University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Logo University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine: Community Health and Education

State Physical Activity and Nutrition for Arkansas

Arkansas ranks 48th on the national health indicators with 35.7 percent being obese, 31 percent having no physical activity and less than half of the state’s adults eating fruit more than once per day. Children aren’t faring well either with only 68 percent of infants ever having been breastfed, and these children are growing up in a state where 23 percent of the kids are overweight or obese. SPAN's mission is to reverse these numbers.

State Physical Acitivity and Nutrition for Arkansas

Nutrition

Good nutrition begins with healthier options. See where SPAN is working to offer more nutritious foods across the state.

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Breastfeeding

Babies who breastfeed for six months or more reap greater health benefits than those who are formula-fed. SPAN encourages physicians to promote breastfeeding with their patients and helps breastfeeding moms to stay the journey.

Learn About Breastfeeding Initiatives

Physical Activity

Bike trails, walking paths and sidewalks encourage healthy lifestyles, and SPAN is working with cities and state agencies to help build these connections to everyday destinations and increase physical activity for all abilities.

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Early Childcare Centers

Hundreds of Arkansas children spend up to eight hours a day in a childcare setting. SPAN is training these centers how to be breastfeeding friendly and encourage physical activity for the little ones.

View Trainings