Throughout the United States, the number of adults and children classified as overweight or obese has tripled, largely due to
inactivity and poor nutrition choices. These unhealthy lifestyle habits can also contribute to illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. As a result, health care costs have increased to $300 billion a year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that unless our
citizens act to correct this crisis, society will be unable to withstand the human and economic toll.

The good news is that obesity-related diseases are preventable when individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, along with participation in wellness education and disease screenings.

National Response

In July 2004, the YMCA of the USA launched Activate America, a 10-year initiative designed to improve the health and wellness of all Americans. Activate America equips the nation's 2,500 YMCAs to collaborate with community partners and help
individuals and families live healthier lifestyles.

Our Local Response

Chester County YMCAs were among the first YMCAs in the nation to embrace Activate America, and in 2005 developed and launched Activate Chester County. Activate Chester County is a county-wide community health outreach initiative which aims to address the serious health crisis facing our area due to preventable, lifestyle-related diseases.

Activate Chester County encourages everyone in our community—adults, families and children, to improve their health by eating smarter and moving more. Activate Chester County also encourages public policy that supports environments that are conducive to healthy living.

The Activate Chester County initiative has been recognized for its innovative efforts on a national level by the YMCA of the USA. As a “Pioneering Healthier Communities YMCA,” our local YMCA branches have developed an Activate Chester County Steering Committee of community leaders who are spearheading efforts to promote healthier lifestyles for children, adults, and families throughout Chester County.