Encouraging Physical Activity in Minorities: Eliminating Disparities by 2010

Healthy People 2000 and Healthy People 2010 are programs designed to measure and encourage physical activity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic group, or economic status. The objective of these programs is to reduce and eliminate disparity between population groups in terms of promoting health and preventing illness, disability, and death. Physicians need to consider the unique needs and constraints of minority patients when giving advice and prescribing exercise regimens. Some patients, for example, might do best in community-sponsored recreational activities.