Physical Activity and Public Health

Catalog description

This course is designed for public health and community health educators who plan to work with individuals, clients, and/or patients in a variety of health, clinical, and community settings. Students will come away with an understanding of how to advance the use of physical activity for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and other health issues. The course will explore how physical activity improves health, including cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases, overweight and obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and mental health. Data on the prevalence and economic costs of physical inactivity are presented to demonstrate the scope of the health issues and the importance of addressing them. Evidence-based strategies for increasing physical activity in individuals and communities using three approaches (informational, behavioral and social, and environmental and policy) will be explored. Strategies for implementing physical activity opportunities in communities will also be addressed. Prerequisite: junior standing. Offered Spring.