Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of physical activity. An international position statement

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-70
Author(s):  
Erick Burhaein ◽  
Nevzat Demirci ◽  
Carla Cristina Vieira Lourenço ◽  
Zsolt Németh ◽  
Diajeng Tyas Pinru Phytanza
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
World Population ◽  
The World ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Since its appearance at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 in Wuhan (China), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide. The outbreak was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Home confinement, travel restrictions, the closing of venues for exercise and recreation, and the cancellation of indoor and outdoor events including sport have been characteristic features of the public health responses around the world. The result has been a reduction in the levels of physical activity experienced by large numbers of the world population of all ages. This has caused considerable alarm for physical activity professionals around the world. In response, this position statement makes a case for the importance of continuing to embrace regular physical activity alongside the existing public health strategies that are being implemented in the management of the effects of the virus internationally. To be consistent with these policies this activity should always be away from others (application of social distancing) and preferably outdoors. Some potential benefits specific to the current situation, are suggested by reference to existing knowledge about the significance of exercise in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. However, these recommendations need to be viewed primarily within an unchanging context of the long-term value of healthy levels of physical activity for population well-being and quality of life. This has been made the more important on account of the potential harmful effects of the current reduced levels. Some recommendations for appropriate dosage and types of PA for those with different conditions are provided.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Qualitative Study in a Canadian City

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4441
Author(s):  
Jennie A. Petersen ◽  
Calli Naish ◽  
Dalia Ghoneim ◽  
Jason L. Cabaj ◽  
Patricia K. Doyle-Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Canadian City ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Health And Well Being

Public health measures introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the physical activity, health, and well-being of millions of people. This grounded theory study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity and perceptions of health among adults in a Canadian city (Calgary). Twelve adults (50% females; 20–70 years) were interviewed between June and October (2020) via telephone or videoconferencing. Using a maximum variation strategy, participants with a range of sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity levels, and perceptions of seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19 were selected. Semi-structured interviews captured participant perceptions of how their physical activity and perceptions of health changed during the pandemic. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (1) Disruption to Daily Routines, (2) Changes in Physical Activity, (3) Balancing Health, and (4) Family Life. Participants experienced different degrees of disruption in their daily routines and physical activity based on their individual circumstances (e.g., pre-pandemic physical activity, family life, and access to resources). Although participants faced challenges in modifying their daily routines and physical activity, many adapted. Some participants reported enhanced feelings of well-being. Public health strategies that encourage physical activity and promote health should be supported as they are needed during pandemics, such as COVID-19.

Eating NAFTA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyshia Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The North ◽  
The World

In the two decades since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, Mexico has seen an epidemic of diet-related illness. While globalization has been associated with an increase in chronic disease around the world, in Mexico, the speed and scope of the rise has been called a public health emergency. The shift in Mexican foodways is happening at a moment when the country’s ancestral cuisine is now more popular and appreciated around the world than ever. What does it mean for their health and well-being when many Mexicans eat fewer tortillas and more instant noodles, while global elites demand tacos made with handmade corn tortillas? This book examines the transformation of the Mexican food system since NAFTA and how it has made it harder for people to eat as they once did. The book contextualizes NAFTA within Mexico’s approach to economic development since the Revolution, noticing the role envisioned for rural and low-income people in the path to modernization. Examination of anti-poverty and public health policies in Mexico reveal how it has become easier for people to consume processed foods and beverages, even when to do so can be harmful to health. The book critiques Mexico’s strategy for addressing the public health crisis generated by rising rates of chronic disease for blaming the dietary habits of those whose lives have been upended by the economic and political shifts of NAFTA.

