Public Health Blog Group: Wilderness Parks (off Road Trails for Hikers & Bicyclists Located on North Fletcher just passed 75.)
A Public Health issue that is on the rise today is obesity. It is becoming an epidemic in the United States and is beginning to become a chronic disease. Obesity with its accelerating numbers does not just affect the appearance of a person but most importantly causes numerous health consequences. Such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension just to name a few. The best way to lower prevalence of obesity is by educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through parks and recreations. Parks such as the Wilderness Park Hillsborough provide a great way to establish healthy lifestyle as a family affair; involving everyone in the family, including the children, while educating them about fitness and healthy choices that carry on into adulthood.
We are able to fight against the rise of obesity by taking personal responsibility and using the resources that are offered to us in our community. We decided to place our Public Health sticker at the Wilderness Park located on North Fletcher just passed 75. This park is close to campus and provides a hiking or biking trail for anyone who is interested in this type of physical activity; however, for beginners this park also allows them to interact in physical activities by walking or by running along the Hillsborough River. For those that do not live close to USF, Hillsborough County also offers six other parks in the area that connect to each other that offer the same amenities. If you are interested in finding out about these other locations you can go to www.hillsboroughCounty.org.
By: Elisabeth Franzen, Hanin Fernandez, Giordana Krone, Yarelys Gancia, Lauren Houston
I've actually been biking on this trail with friends and it's a lot of fun! There were plenty of stops where you could get free water to keep hydrated and get a break from the sun. I honestly think more people should go on these trails because obesity really is becoming a major issue leading to many health problems. I think the only deterrent in Florida from biking is the heat, but if you go early or late in the day it's not that bad.
ReplyDeleteI think public parks are a great idea to promote public health. I did see on the news several parks are going to charge a fee of $5.00 and I think with the economy as bad as it is that many people will not be as likely to go. The access to biking trails and parks that are free are maintained by tax dollars and many people use them daily. I think even if you dont have a bike take a walk down one and enjoy the clean air and satisfaction of the excercise you are getting.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that obesity is a major concern for Public Health professionals because it concerns the general public. Obesity in the United States is on the rise and research supports the fact. Having public parks with hiking, walking, running, and biking trails is a great way to encourage people to get outside an exercise especially with there families in the fight against obesity. I had no idea this park was so close to campus. I cannot wait to check it out with some friends. Not only does this give us something to do, but it also gives me, my friends and the people in the community a better way to keep healthy.
ReplyDeleteI actually have never been to nor have seen this park. How odd is that? I think that education through parks a recreation is definitely public health. When I was younger, my mother would enroll me in a summer camp program through the community's parks and recreations facility. It was good for me and all of the other neighborhood kids because it kept us physically active for the entire summer until a new school year began and it kept the weight off because healthy food choices were given during lunch time. It is so sad that obesity is becoming such a serious problem in this country.
ReplyDeleteObesity is definitely a public health issue in this country. I like the fact that Hillsborough county has facilities such as this one to help combat this issue. I look forward to checking out this park. In addition to staying physically active, this park could serves as a great change of scenery and a peaceful quiet get away.
ReplyDeletePublic parks were a source of great fun activity when I was younger and I am glad to see that they are still being utilized. Hiking or biking trails provided a great way to challenge yourself in an environment that promotes discovery. If this type of behavior is followed heat diseases in children and adults should decline.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to reduce the prevalence of obesity by educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through parks and recreation. Parks such as Park Hillsborough ground provides a great way.
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As a society more steps need to be taken in order to promote healthier living. Public parks are one way of doing this. Obesity is a worldwide problem and a huge health issue. By having parks that are easily accessible to the public it encourages people to use them which ultimately promotes healthier mental health, physical health, and public health. On top of physical activity a healthy diet is another step that can be taken in order to improve society's overall health.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger on Sundays my family would go on walks for exercise. We would go in the early evening when it wasn't so hot. On top of getting exercise it also relieved stress and it was a way to wind down from the busy week and prepare ourselves for the week to come.