Educating the Student Body

Educating the Student Body
Author: Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 503
Release: 2013-11-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309283140

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Implementing Strategies to Enhance Public Health Surveillance of Physical Activity in the United States

Implementing Strategies to Enhance Public Health Surveillance of Physical Activity in the United States
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2019-07-19
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309492688

Physical activity has far-reaching benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and social health and well-being for all segments of the population. Despite these documented health benefits and previous efforts to promote physical activity in the U.S. population, most Americans do not meet current public health guidelines for physical activity. Surveillance in public health is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of outcome-specific data, which can then be used for planning, implementation and evaluation of public health practice. Surveillance of physical activity is a core public health function that is necessary for monitoring population engagement in physical activity, including participation in physical activity initiatives. Surveillance activities are guided by standard protocols and are used to establish baseline data and to track implementation and evaluation of interventions, programs, and policies that aim to increase physical activity. However, physical activity is challenging to assess because it is a complex and multidimensional behavior that varies by type, intensity, setting, motives, and environmental and social influences. The lack of surveillance systems to assess both physical activity behaviors (including walking) and physical activity environments (such as the walkability of communities) is a critical gap. Implementing Strategies to Enhance Public Health Surveillance of Physical Activity in the United States develops strategies that support the implementation of recommended actions to improve national physical activity surveillance. This report also examines and builds upon existing recommended actions.

Inclusive Physical Activity

Inclusive Physical Activity
Author: Susan L. Kasser
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Total Pages: 314
Release: 2013
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1450401864

The authors present a new twist on physical activity programming to promote inclusion of all individuals across the lifespan. The text includes student-friendly features such as case studies, chapter questions and a problem-based sequence throughout the chapters.

Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030

Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 104
Release: 2019-01-21
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9241514183

Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease stroke diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps to prevent hypertension overweight and obesity and can improve mental health quality of life and well-being. In addition to the multiple health benefits of physical activity societies that are more active can generate additional returns on investment including a reduced use of fossil fuels cleaner air and less congested safer roads. These outcomes are interconnected with achieving the shared goals political priorities and ambition of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. The new WHO global action plan to promote physical activity responds to the requests by countries for updated guidance and a framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. It also responds to requests for global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination and the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active according to ability and across the life course. The action plan was developed through a worldwide consultation process involving governments and key stakeholders across multiple sectors including health sports transport urban design civil society academia and the private sector.

Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 107
Release: 2010-01-10
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309139279

The prevalence of childhood obesity is so high in the United States that it may reduce the life expectancy of today's generation of children. While parents and other adult caregivers play a fundamental role in teaching children about healthy behaviors, even the most positive efforts can be undermined by local environments that are poorly suited to supporting healthy behaviors. For example, many communities lack ready sources of healthy food choices, such as supermarkets and grocery stores. Or they may not provide safe places for children to walk or play. In such communities, even the most motivated child or adolescent may find it difficult to act in healthy ways. Local governments-with jurisdiction over many aspects of land use, food marketing, community planning, transportation, health and nutrition programs, and other community issues-are ideally positioned to promote behaviors that will help children and adolescents reach and maintain healthy weights. Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity presents a number of recommendations that touch on the vital role of government actions on all levels-federal, state, and local-in childhood obesity prevention. The book offers healthy eating and physical activity strategies for local governments to consider, making it an excellent resource for mayors, managers, commissioners, council members, county board members, and administrators.

Developing Effective Physical Activity Programs

Developing Effective Physical Activity Programs
Author: Lynda Ransdell
Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
Total Pages: 199
Release: 2009
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9780736066938

