Physical Activity and Learning

by Owen Jackson
The History of Public Health

"Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental
health and well-being through the organised efforts of society." - Acheson Report, 1988

Public health has been a problem in human civilisation for centuries. From early attempts at sanitation in ancient
Rome to modern vaccination campaigns, public health has aimed to protect people from the spread of disease and
promote healthy living.
What is Health Promotion?
Definition
Health promotion aims to
improve an individual’s
physical, emotional, and social
well-being. It focuses on
creating an environment that
supports good health practices
and lifestyles.
Strategies Impact
• Education and awareness Health promotion can reduce
campaigns preventable chronic diseases,
• such as heart disease, diabetes,
Behavioural change
and some forms of cancer.
programmes
• Organizing events and
activities that promote
physical activity
An Overview of Physical Activity and
Learning as a Public Health Issue
1 The Problem
Physical inactivity has
become a growing public
health concern among
Canadian teens and is
linked to negative impacts
on their social, emotional,
and physical health.
2 The Impact 3 The Solution
Physical inactivity is Encourage an active
associated with an lifestyle among Canadian
increased risk of obesity, teens by promoting
cardiovascular disease, physical activity and
hypertension, type 2 learning at school, home,
diabetes, and some forms and in the community.
of cancer. It can also have
negative impacts on mental
health, leading to
depression, stress, and
anxiety.
Definition of Physical Activity and Learning

Physical activity and learning is the concept of integrating physical activity into an education setting with the aim
of enhancing academic performance, promoting social interaction and emotional well-being, and fostering healthy
habits in children and youth.
Canadian Teens and Physical Activity and
Learning
Age Group Physical Activity Level

16-17 years Only 1 in 10 meets Canadian physical activity

guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous
activity per day.

13-15 years Only 1 in 5 meets Canadian physical activity

guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous
activity per day.
How Physical Activity and Learning Affects
the Health Triangle
Social Health
Physical activity and learning
promotes teamwork,
communication, respect, and
leadership skills among students,
improving their social health.
Emotional Health
Physical activity and learning
releases endorphins, reducing
stress levels and improving
concentration, leading to better
academic performance,
emotional well-being, and
behaviour.
Physical Health
Physical activity and learning
helps maintain weight,
strengthens bones and muscles,
improves heart health, and
reduces the risk of chronic
diseases such as diabetes,
obesity, and cancer.
Treatments for Physical Activity and Learning

While there are no specific treatments for physical activity and learning, there are many ways to integrate physical
activity into daily life. These include:

1. Encouraging active transportation, such as walking or biking to school

2. Participating in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or dance clubs

3. Incorporating physical activity breaks during class and homework time

Prevention of Physical Activity and Learning
Preventing physical inactivity includes:
Advocate
Encourage schools and communities to support
physical activity and learning by creating new
programs and initiatives.
Promote
Encourage and promote physical activity and
learning by providing additional resources, such as
funding for infrastructure or equipment.
Educate
Provide education and awareness programs for
parents, students, teachers, and administrators
about the benefits of physical activity and
learning.
Monitor
Monitor progress and success through effective
data collection to ensure that programs are
working and making a difference.