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Free YMCA Wellness Events
In support of individuals and families struggling to make healthierchoices, Amway Global and the YMCA are hosting free wellness events open tothe public at select YMCAs on Sept. 20, 2008, as part of America On the MoveWeek. As a first step, health seekers can go to http://www.inspirewellness.comand take the Stanford Health and Lifestyle Assessment. Then, they can bringtheir summary reports to a local YMCA to talk with a health and wellness staffmember about steps they can take toward a healthier life. Go tohttp://www.inspirewellness.com for a list of participating YMCAs in NewHampshire.
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New Hampshire Wellness Challenges:
The Economy, Election and Wellness
Almost half (48 percent) of New Hampshire residents, compared to42 percent of Americans, report that the economy is having a negative impacton their wellness choices. For the nation, current economic conditions alsoare negatively affecting the wellness of 51 percent of non-working parents,versus 43 percent of working parents. And, when it comes to the battle of thesexes, the health of women is affected more by the economy (44 percent) thanmen (40 percent). Overall, 33 percent of New Hampshire residents 33 percent ofAmericans claim that the candidates' positions on personal wellness willinfluence how they vote this election.
Exercise
The survey shows that 17 percent of New Hampshire residents, versus23 percent nationally, are not exercising for at least 30 minutes or more at atime on a regular basis. While better than the national average, that's wellunder the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation of a minimum of 30minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day or a minimum of 20minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity three days a week. When itcomes to the work commute, 88 percent of New Hampshire residents drive or usepublic transportation. However, when they do exercise, the focus is on generalwellness (43 percent), cardiovascular endurance (21 percent) and weight loss(17 percent).
Stress
Thirty-eight percent of New Hampshire respondents report having a "very"or "somewhat" high stress level compared to the national average (40 percent),according to the Amway Global Wellness Index. Half (50 percent) of NewHampshire residents find that talking to family and friends is a highlyeffective way of coping with their stress. Increasing physical activity(48 percent) and sleep (38 percent) also top the list, while 18 percent turnto food for comfort and 16 percent practice yoga. Thirteen percent ofresidents also decrease the time they spend using technology gadgets to reducestress.
Sleep
While 43 percent of New Hampshire residents report that not getting enoughexercise is one of the biggest wellness challenges, 31 percent also reportgetting enough sleep as a major challenge. Only seven percent of New Hampshirerespondents judge their current state of wellness by the amount of sleep theyget.
Weight
Fifty-one percent of New Hampshire residents consider themselves obese oroverweight, yet only 25 percent of New Hampshire respondents gauge their stateof wellness by their current weight.
About the Amway Global Wellness Index
The Amway Global Wellness Index is a national survey of 15,035 Americanadults ages 18 and older to uncover A
