Download or read book Community Health and Fitness Initiatives written by Rafeal Mechlore and published by Rose Publishing (CA). This book was released on 2023-10-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Community health and fitness initiatives are crucial endeavors aimed at improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities. These initiatives encompass a wide range of programs, activities, and policies designed to promote physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life within a specific community. At their core, community health and fitness initiatives are driven by a commitment to enhance the health and vitality of local populations. They recognize that health is not solely an individual responsibility but also a collective one, where communities play a pivotal role in supporting healthier lifestyles and preventing illness. One key aspect of these initiatives is the promotion of physical activity. They often include fitness programs, sports leagues, and recreational activities accessible to community members of all ages. These opportunities encourage regular exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental well-being. Dietary education and nutrition programs are also common components. These initiatives teach individuals and families about making informed food choices, managing portion sizes, and understanding the nutritional value of different foods. By promoting healthier eating habits, communities can combat issues like obesity and diet-related diseases. Mental health support is another critical dimension. Many community initiatives provide resources and services for individuals dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. This includes counseling services, support groups, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. Preventive healthcare and screenings are often integrated into these programs, encouraging regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for conditions like cancer and heart disease. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve health outcomes. Furthermore, community health and fitness initiatives frequently involve collaboration among various stakeholders, including local governments, healthcare providers, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This multidisciplinary approach allows for the pooling of resources and expertise to address health disparities and promote well-rounded well-being. In conclusion, community health and fitness initiatives are holistic efforts to improve the health and quality of life for individuals and communities. By focusing on physical activity, nutrition, mental health, preventive care, and collaborative partnerships, these initiatives empower communities to take charge of their health and foster environments where everyone can thrive. They play a crucial role in building healthier, happier, and more resilient communities.

Download or read book Implementing Strategies to Enhance Public Health Surveillance of Physical Activity in the United States written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-07-19 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Educating the Student Body written by Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-11-13 with total page 503 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Health Promotion in Communities written by Carolyn Chambers Clark, EdD, ARNP,FAAN and published by Springer Publishing Company. This book was released on 2001-12-27 with total page 497 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In her latest book, Dr. Clark applies a holistic, wellness perspective to community health, focusing on community strengths and resilience - such as positive nutrition, healthy environment, fitness, and self care skills - rather than risks and disease. Practitioners and students will find this book a practical and comprehensive resource for creating community health programs and promoting wellness among individuals and groups. Special features include: A step-by-step guide to planning, implementing, and marketing community health programs; Strategies for wellness nutrition, fitness, stress management, and smoking cessation; Strategies for preventing violence in the schools and larger community; Tips on sharpening communication skills with individuals and groups; and Models of culturally sensitive health promotion programs.

Download or read book Food Fitness Community Partnerships written by Laurie Lachance and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-02-02 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes many of the unique contributions of the Food & Fitness program including a number of early successes, drawing lessons from efforts to form and maintain partnerships, and from the strategies employed to create structural change in communities. This important study introduces the Food and Fitness community partnerships and their work to increase access to healthy, locally grown food, and opportunities for physical activity, in vulnerable communities across the United States. Established in 2007 and funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation, the partnerships are increasing the capacity of communities to participate in policy and systems change to positively affect their health and well-being. The material covered in the chapters provide an illustration of how funders, grantees, and partners can work together to create sustainable change at the neighborhood level to ensure that all children and families are able to thrive. A range of studies ae looked at from the various initiatives funded nationwide to evaluation methods and results, and an explanation of the role of philanthropy in community development from the viewpoint of the funders. This book was originally published as a special issue of Community Development.

Download or read book Community Health and Wellness written by Anne McMurray and published by Mosby. This book was released on 2006-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An understanding of the social environment is still critical to the text but in this edition the settings such as school, workplace and cities are integrated throughout. The socio-ecological determinants of health are considered at the forefront, with a greater emphasis on the implications of globalisation and health.

