Increase Activity

When it comes to Physical Activity, Asian/Pacific Islanders like other ethnic groups struggle to meet the recommended amounts of daily physical activity. In 2017, 30 percent of adults in Nevada did not participate in any physical activity in the past month. In addition, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders were three times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian American population. Unfortunately, this is not specific to just adults, adolescents also are at risk for obesity. Only 11.5% of Asian youth meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. In addition, 66.2% of Asian youth spend 3 or more non-educational hours in front of the computer or playing video games.

Regular physical activity is important for overall health and well-being. Among adults, physical activity can lower the risk of premature death, chronic disease, some forms of cancer, and falls. It can also improve your mental health & mood, strengthen your bones and muscles.

For children and adolescents, physical activity can improve bone health, cardio-respiratory fitness and muscle strength, and reduce body fat and symptoms of depression. For people who are inactive, even small increases in physical activity can have health benefits.

• Take family walks or play active games together. Check out these 10 tips to get your family active.
• Take your kids to places where they can be active such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts and give them toys that encourage physical activity. To find a park near you check out our Places to Play.
• Be positive about your child’s sports and physical activities and encourage them to try new things.
• Limit your child’s screen time (e.g. computer, video games and TV). Encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends and family, such as riding bikes or scooters.
• Walk or bike to school. Visit our Safe Routes to School webpage to find out tips for walking and biking to school.
• Explore outside with your family. Check out our Neon to Nature app and online program to find walking trails near your home.
• Join our Walk Around Nevada program. Complete one virtual lap around Nevada and receive a hall of fame t-shirt. Download the app for free.