Findings

The General Assembly finds: (1) That Arkansas consistently ranks among the most unhealthy states in the nation; (2) That after just one (1) year of regular walking exercise, previously sedentary smokers refrained from smoking at two (2) times the rate of those who received only health education; (3) That Arkansans who exercise regularly choose walking as their overwhelmingly preferred form of activity; (4) That women who walk briskly or exercise vigorously may reduce their chances for heart disease by as much as forty percent (40%); (5) That more than thirty-five percent (35%) of Arkansans do not exercise, placing Arkansas as the sixth most sedentary state in the nation; (6) That, while people are inactive in all parts of the state, a greater percentage of the population in rural areas is inactive; and (7) That a reduction in illnesses related to physical inactivity would save Arkansas millions of dollars each year in reduced healthcare costs. Acts 2001, No. 1750, § 1. The General Assembly finds: (1) That Arkansas consistently ranks among the most unhealthy states in the nation; (2) That after just one (1) year of regular walking exercise, previously sedentary smokers refrained from smoking at two (2) times the rate of those who received only health education; (3) That Arkansans who exercise regularly choose walking as their overwhelmingly preferred form of activity; (4) That women who walk briskly or exercise vigorously may reduce their chances for heart disease by as much as forty percent (40%); (5) That more than thirty-five percent (35%) of Arkansans do not exercise, placing Arkansas as the sixth most sedentary state in the nation; (6) That, while people are inactive in all parts of the state, a greater percentage of the population in rural areas is inactive; and (7) That a reduction in illnesses related to physical inactivity would save Arkansas millions of dollars each year in reduced healthcare costs. Acts 2001, No. 1750, § 1.