Spring is a Great Time for Committing to an Active Lifestyle
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Philip B. Scott has declared May 2024 Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Vermont, encouraging Vermonters to be active this spring. The proclamation was requested by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of volunteers appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters.
The proclamation aligns with the national designation of May as Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an effort by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity. The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages families to be active outdoors through a variety of programs, including Vermont Parks pass exercise “prescriptions,” Vermont Senior Games, community wellness grants, and the Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race in Montpelier on May 16.
In Vermont, 50 percent of human deaths are caused by chronic, preventable, lifestyle diseases including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases can be reduced or prevented when people are routinely physically active. The Vermont Department of Health recommends that adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, or 2 hours and 30 minutes weekly. Moderate activity includes walking briskly, bicycling, dancing, hiking, paddling, and swimming. Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including walking to school, playing and recreating outdoors, riding bicycles, and participating in sports. In Vermont, only 61 percent of adults and 22 percent of adolescents in grades 9-12 meet these guidelines.
“Vermonters have many beautiful spaces to walk, run, ride bikes, paddle, climb, and play sports, and May is a great time to start,” said Council chairperson, Janet Franz. “Staying active helps us feel better physically and mentally, boosts immunity and reduces risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, stiff backs, anxiety, depression, low energy, and a host of other ailments, reducing the need for medicine and medical care. Exercise is medicine.”
The proclamation recognizes the month of May as a traditional time to encourage the broad promotion of and participation in physical fitness activities.
Read the proclamation.
Learn more about the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Learn more about the Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race
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