GREENVILLE, NC (Stacker.com) — Regular physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. But about 1 in 5 U.S. adults say they don’t engage in any type of physical exercise during a typical week, 2021. Ipsos report found.
Nearly one-third of American adults reported anxiety symptoms or depressive disorder in 2023, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. People being treated for anxiety, depression and psychological problems—and who exercise regularly—show fewer and less intense symptoms of those conditions than their fellow patients who don’t exercise, according to a 2023 study. umbrella review medical research. The study pointed out that the greatest benefits from increased physical activity are for otherwise healthy individuals, as well as those suffering from depression and HIV.
Many studies have also shown that physical exercise permanently strengthens cognitive functions. For example, a in 2020 A meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials found that older adults who participate in aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling have stronger cognitive abilities and working memory capacity than their less active peers. In general, there is a consensus in the medical scientific community that physical activity is an important factor alleviating age-related cognitive decline.
Northwell Health teamed up with Typesetter analyze data from the annual Centers for Disease Control and Prevention REGISTER PLACES, published in 2023, to see which counties had the most physically active adults. A survey conducted in 2021 asked respondents whether they had exercised in their free time during the past month. The data measures the proportion of adults who reported little or no physical activity.
Below are the most active counties in North Carolina. Counties were ranked by the proportion of adults who reported any level of leisure-time physical activity, including running, golfing or gardening. In case of a tie, the total population was used.
To see how North Carolina compares to the rest of the country, you can find the most physically active counties in the US here.
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Northwell Health
How physical activity varies across the country
Income is a powerful indicator of the time a person devotes to physical exercise. Lower-income people may find it difficult to exercise because safe public spaces may not be available, gym memberships and exercise equipment are expensive, and they may have less flexible work schedules.
HAVE Research work from 2018 found that among adolescents and young adults, people in higher-income families, as well as men and whites, were more likely than others to engage in physical activity.
Peter G. Peterson Foundation reported that in 2021, households in the Northeast and West earned an average of $7,000 to $15,000 more per year than households in the Midwest and South, respectively. People living in these regions are more likely to report higher rates of physical activity.
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#25. Madison
– Total population: 21,502
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.2%
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#24. Lincoln
– Total population: 89,670
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.2%
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#23. Haywood
– Total population: 62,476
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.3%
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#22. clay
– Total population: 11,309
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.4%
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#21. Gilford
– Total population: 542,410
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.7%
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#20. Durham
– Total population: 326,126
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.8%
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#19. Watauga
– Total population: 54,234
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.9%
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#18. Cabarrus
– Total population: 231,278
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 78.9%
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#17. Camden
– Total population: 10,835
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 79.6%
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#16. Transylvania
– Total population: 33,165
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 79.7%
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#15. Henderson
– Total population: 116,829
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 79.9%
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#14. Iredell
– Total population: 191,968
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 79.9%
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#13. Mecklenburg
– Total population: 1,122,276
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.2%
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#12. Carteret
– Total population: 68,541
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.6%
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#11. Union
– Total population: 243,648
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.6%
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#10. Polk
– Total population: 19,656
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.7%
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#9. Chatham
– Total population: 77,889
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.7%
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#8. Moore
– Total population: 102,763
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 80.7%
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#7. Currituck
– Total population: 29,653
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 81.1%
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#6. New Hanover
– Total population: 229,018
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 81.1%
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#5. Brunswick
– Total population: 144,215
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 81.3%
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#4. Bunk
– Total population: 271,534
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 82.0%
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#3. to dare
– Total population: 37,826
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 82.3%
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#2. orange
– Total population: 148,884
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 82.5%
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#1. Wake
– Total population: 1,150,204
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 84.5%
This story features data reporting by Elena Cox, author Shakhzod Yuldoshboev, and is part of a series using data automation in 49 states.
This story originally appeared on Northwell Health and it was produced and distributed in collaboration with Stacker Studio.
