Dear New Yorker,

One benefit of living in the greatest city in the world is the amazing variety of recreational, athletic, and fitness opportunities available for people of all ages, interests and abilities.

That benefit has assumed even greater importance in the face of a national epidemic of obesity and overweight from which New York City is not immune. In fact, two out of three adult New Yorkers are overweight and even our children are at risk. (Nearly half of our kindergarteners are already overweight). The consequences of being overweight or obese are serious and long term; you are more likely to get diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer if you are overweight.

But each of us can help fight this epidemic. The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation offers many free or low-cost activities – some in collaboration with the NYC Department of Health – that can help New Yorkers get fit and stay fit. To help you get started, we’ve put information about our programs and others offered by local fitness organizations at your fingertips with our new online guide, BeFitNYC at http://www.nyc.gov/parks.

Even people who have a healthy weight can benefit from regular exercise; it helps your heart, your waistline and your state of mind. Combined with a healthy diet, 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week helps people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

A world of friends, fun, and fitness waits just outside your door. We encourage all New Yorkers to discover and enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Adrian Benepe, BA, MA

Commissioner
NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation

Thomas R. Frieden, MD M.P.H

Commissioner
NYC Health Department