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Capital Connector Trail Main
Trail Map
Partnerships
Ingham County Parks Main
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Health and Exercise Benefits
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An increasing portion of
the population, including many children, lack regular
physical activity. Although there are many ways to be
physically active, walking is one of the most practical ways
to increase physical activity among a broad population.
Walking tends to be particularly important for elderly,
disabled and lower-income people who have few opportunities
to participate in sports or formal exercise programs. Health
experts believe that more balanced transportation systems
can contribute to improved public health by accommodating
and encouraging active transportation (Litman 2004).
The Capital Connector Trail, by linking
not only parks but also educational and commercial activity
centers, will provide an active transportation corridor that
will be readily accessible to a large portion of Ingham
County's population. Diseases Associated With Physical Inactivity
(Killingsworth and Lamming,
2001)
Heart disease
Hypertension
Stroke
Diabetes
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Depression
Some types of cancer
Providing nearby trails and walkways offers a significant
option for regular physical activity that can lower rates of
obesity and health care costs. This strengthens the market
for communities and business centers with such amenities
with an anticipated growing demand by both homebuyers and
employers who want to reduce health care costs. USA
Today 10/9/02
Increased participation in moderate physical activity by
the 88 million inactive Americans could reduce medical costs
by $76 Billion Pratt et al, 2000 |
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