To help increase the health and wellness of more than 40 million Californians, the fitness industry joined with chronic disease organizations, mental health advocates, policymakers and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on May 1 at the California state capitol to kick off California’s first annual California Moves for Physical and Mental Fitness Month.
The event included a health and fitness fair where attendees were educated about and engaged with proactive activities that, as part of a daily routine, can improve physical and mental health and help avoid and alleviate chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and depression, including yoga, dance, Zumba and exercises for children.
The event also highlighted pending legislation that could help improve physical and mental health to underserved Californians. If passed, Assembly Bill 1338 (AB 1338), authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), will cover the cost of fitness memberships for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
The goal of the bill is to help advance health equity, improve quality of life, and save on long-term health care costs for millions of Californians. A one percent reduction in weight, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol risk factors through increased exercise would save $83 to $103 annually in medical costs per person, which could mean a cost savings for California taxpayers of up to $135 million per year, according to the bill.
“Many private insurers already cover some portion of gym memberships nationwide,” Petrie-Norris said. “The reason is simple — access to fitness and wellness services improves physical and mental health, improves long term health outcomes, and lowers cost of care. It’s a win-win.”
In California, 40 percent of adults report having at least one of five chronic conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or asthma. And according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2021 more than 32 percent of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Regular exercise can help prevent and alleviate these conditions. Research shows that by incorporating more exercise and making other healthier lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent up to 80 percent of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, and more than 30 percent of cancers. And a UCLA study has shown that fitness can greatly improve psychological distress, with regular exercise reducing poor mental health days by more than 40 percent.
“Regular exercise has been proven to decrease chronic illness and improve mental well-being,” said Francesca Schuler, president of the California Fitness Alliance. “We are so pleased to work with the First Partner and the state to make sure more Californians are aware of this and can access ways to get fit and healthy.”
First Partner Newsom is co-chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being.
“Physical and mental health are inextricably linked and both are essential for our well-being,” she said. “By helping Californians of all ages establish sustainable, healthy habits such as daily movement and mindfulness practices, we can reduce chronic disease and improve their overall quality of life.”
California Moves supports the mission of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being to promote the physical fitness and mental well-being of all Californians at all ages.