What Can I Do to Improve Pedestrian Safety in My Community?
Pedestrian deaths in the United States are declining, but there is still a long way to go to protect the safety of those who are walking, rolling and cycling in American cities. In 2023, 7,318 pedestrian fatalities occurred in the U.S., a 5.4% decrease from 2022, which saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths in […]
Capital Region Leads Nation’s Fittest Cities in 2024 ACSM American Fitness Index® Ranking
Health of Americans Dips Due to Mental Health, Physical Well-being and Lack of Sleep Arlington, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington, are the top cities in the 17th annual ACSM American Fitness Index® (Fitness Index) rankings published by the American College of Sports Medicine® (ACSM) and the Elevance Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Elevance […]
Women’s Heart Health: Key Resources
Did you know heart disease is the #1 killer of women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined? High blood pressure accounts for one in five deaths among women in the U.S. and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While these statistics might surprise you, February as American Heart Health month […]
Breathe Easier | Smoking Cessation Resources for Better Health
Updated November 2025 Only 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop. Within a few days, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to a normal rate. After a few weeks your circulation and lung function improve, and after a year your risk of heart attack drops significantly. […]
The Built Environment and Physical Activity
It has been well-established that physical activity and/or exercise can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. To reap these benefits, we only need to accumulate 150 minutes per week of physical activity1. That means that you can be physically active for as little as 10 […]
Urban green spaces: A “green third place” to promote community
I love my local public green spaces. I have two (a town park and a nearby school) within easy walking/biking distance from home. We see friends and acquaintances regularly when at the playground, swimming in the river or attending community events like concerts, fairs or athletic competitions. It is wonderful to connect with your neighbors and […]
Natural Health: Access to Nature Improves Mental Health, Physical Activity and Chronic Diseases
Have you ever wandered to a local park after a long day or a long week, taken a deep breath, and felt stress and tension leave your body? You are not alone. Just 20 minutes per day of exposure to natural environments decreases stress and improves cognitive function, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and sleep. Chronic […]
Nation’s Capital Region Leads Fittest Cities in 2023 ACSM American Fitness Index® Ranking
Incidence of chronic disease — 6 in 10 face chronic conditions — calls for more exercise Indianapolis, IN (July 18, 2023) — Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., are the top cities in the 16th annual ACSM American Fitness Index® (Fitness Index) rankings published by the American College of Sports Medicine® (ACSM) and the Elevance Health […]
Play(grounds) for All: Inclusive Playgrounds and the Fitness Professional
For children, playgrounds offer numerous physical, social and cognitive benefits, including the development of motor skills, social skills, creativity and independence. These structures, defined as a designated play area that contains traditional play equipment linked together by paths, provide rich contexts for children to explore their social and physical environments. As a result, playgrounds offer […]
Community Gardens: Enhancing Nutrition, Physical Activity and Connection in Neighborhoods Across America
Gardening goes in and out of fashion over time, but the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new, younger wave of gardeners, many of whom grow in one of the more than 29,000 community garden plots located in city parks in the 100 largest U.S. cities. Community gardens have many benefits, including promoting healthy eating and physical […]