[H+T--Friends] Community qualities that support physical activity

Greetings, I would like to share three briefs from Active Living Research<http://www.activelivingresearch.org/> about different community and neighborhood factors that can encourage physical activity among children and adults. Being more physically active has many health benefits, including preventing obesity. Please also let your colleagues know about these resources and contact me with any questions you might have. And we have many other resources that you can use to create active, healthy communities. Let me know if you want more information. Thank you, Debbie 1) A Study of Community Design, Greenness, and Physical Activity in Children using Satellite, GPS and Accelerometer Data<http://www.activelivingresearch.org/node/12559> Key Finding: Children were more active when they were in greener areas of their neighborhoods, especially children living in a smart-growth community (characterized by more walkable streets with housing closer to shops, commercial services, parks and recreation areas). 2) Out and About: Association of the Built Environment with Physical Activity Behaviors of Adolescent Females<http://www.activelivingresearch.org/node/12589> Key Finding: Girls' physical activity levels were higher when they were in areas with high population density, and when they spent time near schools or parks. 3) Investigating the Impact of a Smart Growth Community on the Contexts of Children's Physical Activity using Ecological Momentary Assessment<http://www.activelivingresearch.org/node/12576> Key Finding: Zoning and land use policies that promote compact housing development, walkable neighborhoods, close proximity of housing to shops and restaurants, and access to parks and recreation areas have the potential to increase children's physical activity and reduce their risk for obesity. [Follow us on Twitter] <https://twitter.com/#!/AL_Research> [Like us on Facebook] <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Active-Living-Research/333084613384441> [View our videos on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/user/ActiveLivingResearch> Debbie Lou, Ph.D. Program Analyst Active Living Research -- A National Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Using evidence to prevent childhood obesity and create active communities UC San Diego 3900 Fifth Ave, Suite 310 San Diego, CA 92103 Ph: (619) 260-6336 Fx: (619) 260-1510 www.activelivingresearch.org<http://www.activelivingresearch.org/>