Getting Healthy and Fit: Recreation Programs are the Answer

One of the most effective and low-cost prescriptions for a variety of physical and mental conditions can be found just a few steps from your front door: your public recreation program.

The stakes for your health are immense. Nearly half of Americans are overweight while a third qualifies as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year, 300,000 deaths are attributed to unhealthy weight gains due to poor diet and lack of exercise in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Obesity-related conditions include a greater chance of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. If all inactive Americans were to become physically active, close to $76.7 billion would be saved annually in the treatment of such chronic conditions, HHS predicts. 

Consider just some of the ways you and your family can get active through CE & Rec programs: indoor walking, swimming, after school recreation programs, playing on playgrounds, youth sports, taking fitness classes, golf lessons, basketball, volleyball, and more. Visit www.fallsrec.org for a complete list of program opportunities!

Communities everywhere need to support parks and recreation. America’s Backyard—Make Parks Yours, a park awareness campaign from the National Recreation and Park Association, encourages all people in Menomonee Falls to, not only experience the healthy benefits of parks & recreation but to stand together and support parks & recreation. To learn more what Menomonee Falls CE & Rec is offering to help you get healthy and fit visit www.fallsrec.org.  For more information on the benefits of parks and recreation, visit www.americasbackyard.org.