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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 Washingtonstate.
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Washington State Wellness Challenges:
Weight
Forty-nine percent of Washington residents consider themselves obese oroverweight compared to 45 percent of Americans, yet 14 percent of Washingtonrespondents gauge their state of wellness by their current weight.
The Economy, Election and Wellness
Forty-six percent of Washingtonians, versus 42 percent of Americans,report that the economy is having a negative impact on their wellness choices.For the nation, current economic conditions also are negatively affecting thewellness of 51 percent of non-working parents, versus 43 percent of workingparents. And, when it comes to the battle of the sexes, the health of women isaffected more by the economy (44 percent) than men (40 percent). Overall,32 percent of Washingtonians and 33 percent of Americans claim that thecandidates' positions on personal wellness will influence how they vote thiselection.
Exercise
The survey shows that 16 percent of Washington 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 of30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day or a minimum of20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity three days a week. When itcomes to the work commute, 86 percent of Washington residents drive or usepublic transportation. However, when they do exercise, the focus is on generalwellness (39 percent), cardiovascular endurance (29 percent) and weight loss(13 percent).
Stress
Thirty-eight percent of Washingtonians, versus 40 percent of Americans,report having a "very" or "somewhat" high stress level, according to the AmwayGlobal Wellness Index. Fifty-one percent of Washington residents find thattalking to family and friends is a highly effective way of coping with theirstress. Increasing physical activity (49 percent) and sleep (31 percent) alsotop the list, while 19 percent practice yoga and 16 percent turn to food forcomfort. Only 9 percent of residents decrease the time they spend usingtechnology gadgets to reduce stress.
Sleep
While 31 percent of Washington residents report that not getting enoughexercise is one of the biggest wellness challenges, 41 percent report gettingenough sleep is a major barrier. Only 11 percent of Washingtonians judge theircurrent state of wellness by the amount of sleep they get.
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 ofwellness and indivi
