Exercise is essential for physical, social, and mental well-being. All North Carolina residents need equitable access to safe areas where  they can be physically active. Equitable community environments support physical activity behaviors and provide safe exercise opportunities for the entire community.  These spaces should be crime-free and accessible by public transit. They should also include safe and well-lit sidewalks, walking trails, greenways, and bike lanes.Access to safe exercise space has been highly correlated to a community’s increased level of physical activity.  Among adolescents, access has been shown to increase time spent in vigorous physical activity, and to lower obesity rates. 

Access to foods that support healthy eating patterns contributes to an individual’s health throughout his or her life. • Healthy eating habits include controlling calories; eating a variety of foods and beverages from all the food groups; and limiting intake of saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Healthy eating can help lower the risk for chronic disease. • Evidence also shows that poor nutrition and an unhealthy diet are risk factors for high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. According to the 2015 - 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating patterns include: a variety of vegetables; fruits, especially whole fruits; grains, at least half of which are whole grains; fat-free or low-fat dairy; protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), unsalted nuts and seeds, and soy products; and oils. • Some research has shown that increased access to healthy foods corresponds with healthier dietary practices.

Source: 2023 NC SHIP