Promoting Active Living to Improve Community Health and Strengthen Resiliency
Adopted at the 90th%20Annual%20Meeting in 2022
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans experienced a decline in physical activity and an increase in mental health conditions such as stress, clinical depression, and anxiety disorders; and
WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General's Advisory, Protecting Youth Mental Health, warns, "neglecting mental health can lead to severe health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure," already the leading causes of death; and
WHEREAS, exercise is considered vital for maintaining mental fitness and reducing stress and anxiety while also strengthening protections against COVID-19 and flu; and
WHEREAS, physical activity is associated with substantially lower risks of depression and anxiety; a person who exercises just half the recommended weekly amount lowers their risk for depression by 18 percent; and
WHEREAS, 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable with a healthy lifestyle including physical activity; and
WHEREAS, local governments and mayors can play vital roles in promoting physical activity in their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities reported, "The benefits of improved walkability and more people walking regularly can include making communities safer, supporting social cohesion, reducing air pollution, and benefiting local economies;" and
WHEREAS, Move with the Mayor(TM) is a national, CDC-supported, easy-to-use, free initiative that mayors across the country use to encourage active, healthy living through programs, policies, and infrastructure; and promote adult vaccinations;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors urges mayors to engage members of their community to be more physically active to improve mental health and strengthen individual and community resilience, using programs such as Move with the Mayor(TM).