Living Healthy Washington County provides funding for planning and implementation of Master and Comprehensive Plans to improve access to active living resources and supports. Recent projects include the Washington County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Comprehensive Plan development in Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Forest Lake and Washington County. Planning projects for parks and trail connections, signage, and equipment have been funded in Hugo, Scandia, Stillwater, Woodbury and Washington County Parks.
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Students who are physically active are stronger, have healthier bodies, experience reduced stress, and have increased self-esteem. Exercise can also help control weight and enhance academic performance.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that youth ages 6–17 participate in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Schools can promote physical activity through comprehensive school physical education and sport programs, active recess, walk/bike to school programs, active classrooms, and physical activity clubs and sports. Physical activity for students can take place before, during, or after the school day.
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Physical activity plays a critical role in the prevention of chronic disease, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Living Healthy Washington County partners with worksites to expand physical activity opportunities for employees to be more active during the work day. A recent worksite active living project was with Self-Esteem Brands a workplace in Woodbury. Recognizing that some employees were less engaged in traditional physical activity, Self Esteem Brands set out to create a bike-friendly worksite with funding from Living Healthy Washington County.
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Make it fun! Choosing activities that you enjoy – playing ball, riding bike, roller blading, dancing, swimming, gardening or walking will motivate you and family members to stay active for a lifetime. Building fitness activities into your daily routine is an important way to improve overall health and prevent obesity, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and cancer. Bonus benefits include a positive outlook, healthy sleep, stronger bones and muscles, and higher energy levels.
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