WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

FOREWORD
Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………… 1
1.1 Why did WHO prepare this document? ………………………………………………… 2
1.2 Who should read this document? ……………………………………………………… 2
1.3 How should this document be used? ………………………………………………… 3
1.4 How will this document help people to take control over and to improve health? … 3
1.5 What is meant by ‘Physical Activity’? ………………………………………………… 4
2. CONVINCING OTHERS OF THE IMPORTANCE
OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCES …………… 5
2.1 Argument: Physical activity improves health and fitness among young people …… 5
2.2 Argument: Physical activity enhances cognitive performance ………………………
2.3 Argument: Physical activity has a positive influence on children’s psychological
5
and social well-being and can counteract risk behaviour ……………… 5
2.4 Argument: Physical activity decreases risk factors for future chronic illness ……… 6
3. CONVINCING OTHERS THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD FOSTER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY …
3.1 Argument: Schools are an effective setting for increasing physical activity among
7
children ………………………………………………………………………
3.2 Argument: Schools have the mandate and responsibility for enhancing all aspects
7
of development of children ……………………………………………….. 8
3.3 Argument: Schools should provide access to physical activity to all children
3.4 Argument: Physical activity fosters collaboration between schools and other
….. 8
partners ……………………………………………………………………… 8
4. PLANNING EFFORTS TO FOSTER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ……………………………… 9
4.1 A school health team …………………………………………………………………….. 9
4.2 Situation analysis ………………………………………………………………………… 9
4.3 Political commitment to support physical activity in school ………………………… 10
4.4 Goals and objectives for fostering physical activity …………………………………… 13
i WHO Information Series on School Health