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Physical Activity and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain and improve our overall health. Being active has both short-term and long-term benefits. Even one session of activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help with thinking and focus. Over time, regular activity supports brain health, helps manage weight, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and severe illness from infections. It can also improve sleep and overall well-being. People who don’t get enough regular physical activity can increase their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and other health problems.
According to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, children and teens ages 6-17 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. Activities like playing sports or participating in recess and physical education classes during school can help them get this daily exercise. Adults and older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) each week, include muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, and add balance-focused activities as they age.
In 2023, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults were 23% more likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines.
In 2023, NHPI adolescents were 65% more likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines.
From 2022 to 2023, NHPI children ages 6 to 13 years were 31% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