Developing Effective Physical Activity Programsemphasizes the move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to physical activity interventions by providing evidence-based recommendations for designing, implementing, and evaluating more effective and appropriate physical activity interventions for diverse populations. Part of Human Kinetics' Physical Activity Intervention series, the book provides research, methods, techniques, and support to health professionals seeking ways to promote physical activity programs that meet the specific needs of women, overweight and obese populations, older adults, and ethnically diverse populations—those shown as most likely to be sedentary and in need of the benefits of physical activity interventions. Developing Effective Physical Activity Programsoffers background information to guide the planning process: -Physical activity recommendations for adults from various federal agencies and professional organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, and the American College of Sports Medicine -An overview of scientific literature, which serves as a foundation for the physical activity recommendations -Detailed information regarding the four cornerstones of physical activity promotion: needs assessment, program planning, program implementation, and program evaluation -Descriptions of various physical activity measurement techniques and factors to consider when choosing one of these techniques The authors explain how careful consideration of the needs of specific populations can increase the success of physical activity interventions. They present evidence-based recommendations for working with various populations. Key considerations are discussed for each population, including the elements that make up the most successful interventions, unique barriers, and techniques for overcoming those barriers. Helpful tables summarize the barriers and solutions for each group, providing quick reference for designing programs. The final section of the text examines how the built environment, setting, and technology can influence intervention planning. You'll look at the ways in which neighborhood and community design can affect a person's physical activity levels. You'll also consider the various settings in which a program can be held, including homes, churches, and worksites, and how those settings will affect your program. This section also shows you how technology, such as Web- and phone-based interventions and podcasts, can be used to expand the reach of your program and positively influence the physical activity levels of participants. Throughout the book are summaries of current research studies examining physical activity interventions in various populations and settings along with descriptions and examples of successful programs and explanations for their success. In addition, each chapter concludes with helpful checklists that provide recommendations for developing and implementing physical activity interventions in various populations and settings. Unique in its comprehensive coverage of special populations, Developing Effective Physical Activity Programsshows practitioners how to answer the physical activity needs of each client or client group, address issues relevant to sedentary populations, and offer viable physical activity programs to improve the lives of the unique individuals they serve. Developing Effective Physical Activity Programsis part of the Physical Activity Intervention series. This timely series provides educational resources for professionals interested in promoting and implementing physical activity programs to a diverse and often resistant population.

Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health

Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health
Author: Harold W. Kohl
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Total Pages: 459
Release: 2012-03-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1492582417

Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health is the first textbook to clearly define the intersection of kinesiology and public health. Authors Kohl and Murray, both leaders in the field, offer a solid introduction to the concepts of public health and kinesiology, the techniques used to measure physical activity, and the health effects of exercise and physical activity. The scientific findings and applications that led to the emergence of the field of physical activity and public health are also examined. Students will come away with a greater understanding of how experts from both fields can work together to advance the use of physical activity for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and other health issues. Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health describes how physical activity improves health, including cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases, overweight and obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and mental health. Data on the prevalence and economic costs are presented to demonstrate the scope of the health issues and the importance of addressing them. Information on common testing methods, evidence on the benefits of physical activity, and recommendations for physical activity will give readers the background knowledge for promoting physical activity as a means of improving health. The health risks associated with physical activity are also discussed. Information on the prevalence of problems, the adaptive processes that can help prevent injury, and minimizing risks will prepare students to consider and address safety concerns. The text examines evidence-based strategies for increasing physical activity in individuals and populations using three general approaches: informational, behavioral and social, and environmental and policy. Examples of successful programs from various settings, including community-wide and school-based interventions, help students understand how to apply the theory to practice. Students also learn the concepts of evaluation of physical activity programs as well as logic models, evaluation designs, data collection, and analysis. In addition, building effective partnerships for physical activity programs is discussed alongside real-world initiatives such as the state plan Active Texas 2020, the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, and the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity. Strategies and models for physical activity advocacy are also addressed. The text features a wealth of pedagogical aids that will enhance students’ learning experience. Chapter-opening summaries and question lists detail key concepts to focus on, case studies and callout boxes provide real-world examples that tie theory to practice, and Key Leader Profile sidebars allow students to explore career options while learning more about individuals who have had a major impact on this emerging field. Each chapter ends with a review of the most important ideas covered, key terms, and study questions that will help students test their recall and develop their understanding of the material. Full bibliographies are provided as well as valuable online resource lists in the E-Media sections. For instructors, ancillaries are available to assist in teaching their courses. Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health is also an asset to new professionals as well as those preparing for the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist certification exam. The text addresses the core competencies put forth by NPAS—including partnership development, planning and evaluation, development of effective interventions, and evaluation of scientific data—and is cross-referenced at the end of each chapter for easy review. As the emphasis on physical activity as a tool for improving public health grows, the expertise of professionals with the combined knowledge and skills from both the public health science and exercise science fields will be highly sought. Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health will help students obtain an overview of the kinesiology and public health areas, understand physical activity applications for public health, learn about career options, and inspire them to choose a career in the emerging field of physical activity and public health.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON YOUTH

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON YOUTH
Author: DAVID SANDUA
Publisher: David Sandua
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2024-01-18
Genre: Psychology
ISBN:

This book is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how social media, ubiquitous in modern life, is shaping the mental health of today's youth. It addresses both the negative effects and positive aspects of these digital platforms, offering a balanced and research-based view. With a focus on anxiety, depression and self-esteem, the book not only identifies problems but also suggests strategies for healthier use of social networks. It is essential reading for educators, parents and youth, providing critical insights and tools for navigating an increasingly digitally connected world. This in-depth analysis is key to understanding and mitigating the psychological risks associated with social networks, while harnessing their benefits for the well-being and social development of young people.