Download or read book The Future of the Public s Health in the 21st Century written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2003-02-01 with total page 536 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The anthrax incidents following the 9/11 terrorist attacks put the spotlight on the nation's public health agencies, placing it under an unprecedented scrutiny that added new dimensions to the complex issues considered in this report. The Future of the Public's Health in the 21st Century reaffirms the vision of Healthy People 2010, and outlines a systems approach to assuring the nation's health in practice, research, and policy. This approach focuses on joining the unique resources and perspectives of diverse sectors and entities and challenges these groups to work in a concerted, strategic way to promote and protect the public's health. Focusing on diverse partnerships as the framework for public health, the book discusses: The need for a shift from an individual to a population-based approach in practice, research, policy, and community engagement. The status of the governmental public health infrastructure and what needs to be improved, including its interface with the health care delivery system. The roles nongovernment actors, such as academia, business, local communities and the media can play in creating a healthy nation. Providing an accessible analysis, this book will be important to public health policy-makers and practitioners, business and community leaders, health advocates, educators and journalists.

Download or read book Community Perspectives on Obesity Prevention in Children written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the public health threat of childhood obesity has become clear, the issue has become the focus of local, state, and national initiatives. Many of these efforts are centered on the community environment in recognition of the role of environmental factors in individual behaviors related to food and physical activity. In many communities, for example, fresh produce is not available or affordable, streets and parks are not amenable to exercise, and policies and economic choices make fast food cheaper and more convenient than healthier alternatives. Community efforts to combat obesity vary in scope and scale; overall, however, they remain fragmented, and little is known about their effectiveness. At the local level, communities are struggling to determine which obesity prevention programs to initiate and how to evaluate their impact. In this context, the Institute of Medicine held two workshops to inform current work on obesity prevention in children through input from individuals who are actively engaged in community- and policy-based obesity prevention programs. Community perspectives were elicited on the challenges involved in undertaking policy and programmatic interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity, and on approaches to program implementation and evaluation that have shown promise. Highlights of the workshop presentations and discussions are presented in this volume.

Download or read book Implementing Physical Activity Strategies written by Russell R. Pate and published by Human Kinetics. This book was released on 2014-01-29 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Developed through a partnership with the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance and the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA), Implementing Physical Activity Strategies profiles 42 physical activity programs that are helping people adopt more active and healthy lifestyles based on the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP). This resource combines the expertise of editors Russell Pate and David Buchner as well as a host of respected researchers and practitioners well known for their long-term advocacy for a more physically active society. Implementing Physical Activity Strategies highlights innovative and proven physical activity programs under way in eight sectors: education; mass media; health care; parks, recreation, fitness, and sports; business and industry; public health; transportation, land use, and community design; and volunteer and nonprofit organizations. For each, readers will find an explanation of how the physical activity program was executed, how it aligns with the NPAP, the target population of the program, cross-sector collaborations and their benefits, and assessments of program effectiveness. A consistent presentation of information on each program makes this comprehensive reference easy to use. The text maintains a focus on topics such as cross-sector collaboration, tactics and troubleshooting tips, and how each program aligns with the NPAP. This ensures readers will find tools and information to bring success to their own initiatives. Many of the program profiles include sample press releases, ads, screen shots, photos, surveys, follow-up forms, and other hands-on materials to help readers more readily translate the ideas and materials of these programs into new physical activity initiatives. By sharing examples and case studies of proven programs, Implementing Physical Activity Strategies supports those seeking ways to bring the benefits of increased physical activity to their constituents: • Officials and managers in public health and health care • Volunteer and nonprofit organizations • Recreation, fitness, and sport leaders • Physical education teachers • Worksite health promotion advocates • Transportation, urban policy, and design workers Implementing Physical Activity Strategies offers a detailed look into exemplary programs that have brought about an increase in regular physical activity for individuals where they live, work, and play. Stimulate new ideas, inspire creativity and innovation, and set in motion new results-oriented physical activity initiatives with Implementing Physical Activity Strategies.

Download or read book Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-01-10 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book The Surgeon General s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity written by and published by Office of the Surgeon General. This book was released on 2001 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Promotes the recognition, treatment, and prevention of conditions of overweight and obesity in the United States.

Download or read book Challenges and Successes in Reducing Health Disparities written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-06-13 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In early 2007, the Institute of Medicine convened the Roundtable on Health Disparities to increase the visibility of racial and ethnic health disparities as a national problem, to further the development of programs and strategies to reduce disparities, to foster the emergence of leadership on this issue, and to track promising activities and developments in health care that could lead to dramatically reducing or eliminating disparities. The Roundtable's first workshop, Challenges and Successes in Reducing Health Disparities, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 31, 2007, and examined (1) the importance of differences in life expectancy within the United States, (2) the reasons for those differences, and (3) the implications of this information for programs and policy makers.

