This presentation will begin by reviewing what is known about the role of the school environment in influencing student physical activity and dietary behaviors. A framework for defining the school health environment will be presented, along with CDC recommendations for school policies and environmental actions to promote physical activity and healthy eating. The presentation will focus on five components of the school physical activity and nutrition environment that have not received the research attention that they deserve: recess; extracurricular physical activity programs; physical activity facilities; food and beverages available to students at school outside of the school meals program; and psychosocial support for physical activity and healthy eating through school policies, staff health promotion services, audiovisual cues, and incentives for students to adopt desired behaviors. National surveillance data and research findings on these environmental components will be described, strategies and technical assistance resources to help schools implement CDC recommendations will be identified, and promising areas for future research will be proposed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify 5 key components of the school physical activity and nutrition environment. 2. Describe national data on school practices in at least two of these components
Keywords: School Health, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Association of States Boards of Education
National School Boards Association
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.