Community health assessment: Research-based findings on impact of physical activity on health status and health-related behaviors in rural counties in central Michigan

It is well-known that frequent physical exercise is, along with a balanced diet, imperative in maintaining a healthy life, especially for adults in the middle and late adulthood. Based on the health needs, preferences, and utilization assessment survey conducted in four rural counties in central Michigan, the current study, examined physical exercise frequency of the residents. Over 3,000 surveys were returned and analyzed. While approximately one fourth of the respondents were found to be engaged in exercise 20 times or more in the past month, 15% of the respondents reported that they did not exercise at all. Physical activity frequency was also found to be significantly associated with other health behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol-contained drink consumption, and tendency to eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, Exercise frequency was also significantly associated with general health perception and Body Mass Index. Associations between exercise frequency and demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, and marital status were also explored. Findings in this study are believed to enable health professionals to identify residents whose health can be improved by introducing exercise into their daily life. Demographic factors associated with the exercise frequency found in this study will also be valuable in making recommendations of the types of exercise that are thought to be appropriate for the residents. All these efforts are believed to contribute to promote healthier lifestyles, which, in turn, help the residents perceive their health to be improved, an important element for health quality of life.