Greening of Daycare Yards with Biodiverse Materials Affords Well-Being, Play and Environmental Relationships

Nature contacts are recognized as positively contributing to humans’ health and well-being. Although there have been projects to green daycare or schoolyards, yard greening and microbial biodiversity have never been studied simultaneously. We asked whether simultaneously increasing biodiversity exposure and greening urban daycare yards affects 3–5 years-old children’s physical activity and play, their environmental relationships, and their perceived well-being. For transforming six daycare yards in Finland, we used a forest floor with high biodiversity, sod, peat blocks, and planters for vegetable and flower growing. We used qualitative interview and survey-based data collected from the daycare personnel and parents to analyze how green yards encourage children’s engagement with their everyday life-worlds. We identified the functional possibilities provided by the yards and the dynamic aspects related to the greening. Green, biodiverse yards were considered safe, and inspired children’s play, diversified their activities, and increased physical activity. The greenery offered embodied experiences of nature and provided the children with multi-sensory exploration and diverse learning situations. The dynamic and emotional ways of engaging with the natural environment increased their well-being. The activities related to caring for the yards and exploring them promoted the development of environmental relationships. The results can be used for designing health-enhancing yards

Download Full-text

Department of Education Announces Results of the New Jersey Student Health Survey Showing Positive Trends in Student Health and Well-Being: Department of Education Continues to Provide Support and Professional Development to Schools in Areas Such as Nutrition, Physical Activity and Anti-Bullying Measures

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e618092012-001 ◽

2012 ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Professional Development ◽

New Jersey ◽

Health Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Department Of Education ◽

Student Health ◽

Health And Well Being

Download Full-text

Nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods advertised in small food retailers

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.248 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

C A Borges ◽

C Kikuta ◽

P C Jaime

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Well Being ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Saturated Fats ◽

Food Retailers ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background It is necessary to analyze the nutritional profile and advertising claims of ultra-processed foods available in small food retailers. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study that carried out an audit on small food businesses. Information was collected on advertising, price, ingredient list, nutritional composition and portion size. All investigated foods were grouped according to the NOVA food classification. Food advertising was categorized into 11 different consumer appeals. The relationship between the type of advertising appeal of the ultra-processed food and its nutritional profile was analyzed. A comparison was made between the nutritional composition of the advertised food and the recommendations of sugar, saturated fat and sodium of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Results The most prevalent ultra-processed foods in small retailers were sweets and treats (18.5%); sugary sweetened beverages (15.7%), sausages (12.0%) and baked goods (11.1%). Most of the advertising on the packaging of ultra-processed foods was about healthy eating and physical activity and sensory aspects of the product (color, flavor, texture). Foods classified as high in sugars had the highest number of advertisements related to healthy eating and physical activity, foods high in sugar and saturated fats, had the highest number of advertisements related to sensory aspects, healthy eating and physical activity and foods high in sodium and / or saturated fats, had more advertising related to convenience. Conclusions Identifying that advertising for ultra-processed foods is associated with health and well-being, physical activity and sensory aspects leads us to a better understanding of the factors that influence consumer perception in small businesses. Advertising for foods rich in sugar, saturated fat and sodium based on health and well-being should be better regulated by public agencies in Brazil, supporting consumers to make healthier choices. Key messages Ultra-processed foods induce to consume large quantities, due to the convenience and the advertising present in their packaging that stimulate a healthy life, physical activity and sensory aspects. It is necessary support and defend changes in nutrition labeling, in order to clarify the nutritional information to consumers.

