The Crisis

Our country is at a crossroads. We have a crisis of culture—a culture that is rapidly becoming unsustainable and threatens to bankrupt our country and its people.

 

We have become passive consumers of a lifestyle that is increasingly unhealthy, sedentary and disconnected from one another and our communities. The byproducts of this passive lifestyle are all around us:

  • Today’s youth represent the first generation in 100 years to have a lower life expectancy than that of their parents. 1
  • If current trends continue, nearly 90% of the adult population in the U.S. will be overweight or obese by 2030, with associated health care costs skyrocketing to almost $960 billion dollars each year. 2
  • 33% of the average American’s daily calories come from highly processed, “junk food”. 3
  • Only 14% of all students walk to school, compared to 49% of all elementary and middle school students who did in 1969. 4

Though our shared crisis is daunting, we know from America’s history that a committed group of people and places working in unison around a common cause can overcome huge obstacles to create rapid, positive change. That’s why we created the ACTIVE Life Movement. We invite you to join us and take action today!

 

Welcome to the ACTIVE Life Movement!

 

1. Olshansky, S. J. et al. (2005). A Potential Decline in Life Expectancy in the U.S. in the 21st Century. New England Journal of Medicine, 352 (11), 1138-1145.
2. Wang, Y. et al. (2008). Will All Americans Become Overweight or Obese? Estimating the Progression and Cost of the U.S. Obesity Epidemic. Obesity, 16 (10), 2323-2330.
3. Block, G. (2004). Foods Contributing to Energy Intake in the U.S.: Data from NHANES III and NHANES 1999-2000. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 17 (3-4), 439-447.
4. Schlossberg, M. et al. (2006). School Trips: Effects of Urban Form and Distance on Travel Mode. Journal of the American Planning Association, 72 (3), 337-346.

  • 300 ACTIVE Life facebook supporters! New goal: 500 by the end of August! Spread the word ACTIVE word friends!

    7/29/2010 14:56:07 · View »

  • Nearly 23% of emergency room cases for children and teens were due to contact lens injuries! Read more:... http://fb.me/ukaCthVp

    7/29/2010 10:28:24 · View »

  • Come to "ACTIVE Hour with Team Zen" Saturday, July 31 from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Start the weekend off right!! Come... http://fb.me/uhhiteUL

    7/29/2010 09:30:30 · View »

  • Having a lucky item, ritual, or encouragement actually improves performance! Check out this new study:... http://fb.me/ERYFNmQf

    7/28/2010 11:06:22 · View »

  • Come to "Austin Marathon and Half Marathon - 26 Miles for 26 Charities" Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 7:00 am... http://fb.me/DcQSH3Ee

    7/28/2010 09:46:01 · View »

  • Meet up with or call a friend tonight! Having good social relationships are a key factor in increasing lifespan.... http://fb.me/EVSRV7Uq

    7/27/2010 20:10:43 · View »