We told you in an earlier blog about www.walkscore.com, a web site that uses a patent-pending algorithm to assess and compile the distances to different lifestyle-related features in various categories (stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, parks, libraries, etc.).  The Walk Score web site is a really neat way to scout potential living areas that have easy access (i.e., short walking distance) to the things you need and want.  

The new American Fitness IndexTM (AFI) is another way to judge the state of health and fitness of your current – or future – hometown.  Developed by the American College of Sports Medicine, the AFI is an evidence-based system that crunches data about the community resources and policies that support physical activity, residents' access to health care, and the health habits and medical status of inhabitants into one score. It was developed to help communities track and improve the physical activity, fitness, health, and well-being of residents.  A high AFI ranking is an indication of a healthier community. You can see how the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas rate at www.americanfitnessindex.org.

What city gets the top ranking?  Washington, D.C.  Some of the pluses going for our nation’s capital are:

  • Higher percentage bicycling or walking to work
  • More parks per capita
  • Higher level of state requirement for Physical Education in schools
  • Higher percent of cityland area as parkland

Oklahoma City, last on the list, gets dinged for:

  • Fewer parks per capita
  • Fewer recreation centers per capita
  • Lower percent physically active at least moderately
  • Fewer ball diamonds per capita

But the AFI web site is more than just a rating site.  It offers a downloadable community action guide to “help city planners, policy makers, health educators, and other professionals understand how the health of the city, its residents, and community assets that support healthy lifestyles compare to other cities nationwide.”  Communities (or individuals like you within your community) can use the action guide’s practical tips, tools, and resources, to help promote the community’s strengths and address its challenges to improve the health and quality of life of all residents.  Even if your city or town is not rated by the AFI, you can learn a lot by reviewing the report and the community action guide. 

Take a look at the AFI web site and report back on how it might help you encourage your village, town, or city to be more physically active and healthier.