Arizonans Urged to Be Outdoors: It's "National Park and Rec Month"
Monday, July 7, 2014
PHOENIX - July is 'National Park and Recreation Month,' and, according to one group, a good time to head outdoors.
Lauren Hoffman directs marketing and communications at the National Recreation and Park Association. She said her organization is challenging Americans to move an indoor activity, like a work meeting or family meal, outside each day in July.
"If you're in Phoenix, Tucson or Flagstaff," said Hoffman, "Park and Recreation Month is a great time to get out, get some fresh air, to really enjoy open space and what the outdoors has to offer."
According to Hoffman, a recent study showed about 30 percent of Americans spend little time outside, and those who do limit it to about 30 minutes or less per day.
Hoffman said she hopes that promoting outdoor activity in July will help people develop a more active lifestyle year-round.
"There are various studies that are showing that parks and outdoor time can really help improve your mental health and reduce stress," said Hoffman. "Parks and recreation really provide the opportunity to get out there and get physically active."
Hoffman admitted a challenge to getting both young people and adults outdoors is that many are glued to smart phones and tablets.
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