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State Health Compare

Average number of days in the previous 30 days when a person indicates their activities are limited due to mental or physical health difficulties

Measure Overview

Physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including: boosting metabolism, helping maintain healthy weight, regulating blood sugar and glucose levels, and much more. Conversely, limited physical activity is a serious risk factor for developing or deepening issues linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, among others, and to negative mental health outcomes. In understanding which individuals or populations may be at risk for limited activity, states can implement strategies such as expanding access to parks or pathways to build or enhance more active communities.

State Health Compare provides annual, state-level rates on the average number of days in the past 30 days that a person reports limited activity due to mental or physical health difficulties. Estimates are available beginning in 2005 and are based on findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Three breakdowns are available for this measure: educational attainment, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity categories.

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