Resources - Physical Activity

Publications

The P.E. Advantage (2006)
An article from NCSL's State Legislatures magazine describing the benefits of physical education in schools, as well as which states have physical education requirements.
What's for Lunch? When's Recess? (2005)
An article from NCSL's State Legislatures magazine highlighting the measures being taken to reduce overweight and obesity in schools, including state action through legislation.
Exercising Choices (2004)
An article from NCSL's State Legislatures magazine that discusses the ways in which parents and schools can help children to make healthy active lifestyle choices.
On Your Feet Kids (2001)
An article from State Legislatures magazine about the KidsWalk-to-School program.

Diabetes: Rising Rates, Disability and Death (October 2006)
An NCSL Legisbrief highlighting the recent increase in diabetes, as well as actions being taken at the state and federal levels.
Health Epidemics on Tribal Lands (June/July 2006)
An NCSL Legisbrief describing health risks that American Indian and Alaska Native populations are increasingly facing, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Also includes highlights of actions being taken at both the tribal and state level.
Physical Education Activity for Children and Teens (January 2006)
An NCSL Legisbrief describing the importance of regular physical activity for children and teens, as well as state action being taken to require some type of physical education in schools.
Physical Activity and Community Design (June/July 2004)
An NCSL Legisbrief describing the importance of designing communities in a way that encourages physical activity, and briefly suggesting ways in which state legislatures can provide incentives for local governments to incorporate walking and biking opportunities into community design.

Childhood Obesity -- 2005 Update and Overview of Policy Options (2005)
An NCSL Web page providing information regarding obesity and its risks and costs, as well as a chart of relevant legislative approaches considered or enacted in 2005, state legislation on childhood obesity policy options in 2005, and summaries of other relevant 2005 legislation.
Diabetes Legislation
Includes state laws mandating diabetes health coverage.
Healthy Community Design
An NCSL Web Page on a program to enhance state legislators' awareness of their role in increasing their constituents' opportunities to ride a bicycle or walk in order to achieve public health benefits.
Women's Health and Diabetes
Quick facts for women about diabetes.

Teens Getting Healthier, But Still Eating Too Much, Exercising Too Little
(June 2006) A brief overview and chart from NCSL's State Health Notes showing a state-by-state comparison of selected health risk behaviors among males and females.
Fitness, Food and Finding Solutions: Approaches to Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Treatment (January 2006)
An NCSL Research and Policy Report providing information on how policy makers are striving to promote opportunities for physical activity and healthy food choices in schools, workplaces and communities.
Percentage of Adults Who Reported No Leisure Time Physical Activity (2001)
An NCSL Postcard describing why physical activity is important in the prevention of chronic diseases and diplaying the rate of physical activity among adults in the United States.