June 7, 2013“Walk It Out!”

Howard Levitt, Director of Communications & Partnerships, Golden Gate National

Recreation AreaNancy Kaiser, Interpretative Services

Manager, East Bay Regional Park District

Health is as Near as Your Nearest Park

The Problem

Sedentary Lifestyle• >40% of American population

sedentary• 1/3 of U.S. adults medically obese

Health Consequences• 26 million Americans have diabetes

and 79 million adults are pre-diabetic

• Obesity and obesity related diseases are the leading cause of death

• Leads to higher levels of stress and depression

RX for Nature

Physical Health Benefits• Physical Activity & Obesity • Vitamin D• Longevity

Mental Health Benefits• Stress, Anxiety & Depression• Trauma• ADHD

Community Benefits• Economic Boost• Aggression & Crime Decrease• Sense of Place & Environmental

Stewardship

Common Barriers to Outdoor Time

Time• Different priorities• Different recreation habits/choices

Access• Transportation• Cost and “gear”• Lack of knowledge/information

Not Feeling Comfortable• Perceived or real racism• Language barriers• Staff/visitors don’t reflect the

community

HPHP: Bay Area Programs

Program Criteria• Culturally relevant• Free or low cost• Introductory level• Offered on the first Saturday of

every month

Objectives• Fun and enjoyable• Receive physical and mental

benefits• Empower participants to “own park”

and come back often and outside of First Saturdays

Conclusion

Parks, health and community organizations are allies

We share the same goal of a healthy, active Bay Area

See you in the parks!For more information visit

hphpbayarea.org