Parks and recreation programs declining as obesity, health concerns rise

http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2010/jan/parks-and-recreation-programs-declining-obesity-health-concerns-rise

1-15-10

CORVALLIS, Ore. – One way to help address the epidemic of obesity in the United States is improved access to pleasant hiking trails and an ambitious parks and recreation program, a recent study suggests, but programs such as this are increasingly being reduced in many states due to budget shortfalls.

The analysis, done by researchers in Oregon, found that some of the health issues that plague overweight and obese people can be aided by a stronger commitment to recreational opportunities. Cutting such programs to save money may be counterproductive to community health, scientists said.

“Research is now showing there’s a close correlation between public health and recreational opportunities, both close to home and in state parks,” said Randy Rosenberger, an associate professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University. “And it’s not just about losing weight. It’s been found that active obese individuals have lower morbidity and mortality than normal weight individuals who are sedentary.”

What’s badly needed, the researchers said, are more recreation facilities and non-motorized trails, with information about them made readily available to the public, and more education about the value of physical activity. But even as more findings about these issues are being made, parks and recreation budgets are often under attack.

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