This study uses data from 2011 and highlights the extent to which various facilities, programs, policies and opportunities are available in Canadian schools (i.e., elementary, middle and high school) for physical activity. Topics include the availability of physical activity or sport facilities, training and development, physical activity programming, curricula and instruction, social environment, evaluation, and school policies related to physical activity and sport.
Matson-Koffman, D.M., Brownstein, J.N., Neiner, J.A., & Greaney, M.L. (2005). A site-specific literature review of policy and environmental interventions that promote physical activity and nutrition for cardiovascular health: What works? American Journal of Health Promotion, 19, 167-193.
This document outlines the actions for wellness over the next 3 year (06-08). It reflects an increased focus on a shared responsibility for health and provides direction for promoting health, preventing illness and injury and increasing capacity in many sectors.
This resource is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Public Policy, ID #1289
100 pages Published: May 2009 GeoOrigin: International
The policy approaches and resources within this toolkit represent a collection of current best approaches that have been identified, reviewed and selected by Leadership for Healthy Communities and the 11 policy-maker organizations participating in the program.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre library: Health/Well-Being--Community Health, Report ID #1310.
Based on a consultation process, this document describes a vision and strategic directions for active after school programs for girls and young women.
The policy recommendations were developed for community, provincial/territorial and national level organizations to use when considering the design and delivery of active after school programming.
This is the Alberta government's policy on recreation, active living and sport. This is a coordinated policy, involving stakeholders, non-profit organizations, other levels of government, the private sector and individuals
Active Canada 20/20: A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada, is the response of a broad cross-section of the physical activity community from across Canada who are concerned about health and quality of life, and who are committed to addressing the urgent national need to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary living.
The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) is a Canada-wide partnership of organizations and individuals interested in the field of healthy aging. ALCOA encourages older Canadians to maintain their well-being and independence through daily physical activity. ALCOA collaborates with its organizational membership on many older adult active living resources and projects. Examples include Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults, ALCOA's Research Update, the Speakers' Bureau, Diabetes Project, and A Blueprint for Action.
html file, 2 pages Published: 1998 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Six Alberta health-promotion centres founded a consortium to provide leadership in health promotion. This Research Update article looks at this joint commitment to health-promotion research, education, policy development, and dissemination.
Cavill, N., Foster, C, Oja, P., & Martin, B.W. (2006). An evidence-based approach to physical activity promotion and policy development in Europe: Contrasting case studies. Promotion & Education, 13, 104-111.
Sharpe, P.A., Granner, M.L., Hutto, B., & Ainsworth, B.E. (2004). Association of environmental factors to meeting physical activity recommendations in two South Carolina counties. American Journal of Health Promotion, 18, 251-257.
120 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This major UK report reviews evidence from around the world on the impact of physical activity on public health. Physical inactivity is as important to the burden of chronic disease as smoking cigarettes and an unhealthy diet.
This link will allow you to download the whole document or individual chapters.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Studies show that over 50% of Canadians are not active enough to reap health benefits. Why aren't Canadians more active? This WellSpring article discusses the broader circumstances that influence life choices (e.g., policy and environmental factors). The article also provides insights for practitioners who advocate physical, social, and economic changes to promote physical activity.
This report contains 47 recommendations that serve as a roadmap for a collective journey by Canadians to reform and renew their health care system. The recommendations outline actions that must be taken in 10 critical areas, starting by renewing the foundations of medicare and moving beyond our borders to consider Canada's role in improving health around the world.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Health Reform, ID #769
A selection of videos and slide presentations from a Built Environment Forum held in Edmonton, in January 2011. The forum was sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada (Alberta/NWT region) and was aimed at key Alberta stakeholders.
The CCPA offers an alternative to the message that we have no choice about the policies that affect our lives. The CCPA promotes research on issues of social and economic justice. The CCPA publishes progressive research and analysis in many different formats including books, research reports, policy briefs, short pieces, and backgrounders designed to give you the important facts in a quick overview. Much of this information is available free on the CCPA web site.
