NJFITness
Campaign
NJFIT is
a response to two basic concerns
of New Jersey residents -
public health and congestion.
Traffic congestion and sprawling
development patterns have
threatened safety, ease of
travel and the physical health
of New Jersey residents.
NJFIT
is the New Jersey
Department of Transportation's
(NJDOT) solution to improve
the quality of life for
all that live and work
in New Jersey.
According to the Centers
of Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), an "Inactivity Epidemic"
has resulted in a rapid decline
of public health and it has
warned Americans that there
are physical costs of inactivity,
including:
- Increased risk of obesity.
- Increased risk of major
diseases, such as diabetes,
cardiovascular disease
and colon cancer.
- Increased symptoms of
depression and anxiety.
- Poorer development and
maintenance of bones and
muscles.
Obesity
rates in the United States
have gone up
considerably
in the 10 years between 1996
and 2006.
While there
are many causes of the Inactivity
Epidemic, today's car dependent
lifestyles are a contributing
factor - and one the NJDOT
is seeking to change. By
transforming the already
existing environment to
include
more sidewalks, bike
paths and other facilities
that offer alternatives
to driving, we can help
increase physical activity. Through NJFIT,
NJDOT seeks to promote
Healthy Community Design*
that:
- Promotes physical
activity;
- Improves air quality;
- Reduces contributions
to climate change;
- Lowers risk of injuries;
and
- Increases social
connection and a sense
of community.
|
Healthy
Community Design promotes
physical activity through
walking.
|
Research
by the University of
British Columbia suggests
that for every additional
30 minutes spent in
the car, there is a
three percent greater
chance of being obese. |
*Source: CDC
Fact Sheet on Healthy Community
Design (pdf 343k) |
