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Jeffrey P. Koplan, MD, MPH; Carl J. Caspersen, PhD, MPH; Kenneth E. Powell, MD, MPH

JAMA. 1989;262(17):2437.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that physical activity and physical fitness contribute to good health. Studies have demonstrated that physical activity, be it occupational or recreational, is associated with decreased risks of coronary heart disease.¹ Other studies suggest that risks for colon cancer,² stroke,³ and hypertension⁴ are reduced and that exercise can assist in management of persons with diabetes,⁴ depression,⁵ and obesity.⁶ Blair et al⁷ provide evidence in this issue of JAMA that physical fitness is associated with lower rates of all causes of mortality as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. Physical fitness is determined by our genetics and our behavior. While we cannot change our genes, we can modify our behavior. Increased physical activity leads to improved physical fitness and to other physiological changes. It is the combination of these changes that leads to improved health. Not only is . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Centers for Disease Control Atlanta, Ga

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