Download Full-text

Home Goals: A study looking at improving mental and physical health and well-being in young people using short physical activity and psychological education sessions

http://isrctn.com/ ◽

10.1186/isrctn16814810 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Victoria Laker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young People ◽

Physical Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Education ◽

Mental And Physical Health ◽

Health And Well Being

Download Full-text

The effects of the London 2012 Olympics and related urban regeneration on physical and mental health: the ORiEL mixed-methods evaluation of a natural experiment

Public Health Research ◽

10.3310/phr06120 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (12) ◽

pp. 1-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Steven Cummins ◽

Charlotte Clark ◽

Daniel Lewis ◽

Neil Smith ◽

Claire Thompson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Regeneration ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impacts ◽

Limited Evidence ◽

London 2012 ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Paralympic Games

Background There is limited evidence for public health policy-makers on the health impacts of urban regeneration programmes. Objectives To assess whether or not the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and related urban regeneration, were associated with an increase in physical activity and mental health and well-being; to assess whether or not any benefits were sustained over time; and to capture the experiences of residents of the Olympic host boroughs. Design Quasi-experimental prospective cohort study of adolescents and their parents/carers, with a nested qualitative longitudinal study of families. Setting London boroughs of Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. Participants A cohort of 2254 adolescents in 25 schools; a repeat cross-sectional study of parents/carers and a sample of 20 families for the qualitative study. Intervention The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and urban regeneration primarily associated with the redevelopment of the Olympic Park for legacy use. Primary outcome measures Change in the proportion of respondents meeting physical activity recommendations (using self-reported physical activity); change in the proportion of respondents reporting depression and anxiety and change in well-being score. Main results At 6 months, adolescents who became inactive were less likely to come from the intervention borough (Newham) than from comparison boroughs [risk ratio (RR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 0.93]. At 18 months, there were no statistically significant differences between intervention and comparison boroughs for all adolescent physical activity and screen-time transitions. Those who visited the Olympic Park more than once a month were the least likely to remain inactive (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48) and the least likely to become inactive (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.60) compared with those who were active at baseline and at the 18-month follow-up. No impacts on parental/carer physical activity were observed. Adolescents who were ‘no longer depressed’ (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.20) or ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.83) at 6 months were more likely to be from the intervention borough. For well-being, there was no association between boroughs and change in well-being between baseline and the 6-month follow-up. At 18 months’ follow-up, adolescents who ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.70) were more likely to be from the intervention borough than from comparison boroughs. No associations were observed for well-being at 18 months. There was limited evidence of change for parental mental health and well-being. The qualitative study found that residents generally welcomed the unexpected chance to live in a cleaner, safer and more unified environment. The findings suggested that the Games temporarily alleviated certain stressors in the social and physical environment. Overall, the Games lessened participants’ sense of social exclusion and appeared to generate a sense of inclusion and respite, even if this was only temporary. Study limitations include the potential for adolescents to not be assigned the correct level of exposure to urban regeneration and the effect of reductions in central and local public budgets owing to the UK Government’s deficit reduction programme. Conclusions This study provided the highest quality data to date on the short- and medium-term social and health impacts of sporting mega-events. We found limited evidence that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had a positive effect on adolescent or parental physical activity, mental health or well-being. Funding The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

Download Full-text

The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Health, and Well-Being

European Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1027/2512-8442/a000070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 59-70

Author(s):

Kristine Klussman ◽

Julia Langer ◽

Austin Lee Nichols

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Meaning In Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Community Based ◽

Activity Intensity ◽

Different Types ◽

The Relationship ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract. Background: Most people are comfortable asserting the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health and well-being. However, little research has examined how different types of physical activity affect these outcomes. Aims: The current study sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential relationships between different types of physical activity and various aspects of health and well-being. In addition, we sought to understand the role of self-connection in these relationships. Method: One hundred forty-three participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure their current weekly activity as well as their current health and well-being. Specifically, we examined three intensities of activity (walking, moderate, and vigorous) and three types of activity (team-based, community-based, and not team nor community-based) on self-reported health, anxiety, depression, affect, flourishing, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and meaning in life. In addition, we examined self-connection as a possible moderator of these relationships. Results: Results suggested that physical activity was inconsistently related to health and well-being, and activity intensity and type were important to understanding these relationships. In contrast, self-connection reliably related to health and well-being and moderated the relationship between activity type and the presence of meaning. Limitations: The cross-sectional, self-report nature of the study limits its contribution. In addition, we only examined a subset of all physical activities that people engage in. Conclusion: In all, results suggest that the relationships between physical activity, mental health, and well-being are tenuous, at best. Future research needs to examine these relationships further and continue to examine self-connection to determine how to best increase health and well-being through physical activity.

