While the overall fitness of King County residents is good compared to much of the country, there is room for improvement.  Only a little over half of King County adults reported meeting the recommended level of moderate physical activity in 2001 and 2003. 

We do better at getting involved in fun and relaxation activities. The percentage of adults in King County who report that they were "very active" or "somewhat active" in at least three life-enriching activities (e.g., writing or reading books, learning about a new issue, engaging in sports) has held relatively steady from 1999 to 2004, averaging about 85% in 2004. 

Healthy eating is a choice that many of us struggle with, for reasons both within and without of our control.  To assess where we need to go on this issue, we first need information on our eating habits, such as the percentage of people eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.   

Getting more people physically active involves increasing awareness and motivation at the personal level, providing a built environment and resources that encourage physical activity, and adopting policies to better enable individuals and communities to engage in physical activity as part of a healthier lifestyle.

For example, your neighborhood may play a role in how fit you are and what foods you eat.  A recent nationally recognized study on the relationship between land use and health in King County found that residents of the most walkable areas of King County were less likely to be overweight or obese and more likely to report being physically active. (1)  Research also shows that living near grocery stores or farmers markets increases the chances you'll eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.  And having a circle of friends and family close by provides us the social support we need to get back on our feet should something go awry. 

Having enough time for activities besides work also figures significantly in healthy living. Research also shows that vacations are good for us.  We are less likely to become depressed and less prone to heart attacks if we take time off.  In 2004, only 20% of all Washington private sector firms offered paid vacation and holidays, while only 12% offered paid sick leave.  The United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its workers paid vacation. 

Some troubling signs are the growing epidemic of obesity (more than half of King County adults are either overweight or obese) and the impact of our health choices on our ability to participate fully in community life.  The cumulative effect of our personal choices are also reflected in suicide rates and how many of us are feeling stressed, which are trending in a more positive direction. 

We are lucky to live in a corner of the world where the opportunities for healthy lifestyles are numerous, but we also have the responsibility to ensure that everyone has the same good choices available to them for the best community outcome.