July 2014
Unhealthy Kentucky
By Fiona Young-Brown
Do you spend more time reading
about health and what you should do,
rather than actually doing anything
to get healthy? If so, you’re not alone.
The American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) compiles an annual fitness ranking of the 50 largest
metro areas in the United States; the
ranking is based upon healthy habits,
chronic disease, fitness facilities and
environmental factors. Their 2014
Fitness Index is now available and
Louisville ranks 49th. Only Memphis
scored lower. Washington D.C. came
in at the top.
Sadly, the score received by
Louisville reflects the poor health of
the state. The city scored extremely
poorly in numerous areas, including:
• Aerobic and strength guidelines
• Fruit and vegetable consumption
• Smoking and obesity rates
• Days of poor physical or mental
health
“I wish we
had called
Hospice
sooner.”
“My Dad’s health was declining
and Mom struggled to care for
him. Then Mom asked about
Hospice. The Hospice team
came to our house and cared
for Dad and the whole family.”
“I urge everyone to call as early
as possible. Hospice is for the
last phase of life, not just the
last days.”
• Rates of asthma, diabetes, and
cardiovascular disease
• Availability of public transportation
• Lack of park and sports facilities,
walking and bike trails
• Lack of state required physical
education classes
Despite the negatives, Louisville
did score well in a few areas, with
more farmers’ markets, golf courses,
and tennis courts per capita than the
“ideal” by which each metro area was
measured.
In addition to the fitness report,
the ACSM offers a downloadable
Action Guide, with advice for local
groups and coalitions seeking to create programs to encourage community health.
While it is easy to focus on community coalitions and resources, the
fact remains that the ultimate responsibility lies with each of us to take
control of our diet and exercise habits
and lifestyle