How Americans Rate their Health-related Behaviors

The good news is that 7 out of 10 Americans rate their health-related behaviors and attitudes as good or excellent. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, questioned 2,032 U.S. adults. Participants were asked about their work, sleep, and exercise habits as well as their concerns regarding politics, the environment, and access to health care.

The researchers found that only 60 percent of adults with a household income of less than $50,000 rated overall health and wellness as good or excellent versus 81 percent of those with a household income of $100,000 or more. Respondents said they most need to personally improve their physical health (42 percent), financial stability (41 percent), and mental health (29 percent). Younger respondents more frequently cited mental health as needing improvement (ages 18 to 34 years: 44 percent; 35 to 44 years: 37 percent; 45 to 54 years: 29 percent; 55 to 64 years: 20 percent; and ≥65 years: 10 percent).

On average, respondents sleep 6.6 hours a night and exercise 6.9 hours per week. Walking was the top physical activity reported by 77 percent of those who exercise, followed by strength training/weight lifting (33 percent), running (31 percent), cycling/biking (23 percent), yoga (20 percent), sports (17 percent), high-intensity interval training (16 percent), swimming (16 percent), Pilates (6 percent), and other (10 percent).

To learn how to create wellness programs for happier, less stressed, more engaged employees, visit SelfCare for HealthCare?. Contact me today to discuss implementing this powerful program at your facility.  Interested in LeAnn Thieman’s keynote speaking, training and workshops? Email [email protected].