Swimming and Chronic Disease Steven N. Blair, P.E.D. - University of South Carolina

Physical inactivity is now widely recognized as a major health problem, both for individuals and for societies. Swimming is an activity that may be done throughout life, and provides important health benefits. This presentation will review current data on
physical activity, fitness, and morbidity and mortality from chronic disease. Regular swimming is associated with a better risk profile, and lower risk of dying when compared with sedentary individuals.

Biographical Information:

Steven N. Blair is a Past-president of the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. He was the Senior Scientific Editor of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. He has received several honors including the 2003 ACSM Honor Award, the 2008 American Heart Association Population Science Research Prize, and is one of the few individuals outside the U.S. Public Health Service to receive the Surgeon General’s Medallion. He has published over 425 chapters and papers dealing with his research on the association between lifestyle and health, with a main focus on exercise, fitness, body composition, and chronic disease. He has received honorary doctoral degrees from universities in the U.S., Belgium, and England.