Promoting Active Living to Improve Mental and Physical Health, Social Connections, and Enhanced Resilience
Adopted at the in 2023
WHEREAS, our nation faces rising healthcare costs driven by anxiety, depression, addiction, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other preventable conditions; and
WHEREAS, communities face significant social and economic burdens from mental health conditions such as difficulty in maintaining employment, completing education, and being able to contribute to the community as a whole; 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, people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, lower rates of mental illness, and lower risk of severe illness from certain infectious diseases; 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%; and
WHEREAS, a recent study showed just 11 minutes per day of moderate exercise reduces the risk of premature death by 23%; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. 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).