Trails for Recreational and Economic Development (TRED) representative, Mark Webb, spoke to the board about that organization's efforts to have two extensions of the local multi-use trail system included as part of the SPLOST to be voted on this November. TRED will present its proposal to the 2013 Rome-Floyd SPLOST Citizens Advisory Committee this evening.
The proposed trail extensions are separate from the one currently underway, using federal, county and private funding, to connect Avenue A with Summerville Park and will be detailed at tonight's meeting.
"We hope public health's endorsement will help everyone better understand the connection between trails, exercise and good health," said Floyd County Board of Health Chairman, Jeffrey Woodard, "and also help get the extensions included in the SPLOST."
According to Northwest Georgia Public Health's Dr. Wade Sellers, Floyd County has a 29% adult obesity rate and a 30% physical inactivity rate. Sellers also told the board that only 16% of Georgia students passed all five fitness tests in the Georgia SHAPE program's fitness assessment.
Sellers also noted "there's irrefutable evidence of the effectiveness of regular physical activity in preventing many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis. The public health benefits of trails that encourage and allow exercise are as important as the economic benefits," noting that in 2008, Georgia spent $2.4 billion on the direct medical costs of obesity and lost productivity from disease, disability and death.
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