Health Topics
Physical Activity
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
 Physical Activity and the Health of Young People
How CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health is
Addressing Physical Activity [pdf
1.8MB]
Data & Statistics
School Health Policies and Programs Study
SHPPS is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health
policies and programs at the state, district, school, and classroom
levels, including those related to physical activity.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
The YRBSS monitors behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading
causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in
the United States.
Science-based Strategies
The 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.
 Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool. The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT)
will help school districts conduct a clear, complete, and consistent
analysis of written physical education curricula, based upon national
physical education standards. The PECAT is customizable to include local standards. The
results from the analysis can help school districts enhance existing curricula,
develop their own curricula, or select a published curriculum, for the
delivery of quality physical education in schools.
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 Guidance
Local 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 Programs
CDC'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.
 "VERB. It’s what you do."
was a national, multicultural, social marketing campaign
designed to encourage young people ages 9–13 years (tweens) to be physically active every day. The campaign combined paid advertising, marketing strategies, and partnership efforts to reach the distinct audiences of tweens and adult influencers.
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.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Physical activity guidelines advisory committee report. Washington,
DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008.
- CDC.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2007 [pdf 1M]
Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 2008;57(No.SS-4).
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