International workshop 2008
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With a few notable exceptions, only in the last decade, a number of European countries have taken initiative to develop and implement population-wide programs, action plans and campaigns to stimulate people to adopt a more active lifestyle. A general consensus has been reached on the amount and type of physical activity recommended for improving and maintaining health: for adults at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (P.A.) on at least five days of the week. For youth the recommendation is 60 minutes each day of the week.
Regular P.A. can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. People with low socio-economic status (SES) are known to have less P.A. than people with a higher SES. Since the Ottawa charter (1986) with recommendations for public health promotion, health differences between high and low socio-economic groups have increased. Although the topic has been recognized in the political arena in recent years, still many people are not able to increase control over, and improve their health. The need for effective interventions is as evident as it was in 1986.
Regular P.A. can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. People with low socio-economic status (SES) are known to have less P.A. than people with a higher SES. Since the Ottawa charter (1986) with recommendations for public health promotion, health differences between high and low socio-economic groups have increased. Although the topic has been recognized in the political arena in recent years, still many people are not able to increase control over, and improve their health. The need for effective interventions is as evident as it was in 1986.
Until now, there has been limited exchange between countries about these programs. Therefore NISB, together with Wageningen University, organised a 2-day international workshop on ‘National Physical Activity Promotion Strategies in Europe’.
Until now, there has been limited exchange between countries about these programs. Therefore NISB, together with Wageningen University, organised a 2-day international workshop on ‘National Physical Activity Promotion Strategies in Europe’.