Download or read book Community Health and Wellness written by Anne McMurray and published by Elsevier Health Sciences. This book was released on 2011-07-22 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A new edition of the esteemed nursing text exploring social, cultural and political issues affecting individual and community health What makes a healthy community? And how can nurses and midwives support community health and wellbeing? In Community Health and Wellness, 4th Edition: Primary health care in practice, authors Anne McMurray and Jill Clendon advance the discussion of health as a product of the interaction between people and their environment. Engagingly written and based on extensive research, this valuable nursing textbook is ideal for nursing students as well as those working in the field. Issues such a gender and cultural inclusiveness provide essential backdrops to evidence-based policy, research and the provision of equitable health care for all. The Miller Family case study This new edition of Community Health and Wellness features a common family case study running throughout the text. The Miller family crosses Australia and New Zealand; providing examples of primary health care issues in both countries. These include child health services, accessing care, adolescent health, contemporary family issues, ageing, cultural support and inclusive health care. • global insights with a focus on primary health care practice in Australia and New Zealand • promotion of community health care across the lifespan • a unique socio-ecological approach to community health • the Ottawa Charter, the Jakarta Declaration and the Bangkok Charter are included as contemporary health promotion guidelines for practice • extensive references providing current, specific source information • an emphasis on health literacy, intervention and health promotion • an evolving case study in each chapter, with links to reflective activities • a focus on learning outcomes to facilitate the integration of policy, research and practice • exploration of Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery roles in primary health care practice • strong pedagogy to increase engagement and emphasise key community health issues • reflective exercises and action points encouraging readers to consider key issues, their implications and next steps • research studies exemplifying each chapter’s central theme and promoting evidence-based practice

Download or read book A Resource Guide for Fitness Programs for Older Persons written by Alan Pardini and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Physical Activity and Public Health Practice written by Daniel B. Bornstein, PhD and published by Springer Publishing Company. This book was released on 2019-01-28 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Physical Activity in Public Health Practice provides the first evidence-based, practical textbook to guide readers through the process of conceptualizing, justifying, implementing, and evaluating physical activity interventions across a broad array of settings and populations. Section One begins with an overview of epidemiology, measurement, critical milestones, and the importance of moving beyond individual-level physical activity intervention, to interventions aimed at policy-, systems-, and environmental-level changes. Section Two considers planning interventions across a variety of settings and populations, including general concepts for implementation and evaluation, how to build effective coalitions, steps for developing community-, regional- or state-level strategic plans, and effectively translating policy into practice. Section Three addresses how to implement physical activity strategies across a variety of settings, including worksites, faith-based settings, healthcare settings, schools, and parks and recreation. This section also provides guidance on the complexities and challenges of targeting interventions for specific populations, such as families, older adults, persons with disabilities, as well as different strategies for urban and rural populations. Lastly, Section Four outlines effective strategies for how to evaluate interventions depending upon impact, outcome, and cost evaluation, and dissemination models for your intervention. Presented from both a research and a practice perspective while discussing the best available research, this book provides the basis for planning and implementing physical activity programs that work and can build healthier communities. This hands-on text incorporates learning objectives, real-world examples, case studies, and bulleted lists whenever possible so that the content can be digested easily not only in undergraduate and graduate course settings but also by public health workers and other health educators in practice. Written by world experts and augmented by practical applications, this textbook prepares public health students and practitioners to develop effective interventions and spur greater physical activity in their communities. Key Features: Provides effective strategies for properly measuring and increasing physical activity in communities Demonstrates how to carry out physical activity interventions across a variety of settings, including schools, communities, worksites and many more Discusses methods for directing physical activity interventions to specific populations Delivers strategies for building successful partnerships and coalitions Practical group activities, exercises, discussion questions, audio podcast discussions, and a full instructor packet accompany the textbook

Download or read book Developing Effective Physical Activity Programs written by Lynda Ransdell and published by Human Kinetics Publishers. This book was released on 2009 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book The Surgeon General s Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities written by United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: