story: Pipestone gets active
How can a community increase biking and walking, and along the way make their towns safer and more enjoyable?
One effective way is through a “Complete Streets” policy. That is exactly what Southwest Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) is working toward, one city at a time.
“We want to provide a safe way for people to get from one end of town to the other, whether that’s by bike, on foot or even in a wheelchair,” says Jeff Moberg of South West SHIP...more
Safe Routes to School
Story: Safe Routes + Walking Tuesdays = Healthy KidsWith the help of Statewide Health Improvement Program, Fairmont’s Safe Routes to School program has become a staple of Fairmont students’ school day.
Beginning in 2010, the Safe Routes to School program in Fairmont was a hopeful discussion among local elementary schools, the Fairmont Policy Department, local hospital, newspaper and bus company as well as other business and community members. In 2012, the group’s mission resulted in wider crosswalks, more curb cuts, cross extra walking guards, pedestrian and bike safety education...more
Active School Days
Story: Physical activity means healthy and happy kids
Schools in Cass County are already seeing results of their efforts to increase physical activity among their students.
With the help of SHIP, four of the five schools in Cass County created programs to improve students’ physical activity, reaching up to 2,000 students. It starts with the belief that an environment that supports and models healthy behavior for youth is critical for them to become healthy, productive adults. “It was important to keep in our minds who we were doing all of this for, and why. The future is in their little hands; we just have to give them the tools…it’s our job,” says Jessica Nyland, Pillager school nurse...more
More stories about making physical activity--and good health--the norm
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Physical activity is the best policy in McLeod County
With support from SHIP, Preschools and daycares throughout McLeod County are not only making physical activity a permanent part of their daily routine, they are making it company policy...more -
Active Recess in Minneapolis Schools
Active Recess means more play and more fun for 5,600 students at 11 Minneapolis schools. Teachers at participating elementary schools are seeing the difference that active play can have on in-classroom behavior and conflict resolution skills...more - Walking is the new way to roll at Rochester's Elton Hills Elementary (PDF: 254KB/1 page)
- Healthy living trail in Waite Park (PDF: 439KB/1 page)
- Walking School Bus a big plus to father and daughter (PDF: 223KB/1 page)
Highlights
Pedal Minnesota--resource central for everyone who bicycles
NEW! See the video
- Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs Webinar--Minnesota Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MNAHPERD)--May 30, 2012
Slide presentation (PDF: 160 KB/3 pages)
- The Minnesota Department of Transportation has recently adopted a 50-year transportation vision. Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system maximizes the health of people, the environment and our economy.
- Contact us at:
health.activeliving@state.mn.us
