Getting healthy

Eighty-five percent of Americans characterize their lifestyle as somewhat or very healthy, according to a survey by the American Public Health Association.

The survey, conducted in anticipation of National Public Health Week 2010 (NPHW), running today through April 11, uncovered what Americans believe constitutes "a healthier America," and measured how Americans characterize their personal health and their ability to make a personal or community difference.

“The trend of Americans making healthier lifestyle changes, such as eating better and exercising more, shows that the U.S. population is taking the necessary steps to becoming a healthier nation," Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of APHA, said in a statement. "Americans need to ‘start small, think big,’ in transforming our nation into a healthier nation. Individuals recognize that their personal changes can result in broader community impact."

SURVEY FINDINGS
• 47% of Americans want to be an inspiration for healthy living for their children;

• 51% of Americans have helped friends or family make healthy lifestyle changes in the past 6 months;

• Although 85% of Americans characterize their lifestyle as somewhat or very healthy, 20% perceive the lifestyle of the U.S. population as somewhat or very healthy; and

• While 64% of Americans have already made healthy changes to their lifestyle, an additional 21% are thinking about making healthy changes.