Today the Surgeon General of the United States is releasing Step It Up!  The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities. This report recommends multi sector strategies to increase walking and the development of walkable communities everywhere. 

• Only half of American adults get enough physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. 
  
• Physical activity is one of the most important ways we can improve our health, and walking is an easy way to get moving. 
  
• The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities aims to increase walking across the United States by calling for access to safe and convenient places to walk and wheelchair roll for people of all ages and abilities. 

Every Sector Has a Role to Play
Individuals have to make the decision to walk. However, the decision can be made easier by improvements to community walkability and by programs and policies that provide opportunities and encouragement for walking. Individuals and partners working together can make walking a national priority and create a national walking movement. A role exists for all sectors of society, including transportation, land use, and community design; parks, recreation, and fitness; education; business and industry; volunteer and nonprofit organizations; health care; media; and public health. Families and individuals also have an important role to play to help make the U.S. a walkable nation.

To review the report, please go to www.surgeongeneral.gov.