While technology doesn't change the physical environment by adding trails or gyms, it can make a positive impact, says competition judge Joan Dorn, branch chief for physical activity and health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans released by the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults age 18 to 64 engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking, biking) or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) each week.

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The CEO Cancer Gold Standard is a result of this collaboration, and marks the first-ever accreditation process established for employers to take action in five key areas of health: diet and nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, screening for early detection of cancer and access to quality medical treatment and clinical trials.

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Numerous surveys show the benefits of physical and organized sport activity for students, both for their health and for improving their academic performance.

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For example, in 1995, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly issued national guidelines called Physical Activity and Public Health, which were updated in 2007.

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Training for and participating in vigorous physical activity, such as a marathon, is usually associated with positive health outcomes.

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The WHO "Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health" says that chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, stroke, cancers and respiratory diseases account for 59% of the 56.5 million disease-related deaths annually, and much of the global disease burden is tied to diet.

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