The council is a non-profit social policy and research organization that focuses on issues such as poverty, social inclusion, disability, cultural diversity, child well-being, employment, and housing. The council's web site includes an extensive list of social indicators.
The declaration is on a commemorative mini-poster that serves as daily reminder of Canada's older adult active living guiding principles. The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) produced this declaration to acknowledge the International Year of Older Persons (1999) and to recognize the contribution of older adults to Canada and the importance of active living for human development. You can order the declaration poster free of charge at 1-800-549-9799.
CPRN contributes expertise in health-care services and population health, with a unique focus on translating research into policy. The CPRN mission is to create knowledge and lead public debate on social and economic issues important to the well-being of Canadians. CPRN's goal is to help make Canada a more just, prosperous, and caring society. For more information about CPRN and to receive weekly e-network news, visit the web site.
The Canadian Sport Policy 2012 sets a direction for the period 2012-2022 for all governments, institutions and organizations committed to realizing the positive impacts of sport on individuals, communities and society.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) leads the nation’s efforts to create expertise, information, and tools to support people and communities in preventing chronic diseases and promoting health for all.
Community Health Network-Works! is a national forum for community health professionals to promote networking among practitioners, researchers and decision-makers.
Their most notable resource is their "Fire-Side Chats," online discussions allowing professionals to come together to learn about topics of interest.
Membership is free and allows you to access resources and to register for the Fire-Side Chats.
The Community Guide summarizes information about the effectiveness, economic efficiency and feasibility of interventions to promote community health and prevent disease.
The guide provides recommendations for policy and programs on health and wellness topics, including physical activity and nutrition.
This site is for healthy-care providers, practitioners and decision-makers.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Jun 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article (from the Dietitians of Canada) focuses on a study by the Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities and Dietitians of Canada on ways to create healthier school environments. The "SUCCESS" framework can help schools improve the nutrition offered to students.
Pikora, T., Giles-Corti, B., Bull, F., Jamrozik, K., & Donovan, R. (2003). Developing a framework for assessment of the environmental determinants of walking and cycling. Social Science & Medicine, 56, 1693-1703.
Bull, F.C., Bellew, B., Schšppe, S., & Bauman, A.E. (2004). Developments in national physical activity policy: An international review and recommendations towards better practice. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 7(Suppl. 1), 93-104.
Pratt, M., Macera, C.A., Sallis, J.F., O'Donnell, M., & Frank, L.D. (2004). Economic interventions to promote physical activity: Application of the SLOTH model. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 27(Suppl 1), 136-145.
The City of Edmonton's Urban Parks Management Plan: 2006-2016 (UPMP) provides strategic direction for the acquisition, design, construction, maintenance, preservation and animation (or use) of parks. the Plan spans ten years and provides direction for community planning.
This resource is available in the Centre library: Recreation/Leisure--Reports, ID #1173
Heath, G.W., Brownson, R.C., Kruger, J., Miles, R., Powell, K.E., & Ramsey, L.T. (2006). Effectiveness of urban design and land use and transport policies and practices to increase physical activity: A systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 3(Supp 1), S55-S76.
Kolbe, L., Kann, L., Patterson, B., Wechsler, H., Osorio, J., & Collins, J. (2004). Enabling the nation's schools to help prevent heart disease, stroke, cancer, COPD, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Public Health Reports, 119, 286-302.
Brownson, R.C., Baker, E.A., Housemann, R.A., Brennan, L.K., & Bacak, S.J. (2001). Environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 91, 1995-2003.
Sallis, J.F., McKenzie, T.L., Conway, T.L., Elder, J.P., Prochaska, J.J., Brown, M., et al. (2003). Environmental interventions for eating and physical activity: A randomized controlled trial in middle schools. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24, 209-217.
The European Union (EU) Platform brings together industry associations, consumer groups, health NGOs and political leaders to take voluntary action to reverse the rise in obesity, particularly among children.
