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Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104
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Physical Activity
Resources for specific kinds of groups
If you cannot find a resource that meets your needs, you might try looking in this section which provides information for particular groups such as children, women and those who have a chronic disease.
 The number of young people who are overweight or obese is rising. Kids who are outside are more likely to be physically active. Walking to school is one way to promote physical activity in kids. Here are some resources to help parents make it easier for kids to walk to school.
Large adults and children
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Very large people face many challenges in becoming fit, but it is not impossible for them. The Weight Control Information Network has developed some physical activity guidelines for this special population.
Persons with a chronic disease or disability
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If you have a chronic disease becoming physically active may seem like a tough thing to do. However, the benefits can far outweigh the effort it takes to get started. Physical activity can reduce stress and break the cycle of pain, anxiety and depression which often accompanies a chronic disease. In older adults it can increase flexibility and help prevent further disability. The following resources can start you on your way to becoming more physically active and improving your life, or keep you motivated if you have already begun a physical activity program.
- Living a Healthy Life Workshop (for all chronic diseases)
Living a Healthy Life is a workshop designed to give adults with chronic conditions the appropriate tools to manage their own health and maintain an active and fulfilling life. The workshop meets for 2 1/2 hours once a week for 6 weeks in a community setting such as a senior center, church or library. Workshops are facilitated from a detailed manual by two trained leaders; one or both of who are lay leaders with a chronic health condition themselves. Although this course covers many topics, it does emphasize the benefits of physical activity, including how to maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. The program helps participants set goals and work towards them. For more information about this program, contact the Group Health Resource Line at 206-326-2800.
- The Arthritis Foundation
- American Diabetes Association
- American Heart Association
It is particularly important for older adults to stay active in order to prevent the onset of chronic disease, stay flexible, and maintain energy.
Local resources
- Senior Zoo Walkers
The Woodland Park Zoo and Group Health Cooperative invite you to join the Senior Zoo Walkers. Zoo Walkers is designed to promote fitness and well being. Enjoy the animals, meet new people and attend a quarterly social that includes a health presentation and a zoo presentation! Call Group Health's Resource Line for more information at 206-326-2800.
 More than 60% of U.S. women do not engage in the recommended amount of physical activity. For women, social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity.
Working adults and worksites
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Worksites are effective locations to spread the physical activity message. Partner with individual businesses or business associations in your area to conduct worksite-based events and interventions.
- Involve your business in a state or local "walk at lunch day" that encourages employees to take a walk during their lunch break.
- Encourage businesses to sponsor employee softball or volleyball teams or local leagues or to hold classes and workshops in small-group settings.
- Encourage employers to turn standard 10-15 minute breaks into recess or activity breaks.
- Work with companies in your area to develop "physical activity friendly" company picnics and other corporate events or to develop friendly competitions to increase employees' physical activity.
Local resources:
- Promoting Physical Activity at Work: A Resource Guide: (contact Charlotte Claybrooke at 360-236-3623)
National resources:
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