Healthy behavior that includes a healthy diet and regular physical exercise combined with the avoidance of health risks such as smoking and alcohol abuse, can contribute to improved health and quality of life. Healthy behaviors start with knowledge about the health gains and risks associated with different lifestyle choices. They also reflect an individual’s access to resources such as community parks and running paths and supermarkets.
How are we doing?
The percentage of Boston area residents reporting leisure-time physical activity increased from 71% in 2000 to 76% in 2003. Given the recent and rising concerns about obesity and mounting research showing the connection between physical activity and disease prevalence, this slow progress is of concern.
In 2002, almost one-fifth of Boston’s population smoked, with an almost even percentage of smokers in all racial/ethnic groups. Overall, the rate is increasing slightly.
|
 |
 |
 |
Click image to enlarge chart "Adult Current Smokers, City of Boston: 1986-2002"
|
|
|
 |
|
Click image to enlarge chart "Participation in Phisical Activity, City of Boston and Massachusetts: 2000-2003"
|
|
|
|