This manual addresses the significant gap in the training required by Activity Coordinators working with older adults in lodge settings as well as outline the basic components of physical activity programming.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Centre Publications, ID #1301
pdf file, 56 pages Published: 2001 GeoOrigin: National
This report reviewed and synthesized the current evidence for the effectiveness of active living interventions and assessed the usefulness of an an outcomes model to inform policy and program investment decisions. Dr. Kerry McGannon, former Research Associate at the Alberta Centre for Active Living, was a contributor to this report.
Pyle, S.A., Sharkey, J., Yetter, G., Felix, E., Furlong, M.J., & Poston, W.S.C. (2006). Fighting an epidemic: The role of schools in reducing childhood obesity. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 361-376.
Want to know how your school shapes up? This is a self-assessment and planning guide for schools.
The guide will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your school policies and programs. It will also help you develop an action plan to improve student health and create a healthy school environment.
You can do the assessment on-line, or print a hard copy off (PDF). You will also find links to other great resources for schools.
Bauer, K.W. (2004). How can we stay healthy when youre throwing all of this in front of us? Findings from focus groups and interviews in middle schools on environmental influences on nutrition and physical activity. Health Education & Behavior, 31, 34-46.
Stahl, T., Rutten, A., Nutbeam, D., Bauman, A., Kannas, L., Abel, T., et al. (2001). The importance of the social environment for physically active lifestyle: Results from an international study. Social Science & Medicine, 52, 1-10.
This resource is a guide for population-based approaches to increasing levels of physical activity. It describes the implementation of the WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Programs [file cabinet], ID#1214
pdf file, 147 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: National
The Physical Activity Monitor report summarizes the physical activity situation in Canada from 1998-2003. This report highlights differences among physical activity levels and focuses on age, sex, and regional physical activity differences. In addition, the report provides statistics on the influence of other factors such as education, income, employment status, community size, and family composition.
Green, L.W., Orleans, C.T., Ottoson, J.M., Cameron, R., Pierce, J.P., & Bettinghaus, E.P. (2006). Inferring strategies for disseminating physical activity policies, programs, and practices from the successes of tobacco control. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 31(Suppl 4), 66-81.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Aug 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Discusses the social, physical, and policy factors affecting the level of a child's activity. Stresses the importance of exercise to child development. Provides suggestions for parents, community recreation leaders, and local and provincial governments on how to increase the physical activity level of children in Canada. An audio version is also available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges member states to celebrate "Move for Health" day each year to promote physical activity as essential for health and well-being. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic, noncommunicable diseases which cause 60% of global death and 47% of the burden of disease. This web site provides information sheets dealing with physical activity that relate to benefits, policy, youth, women, and older people. Links to other related WHO strategies are provided.
This strategy was developed in response to Ontario's Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives 2004 report. It focuses on nutrition and physical activity strategies to address weight and chronic disease.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Population Health [file cabinet], ID #1194
Evidence-based policies and programs that support healthy eating and enhance population-health require relevant and current research and the capacity to measure progress and outcomes.
There are numerous reports including:
Guiding Canadians Towards Healthy Eating - National Nutrition Leadership
Action Towards Healthy Eating - Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating and Recommended Strategies for Implementation
The Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion, under Health Canada, supports the nutritional health and well-being of Canadians by defining, promoting and implementing evidence-based nutrition and healthy eating policies.
The Coalition for Active Living developed the Pan-Canadian Physical Activity Strategy, a plan that details the priorities and directions that must be undertaken at all levels to promote increased physical activity among Canadians.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Reports [file cabinet], ID #907
The Physical Activity Unit has the lead responsibility within the Public Health Agency of Canada for delivering on the federal government's role in physical activity.
The Policy Readiness Tool was created to increase local capacity for healthy policy change. It is designed for use by individuals, organizations and municipalities interested in creating healthier communities.
The tool consists of a short questionnaire to assess a municipality’s readiness for healthy public policy change.
You will also find policy change strategies and advocacy resources for working with municipalities at different stages of policy readiness.