scholarly journals Urbanization and greenness in HBSC survey: association with overweight and obesity in adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bellisario ◽  
R Bono ◽  
G Squillacioti ◽  
M Caputo ◽  
I Gintoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Children Health ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is an important public health issue worldwide and includes different risk factors, such as environmental pollutants exposure or physical activity. Neighborhood composition and green spaces availability could contrast obesogenic lifestyles and promote healthy habits, whereas, urbanization and traffic volume exposure are inversely associated with physical activity and worsen effects on childhood health. Methods This project analyzed students involved in the HBSC survey from the Piedmont Region. Data were collected in 2018, following the protocol. All the subjects were georeferenced within buffers around schools. Green-spaces availability was measured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-satellite images) while urbanization was calculated by population density, traffic intensity (satellite measurements) and air pollution concentration (sampling stations). Results Overall, the sample included 3022 subjects, with amount 50% male/female and 30% for each age group (11-13-15 years old). Concerning weight status, above 14% of the all sample is obese or overweight, with, respectively, 20% among boys and 11% among girls. Preliminary analyses showed an association between weight status and population density (rural vs urbanized areas). Currently, we are analyzing the association with greenness and the other measures of urbanization. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that high urbanization levels impact health implementing weight in children. We are testing the hypothesis that greenness positively influences weight status and reduce negative effects of urbanization and air pollution. The managing of these risk factors must be deepened and corroborated by active preventive Public Health strategies for improving children health. Key messages Urbanization and greenness may influence weight status in children. Public Health strategies must be improved for children health.

scholarly journals Nepal COVID-19 Governmental Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar S. Abdellatif ◽  
Ali Behbehani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
International Health ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Member States ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Current Cycle ◽  
The Face

The International Health Regulations (2005) are legally binding on 196 States Parties, Including all WHO Member States. The IHR aims to keep the world informed about public health risks, through committing all signatories to cooperate together in combating any future “illness or medical condition, irrespective of origin or source, that presents or could present significant harm to humans.” Under IHR, countries agreed to strengthen their public health capacities and notify the WHO of any such illness in their populations. The WHO would be the centralized body for all countries facing a health threat, with the power to declare a “public health emergency of international concern,” issue recommendations, and work with countries to tackle a crisis. Although, with the sudden and rapid spread of COVID-19 in the world, many countries varied in implementing the WHO guidelines and health recommendations. While some countries followed the WHO guidelines, others imposed travel restrictions against the WHO’s recommendations. Some refused to share their data with the organization. Others banned the export of medical equipment, even in the face of global shortages. The UN Compliance Research group will focus during the current cycle on analyzing the compliance of the WHO member states to the organizations guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Bahrain COVID-19 Governmental Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar S. Abdellatif ◽  
Ali Ali Behbehani ◽  
Mauricio Landin ◽  
Sarah Malik
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
International Health ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Member States ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Current Cycle ◽  
The Face

The International Health Regulations (2005) are legally binding on 196 States Parties, Including all WHO Member States. The IHR aims to keep the world informed about public health risks, through committing all signatories to cooperate together in combating any future “illness or medical condition, irrespective of origin or source, that presents or could present significant harm to humans.” Under IHR, states agreed to strengthen their public health capacities and notify the WHO of any such illness in their populations. The WHO would be the centralized body for all countries facing a health threat, with the power to declare a “public health emergency of international concern,” issue recommendations, and work with countries to tackle a crisis. Although, with the sudden and rapid spread of COVID-19 in the world, many countries varied in implementing the WHO guidelines and health recommendations. While some countries followed the WHO guidelines, others imposed travel restrictions against the WHO’s recommendations. Some states refused to share their data with the organization. Others banned the export of medical equipment, even in the face of global shortages. The UN Compliance Research group will focus during the current cycle on analyzing the compliance of the WHO member states to the organizations guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pedometer Cell Phone Applications and Future Trends in Measuring Physical Activity

2013 ◽  
pp. 324-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Åkerberg ◽  
Maria Lindén ◽  
Mia Folke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Cell Phones ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
World Population ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
The World ◽  
Important Means

A huge proportion of the world population is suffering from lifestyle related and preventable welfare diseases. Physical activity is one important means of achieving beneficial health impacts and of reducing the risk of chronic disease. Pedometers are often used to measure physical activity. Nowadays, cell phones are very common, and pedometer applications enable measurements to be made by a device that is already owned. This chapter presents a study of the measurement accuracy of pedometer cell phone applications. The results show that only one combination of pedometer application and cell phone provided high accuracy when tested by different test persons. In some cases, the measurements indicate that the orientation of the cell phone used during measurement might be relevant. In addition, it would be valuable to gain knowledge about the overall and everyday physical activity pattern, which would be very valuable in contributing to a healthier population.

