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![]() National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion ![]() ![]() |
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Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular.1 Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.1 Positive experiences with physical activity at a young age help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life.1 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that young people (ages 6–17) participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.2 In 2007, 35% of high school students had participated in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity on 5 or more of the last 7 days, and only 30% attended physical education class daily. Participation in physical activity declines strikingly as children age.3
Data & StatisticsSchool Health Policies and Programs Study
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Science-based StrategiesThe Role of Schools in Addressing Childhood Obesity [pdf 627K] outlines 10 evidence-based strategies for schools to implement in addressing childhood obesity. See Physical Activity: School and Community Guidelines for strategies most likely to be effective in promoting physical activity among young people. Information includes the full text as published in the MMWR, summary of the guidelines, and more.
Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT). The Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) can help school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of Effective Health Education Curricula. The HECAT results can help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education to address healthy eating, physical activity and other health education topics. The HECAT can be customized to meet local community needs and conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district. The School Health Index can help schools implement school health guidelines and related strategies. This self-assessment and planning tool enables schools to identify the strengths and weaknesses of health promotion policies and programs and assists schools in developing an action plan for improving the school environment. Physical Activity Brochures are designed to help parents, teachers, and principals increase physical activity among elementary and middle school-aged youth. Registries of Programs Effective in Reducing Youth Risk Behaviors. Various federal agencies have identified youth-related programs that they consider worthy of recommendation based on expert opinion or a review of design and research evidence. These programs focus on different health topics, risk behaviors, and settings, including physical activity. The Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools article describes the purpose of school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs, examine current practices, and review research on BMI measurement programs. The article summarizes the recommendations of experts, identifies concerns surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research. Guidance is provided on specific safeguards that need to be addressed before schools decide to collect BMI information. Policy GuidanceLocal Wellness Policy Tools & Resources provides links to tools and resources for schools to assist with the development of local wellness policies in accordance with the June 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (Sec 204). National, State, and Local ProgramsCDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) supports the development and implementation of effective health promotion policies and programs that address priority health risks among youth. For information about the actions that state agencies can implement to address these health risks, see CDC's:
Steps to a HealthierUS is an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advances the goal of helping Americans live longer, better, and healthier lives. The Steps Cooperative Agreement Program funds 40 communities nationwide to implement school and other community-based programs that address obesity, diabetes, and asthma, as well as their related risk behaviors: physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Program (NPAO). Created in 1999, the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Program (NPAO) currently works with 23 states to build lasting and comprehensive efforts to address obesity and other chronic diseases through a variety of nutrition and physical activity strategies. We Can! or "Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition" is a national education program developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help prevent childhood obesity in youth ages 8–13. We Can! focuses on programs and activities for parents and families as a primary group for influencing youth. The program provides turn-key resources and programs for parents, caregivers, and youth to encourage healthy eating, increase physical activity, and reduce screen time. References
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