Our Causesur Causes

MAAM helps mothers get the exercise they need to reduce major health risks and to improve the overall well-being of their families.

Women who exercise regularly are at a decreased risk for:

• coronary heart disease
• hypertension
• noninsulin-dependent diabetes
• osteoporosis
• depression and anxiety

Mothers who neglect their health aren’t only hurting themselves. Physically inactive mothers often have physically inactive children. Children who do not exercise are at elevated risk for physical and mental health problems and are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, and early sexual activity.

According to the Women's Sports Foundation, children with physically active moms are 18% more likely to be physically active.

If current dietary and exercise patterns persist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that one in three U.S. children born in 2000 will become diabetic. The parents of this generation are the first ever predicted to outlive their own children.

MAAM believes that mothers are in the unique position to make a difference to our national obesity crisis by targeting two generations at once: their own peer group and that of their children.