Research has shown that regular physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths. It could also decrease the risk of developing some cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases. This is true nationally and in Connecticut. In 2011,the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) began using a new weighting methodology (raking) and including cell phone only respondents. Therefore, data from 2011 and later are not comparable todata from 2010 and earlier. 

Data for this indicator are available in odd-numbered years only from 2011 to 2019.  After this, the data will not be collected until 2023.  These data are current as of April 2022.  New data will be available in the Fall of 2024. 

The target was developed as part of Healthy Connecticut 2020 and Live Healthy Connecticut, A Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Plan. 

Potential Partners:

Connecticut Department of Public Health; Connecticut Department of Social Services; Connecticut Department of
Agriculture; Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; Connecticut Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection; State Department of Education; Connecticut Department of Transportation;
Connecticut Department of Children and Families; State Legislature; local public health agencies; health care
providers including nurses and primary care physicians; health professional associations; food industry; other
businesses and worksite wellness programs; educational providers; other organizations and coalitions focused on
nutrition, dietetics, and physical activity; community service providers; philanthropic and research organizations
that address obesity; schools of public health, allied health, and medicine; and others.

The CDC identifies improving nutrition and physical activity as "winnable battles" in public health.

The National Prevention Strategy recommends:
1. Support community design and transportation planning policy to be pedestrian /bicycle friendly, and to accommodate all ages and abilities.
2. Facilitate community access to safe, accessible, and affordable places for physical activity.
3. Promote and strengthen school and early learning policies and programs that increase physical activity.
4. Support workplace policies and programs that increase physical activity.
5. Assess physical activity levels and provide education, counseling, and referrals.

Potential Strategy:

Partner with the Connecticut State Department of Education to work with schools and early childhood education centers to adopt and implement policies that create a healthy nutrition environment and promote daily physical activity

Work with communities and existing coalitions to advance local policies and systems changes that promote healthy eating and active living

Work with local public health partners and schools to establish school and community gardens

Work with local public health partners including local transportation authorities to promote bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly communities

For more information, refer to Live Healthy Connecticut, the Connecticut Coordinated Chronic Disease Plan.