Physical Activity Statistics
The 1999 report "Physical Activity, It's Your Move" produced by the USC Prevention Research Center for DHEC reported a lack of physical activity in South Carolina caused an estimated:
- 21 percent of all heart disease.
- 21 percent of all cases of high blood pressure.
- 25 percent of all cases of colon cancer.
- 40 percent of all diabetes.
- 33 percent of all osteoporotic falls with fractures.
In addition, for the five medical problems listed above, insufficient physical activity was responsible for:
- 1,927 deaths.
- 10, 594 hospitalizations.
- $157 million in hospital charges.
According to the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 25 percent of South Carolina high school students participate in moderate physical activity.
In the same survey, only 55 percent participated in vigorous physical activity,which was the lowest percentage in the nation.
According to the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, between 1985 and 2000, the percent of adults who engaged in regular physical activity has averaged about 20 percent. The highest percentage (25) was found in 2000 and the lowest (13.2) was found in 1991.
Statistically, men are more active than women in all age groups and whites are more active than blacks.