ACSM AMERICAN FITNESS INDEX™ GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

• Overall health improvement in U.S. cities must focus on the prevention of
  behavioral-linked diseases by effectively addressing the underlying risk and
  community factors.
• The rise in chronic diseases attributable to physical inactivity and unhealthy diets
  are a “clear and present danger” to our health and healthcare systems, our cities,
  our nation, and our future.
• All of the cities in the U.S., irrespective of size and current health status, can
  make powerful advances in improving the health of their people through simple,
  affordable, effective steps.
• There is a need for even more synergy and collaboration to assist U.S. cities in
  actively making the moves toward better health.
  The AFI program will contribute to the Guiding Principles for Healthy Communities
  by creating effective partnerships and alliances at the national and community
  levels; by providing tools, strategies, and expertise to cities and communities
  interested in making progress toward health; and by connecting scientific evidence
  with practice and policies that work.