People who are physically active generally live longer1
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents engage in at least one hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day. Many unhealthy behaviors with a life-long impact on health– smoking, poor diet, and inactivity—begin in childhood and adolescence.3 Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of all ages can take to improve their health.
Indicator Highlights
Physical activity is developmentally necessary for learning, growth and good health.5
Children learn important motor skills during both structured (directed by an adult) and unstructured physical activity.
Age appropriate equipment is required for success in participating in physical activity outdoors, and is also essential for being safe while being active.5
Among California adolescents, males were more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines for aerobic physical activity of at least one hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day compared to females.1
According to a 2014 CDC report, the proportion of adolescents who meet physical activity guidelines for aerobic physical activity are reportedly higher in Medi-Cal populations than in California as a whole.1
Nearly half of youth live in neighborhoods without parks or playgrounds, community centers, and walking paths or sidewalks.1
Proportion of Adolescents Who Engaged in Physical Activity for at Least an Hour on Three or More Days per Week (in Addition to Physical Education at School), by Demographic Category
Proportion of Adolescents Who Engaged in Physical Activity for at Least an Hour on Three or More Days per Week (in Addition to Physical Education at School), Over Time
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Indicator: Adolescent physical activity.
Indicator Description: Adolescents (i.e. teens) ages 12-17 were asked how many days a week they exercised 60 minutes or more, not counting physical education (PE) classes at school. Here, we show the percentage who reported this at least three days a week. Assuming most teens get the minimum 3.33 hours/week of school PE required for grades 6-10 in California, this would bring them close to 7 hours/week of exercise, approximating the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline of exercising at least an hour per day. Given the variability in school PE programs across the state, this is a stopgap solution until better data are obtained for national comparisons.
Brief Description: Asked of California’s residential population, administered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Does not include those living in group quarters or homeless persons.
Indicator Source: California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is a population-based health survey of California. It is the largest telephone survey in California and the largest state health survey in the country. Note that this indicator uses weighted data.
Data Sharing Agreement: Researchers can access a variety of publicly available CHIS data files and web tools. These CHIS data products include downloadable data sets and easy-to-read PDF documents. In addition, local county health departments can request data files specific to their county. However, researchers can apply to analyze confidential CHIS data, data sensitive variables and/or geo-coded data through the CHIS Data Access Center (DAC). Access to confidential CHIS data requires a research application, review, and approval.
Indicator Calculation Methodology: https://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/design/Pages/overview.aspx
Data Collection Methodology: https://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/design/Pages/methodology.aspx
Program URL Link: https://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/Pages/default.aspx
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