Everett J.S., Brener, N.D., & McManus, T. (2003). Prevalence of school policies, programs, and facilities that promote a healthy physical school environment. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 1570-1575.
The Provincial Fitness Unit is a non-profit organization responsible for the administration, certification and support of fitness professionals within the province of Alberta. The PFU houses the
pdf file, 96 pages Published: Sep 2003 GeoOrigin: National
This practical workbook will help readers to
understand the public policy context in which Health Canada works;
see the need for citizen and community engagement; and
design and implement appropriate processes.
The workbook will most interest public servants who regularly work with policy development and can be used both as a personal study guide and as a basis for designing workshops.
This resource targets ministries of education and ministries of health to utilize this framework to improve eating and physical activity habits in the school setting.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Policy [file cabinet], ID #1217
Brownson, R.C., Haire-Joshu, D., & Luke, D.A. (2006).Shaping the context of health: A review of environmental and policy approaches in the prevention of chronic diseases. Annual Reviews of Public Health, 27, 341-370.
Brownson, R.C., Haire-Joshu, D., & Luke, D.A. (2006). Shaping the context of health: A review of environmental and policy approaches in the prevention of chronic diseases. Annual Review of Public Health, 27, 341-370.
This website offers a wide range of active living and healthy eating information for the public. It also offers information tools and resources for recreation facilities across B.C., and for program leaders in local government buildings in B.C. Information and resources for food and beverage suppliers is also provided. The website promotes a collaborative approach to promote a wider range of healthy choices.
206 pages Published: 2000 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This is a literature review that tackled the complex relationship between health and physical activity in the context of girls and women's lives through a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach. Future research strategies and policy implications to support and improve the health and well-being of girls and women are identified.
Series Title - Women's Health Reports
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Girls/Women, ID #685
This document discusses how the investment in mid-life health promotion program and policies today will help to promote a healthy older population in the future.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults, ID #1293
This web site, founded on the principles of community-based social marketing, offers specific tools, case studies, and a planning guide for helping people adopt habits that promote health and/or are more environmentally friendly. The tools provide fundamental ways of motivating people to take the action you wish them to take. The step-by-step planning guide includes
setting objectives;
developing partners;
getting informed;
targeting the audience;
choosing tools of change;
financing the program;
measuring achievements.
Each step offers plenty of examples.
This web site will help you include in your programs the best practices of many other programs, practices that have already been successful in changing people's behaviour.
This resource outlines what it takes to make Toronto a great walking city. It is an integrated approach that creates physical and cultural environments that encourage walking.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Policies [file cabinet], ID #1207
McMillan, T.E. (2005). Urban form and a child's trip to school: The current literature and a framework for future research. Journal of Planning Literature 19, 440-456.
"VERB It's what you do" is a social marketing campaign coordinated by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The campaign encourages youth aged 9-13 (tweens) to get moving and have fun. This web site provides resources and information. Links to a cool web site for tweens, [link], and for parents, [link], are also given.
pdf/html file, 16 pages Published: Sep 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The purpose of this project was to learn about physical activity participation, physical activity opportunities, sedentary behaviour and caregiver role modeling in after-school programs across Alberta. Two infographics are included with this report: a) physical activity in after-school programs, and b) sedentary time in after-school programs.
pdf file, 8 pages Published: Apr 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This article (on page 6 of this WellSpring issue) suggests policy changes in schools to combat childhood obesity. These suggestions arise from the Beyond an Apple a Day (BAAAD) survey of grade 7 and 8 Alberta students.
This workbook is for anyone venturing to create a physical activity policy within their community, school or workplace. It is suitable for people with different levels of experience in policy development.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre Library: Physical Activity--Policies, Report ID #1315.
This 2007 Capacity Study from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute focuses on physical activity in the workplace. It includes information on policies, evaluation, barriers, benefits, and motivating and supporting employees to adopt an active lifestyle.
A great report for policy and decision-makers who would like to know more about workplace initiatives.
