june 7, 2013 “walk it out!” howard levitt, director of communications & partnerships, golden...
TRANSCRIPT
June 7, 2013“Walk It Out!”
Howard Levitt, Director of Communications & Partnerships, Golden Gate National
Recreation AreaNancy Kaiser, Interpretative Services
Manager, East Bay Regional Park District
Health is as Near as Your Nearest Park
The Problem
Sedentary Lifestyle• >40% of American population
sedentary• 1/3 of U.S. adults medically obese
Health Consequences• 26 million Americans have diabetes
and 79 million adults are pre-diabetic
• Obesity and obesity related diseases are the leading cause of death
• Leads to higher levels of stress and depression
RX for Nature
Physical Health Benefits• Physical Activity & Obesity • Vitamin D• Longevity
Mental Health Benefits• Stress, Anxiety & Depression• Trauma• ADHD
Community Benefits• Economic Boost• Aggression & Crime Decrease• Sense of Place & Environmental
Stewardship
Common Barriers to Outdoor Time
Time• Different priorities• Different recreation habits/choices
Access• Transportation• Cost and “gear”• Lack of knowledge/information
Not Feeling Comfortable• Perceived or real racism• Language barriers• Staff/visitors don’t reflect the
community
HPHP: Bay Area Programs
Program Criteria• Culturally relevant• Free or low cost• Introductory level• Offered on the first Saturday of
every month
Objectives• Fun and enjoyable• Receive physical and mental
benefits• Empower participants to “own park”
and come back often and outside of First Saturdays
Conclusion
Parks, health and community organizations are allies
We share the same goal of a healthy, active Bay Area
See you in the parks!For more information visit
hphpbayarea.org