Associate Director, Amy Rauworth |
While going green may be the cool (and smart) thing to do, there are additional reasons to think about reducing your carbon emissions, including reducing your waistline and the amount of money spent on gasoline.
The price of gasoline has quadrupled over the last decade and Americans still choose to drive large gas-guzzling SUVs (myself included). However, according to a new report by Cambridge Energy Research Associates, U.S. gasoline demand will likely decline in 2008 for the first time in 17 years. Authorities suggest that this is a result of the slowdown in our economy and soaring increase in gas prices. Will this decline mean simply staying at home? If you are ready to be physically active, that answer is NO! For physical activity proponents, this is an opportune time to encourage more active self- transport to and from many destinations that previously may have been a 5-minute car (or SUV) ride away. Not to mention the impact that this could have on the “battle of the bulge.” Obesity has increased at an alarming rate over the last four decades from 13% in 1960 to as high as 32% in recent years. People with disabilities are at greater risk of becoming obese and developing secondary conditions that are associated with an increased waistline or BMI. To decrease our risks associated with obesity, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the number of zeros in your savings account balance, make the choice to self-transport whenever possible!
To beat the heat, here are a few safety tips to follow when you choose to be physically active this summer:
Follow these tips and get out and enjoy the rest of the summer (it will be gone before you know it), take a moment to observe the beautiful sky, and walk or roll to your destination of choice!
Please send your comments and feedback to Amy Rauworth at amyr@lakeshore.org.