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PR-10/23/2003: Active for Life Program Helps Adults Over Fifty Start Exercising

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2003 San Mateo County Health Services Agency Contact: Beverly Thames, (650) 573-3935 SAN MATEO COUNTY ACTIVE FOR LIFETM PROGRAM HELPS ADULTS OVER FIFTY START EXERCISING San Mateo, CA--Active for LifeTM, a free program promoted by the San Mateo County Health Services Agency and funded by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation®, is designed to motivate and guide adults in setting and maintaining weekly exercise goals. Participants receive a free pedometer; ideas on how to make exercise fun, safe, and affordable; a monthly newsletter; and other materials and health programs to help them meet their exercise goals. To qualify for this free program you must be a resident of San Mateo County, age fifty or older, who exercises infrequently or not at all. Despite public campaigns to increase activity levels, nearly half of all San Mateo County residents lead sedentary lives, and, according to a recent county study, the Asian/Filipino/Pacific Islander community is the least active. With regular exercise, older adults can increase balance and strength and in turn reduce the risk of falling; reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and stroke; maintain their independence longer; and improve their overall health. For more information about Active for Life™, contact Doris Estremera at (650) 573-2003 or destremera@co.sanmateo.ca.us ###