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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 NorthCarolina.
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North Carolina Wellness Challenges:
Exercise
The survey shows that 26 percent of North Carolina residents, versus23 percent nationally, are not exercising for at least 30 minutes or more at atime on a regular basis. That's well under the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) recommendation of a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physicalactivity per day or a minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physicalactivity three days a week. When it comes to the work commute, 92 percent ofNorth Carolina residents drive or use public transportation. However, whenthey do exercise, the focus is on general wellness (33 percent), weight loss(22 percent) and cardiovascular endurance (21 percent).
The Economy, Election and Wellness
Forty-five percent of North Carolinians report that the economy is havinga negative impact on their wellness choices compared to the national average(42 percent). For the nation, current economic conditions also are negativelyaffecting the wellness of 51 percent of non-working parents, versus 43 percentof working parents. And, when it comes to the battle of the sexes, the healthof women is affected more by the economy (44 percent) than men (40 percent).Overall, 37 percent of North Carolina and 33 percent of Americans claim thatthe candidates' positions on personal wellness will influence how they votethis election.
Stress
Forty percent of North Carolinians report having a "very" or "somewhat"high stress level, according to the Amway Global Wellness Index. More thanhalf (56 percent) of North Carolina residents find that talking to family andfriends is a highly effective way of coping with their stress. Increasingphysical activity (42 percent) and sleep (34 percent) also top the list, while22 percent practice yoga and 20 percent turn to food for comfort. Fourteenpercent of residents also decrease the time they spend using technologygadgets to reduce stress.
Sleep
While 42 percent of North Carolina residents report that not gettingenough exercise is one of the biggest wellness challenges, 32 percent alsoreport getting enough sleep as a major challenge. Only 15 percent of NorthCarolinians judge their current state of wellness by the amount of sleep theyget.
Weight
Almost half (49 percent) of North Carolina residents consider themselvesobese or overweight compared to the national average (45 percent), yet only23 percent of North Carolina respondents gauge their state of wellness bytheir 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 American views toward the concept o