Cancer epidemiology and public health

2021 ◽  
pp. 17-42
Author(s):  
Paolo Boffetta ◽  
Zuo-Feng Zhang ◽  
Carlo La Vecchia
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Epidemiology ◽  
Attributable Risk ◽  
World Population ◽  
The World ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Epidemiology And Public Health

Neoplasms continue to dominate globally as one of the major sources of human disease and death. There are multiple modifiable causes of cancer and understanding their attributable risk factors for each cancer is of importance. This chapter covers the role of cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as the experimental and epidemiological approaches as determinants of the main cancers. Even if major discoveries in the clinical management of cancer patients will be accomplished in the near future, the changes will mainly affect the affluent part of the world population. Promising approaches focused on prevention of the known causes, reducing its consequences, notably in resource-constrained settings are highlighted.

Association Between Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Intensities and Sedentary Time in 8- to 10-Year-Old Children

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katya M. Herman ◽  
Gilles Paradis ◽  
Marie-Eve Mathieu ◽  
Jennifer O’Loughlin ◽  
Angelo Tremblay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity ◽  
Daily Total

This study examines the association between objectively-measured physical activity (PA) intensities and sedentary behavior (SED) in a cohort of 532 children aged 8–10 y. PA and SED were assessed by accelerometer over 7-days. Television and computer/video-game use were self-reported. Associations between PA intensities and SED variables were assessed by Spearman correlations and adjusted multiple linear regression. Higher mean daily moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA (MVPA, VPA) were negatively associated with mean daily SED (r = −0.47 and −0.37; p < .001), and positively associated with mean daily total PA (r = .58 and 0.46; p < .001). MVPA was also positively associated with light PA (LPA; r = .26, p < .00l). MVPA and VPA were not significantly associated with TV, computer/video or total screen time; accelerometer SED was only weakly associated with specific SED behaviors. On average, for each additional 10 min daily MVPA, children accumulated >14 min less SED, and for each additional 5 min VPA, 11 min less SED. Thus, over the course of a week, higher mean daily MVPA may displace SED time and is associated with higher total PA over and above the additional MVPA, due to concomitant higher levels of LPA. Public health strategies should target both MVPA and SED to improve overall PA and health in children.

scholarly journals Chile COVID-19 Governmental Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar S. Abdellatif ◽  
Ali Behbehani ◽  
Mauricio Landin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
International Health ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Member States ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Current Cycle ◽  
The Face

The International Health Regulations (2005) are legally binding on 196 States Parties, Including all WHO Member States. The IHR aims to keep the world informed about public health risks, through committing all signatories to cooperate together in combating any future “illness or medical condition, irrespective of origin or source, that presents or could present significant harm to humans.” Under IHR, countries agreed to strengthen their public health capacities and notify the WHO of any such illness in their populations. The WHO would be the centralized body for all countries facing a health threat, with the power to declare a “public health emergency of international concern,” issue recommendations, and work with countries to tackle a crisis. Although, with the sudden and rapid spread of COVID-19 in the world, many countries varied in implementing the WHO guidelines and health recommendations. While some countries followed the WHO guidelines, others imposed travel restrictions against the WHO’s recommendations. Some refused to share their data with the organization. Others banned the export of medical equipment, even in the face of global shortages. The UN Compliance Research group will focus during the current cycle on analyzing the compliance of the WHO member states to the organizations guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document