Download Full-text

The complex relationship between physical activity and diabetes: an overview

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Palermi ◽

Olimpia Iacono ◽

Felice Sirico ◽

Michele Modestino ◽

Carlo Ruosi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Inadequate Knowledge ◽

Barriers To Exercise ◽

Cardio Respiratory Fitness ◽

Intensity Of Exercise ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Improve Health

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread condition, representing a challenging disease to manage. Exercise is being increasingly recommended as part of the therapeutic regimen for DM but the management of different forms of physical activity is difficult for individuals with diabetes, trainers, and physicians. Regular exercise can improve health and well-being, helping individuals to achieve their target lipid profile, body composition, cardio-respiratory fitness, and glycemic goals. People with diabetes tend to be as inactive as the general population, with a large percentage of individuals not achieving the minimum amount of recommended physical activity levels. Indeed, several barriers to exercise exist for persons with diabetes, including sports eligibility, multi-modality management of diabetic athletes, and inadequate knowledge about adequate type and intensity of exercise. The aim of the present review is to provide the current understanding of mechanisms, recommendations, and beneficial effects of different modalities of exercise for the treatment of DM.

Download Full-text

COVID-19-related mobility reduction: heterogenous effects on sleep and physical activity rhythms

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsaa179 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ju Lynn Ong ◽

TeYang Lau ◽

Stijn A A Massar ◽

Zhi Ting Chong ◽

Ben K L Ng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Activity Rhythm ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Working Adults ◽

Time In Bed ◽

Social Jetlag ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Study Objectives Mobility restrictions imposed to suppress transmission of COVID-19 can alter physical activity (PA) and sleep patterns that are important for health and well-being. Characterization of response heterogeneity and their underlying associations may assist in stratifying the health impact of the pandemic. Methods We obtained wearable data covering baseline, incremental mobility restriction, and lockdown periods from 1,824 city-dwelling, working adults aged 21–40 years, incorporating 206,381 nights of sleep and 334,038 days of PA. Distinct rest-activity rhythm (RAR) profiles were identified using k-means clustering, indicating participants’ temporal distribution of step counts over the day. Hierarchical clustering of the proportion of days spent in each of these RAR profiles revealed four groups who expressed different mixtures of RAR profiles before and during the lockdown. Results Time in bed increased by 20 min during the lockdown without loss of sleep efficiency, while social jetlag measures decreased by 15 min. Resting heart rate declined by ~2 bpm. PA dropped an average of 42%. Four groups with different compositions of RAR profiles were found. Three were better able to maintain PA and weekday/weekend differentiation during lockdown. The least active group comprising ~51% of the sample, were younger and predominantly singles. Habitually less active already, this group showed the greatest reduction in PA during lockdown with little weekday/weekend differences. Conclusion In the early aftermath of COVID-19 mobility restriction, PA appears to be more severely affected than sleep. RAR evaluation uncovered heterogeneity of responses to lockdown that could associate with different outcomes should the resolution of COVID-19 be protracted.

Download Full-text

The impact of participation in extra-curricular physical activity on males from disadvantaged schools

European Physical Education Review ◽

10.1177/1356336x15625381 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 60-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sarahjane Belton ◽

Paul Prior ◽

Eric Wickel ◽

Catherine Woods

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Multinomial Regression ◽

Physical Competence ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Physically Active ◽

Study Results ◽

The Impact ◽

Academic Year ◽

Health And Well Being

Extra-curricular physical activity (ECPA) may have an important role to play in the health and well-being of adolescents, but the actual benefits are relatively unknown. This study examined ECPA participation amongst adolescent males (age 12–15 years) from disadvantaged backgrounds, and evaluated its impact on overall physical activity (PA) accumulation and psychological well-being. At three time points over a single academic year, participants from four schools ( n = 174) wore a pedometer for seven days and completed a questionnaire assessing habitual PA, frequency of ECPA participation, barriers to ECPA participation and seven psychosocial subscales. An average year-long score was calculated for each participant, for each variable. Across seasons, 84% of participants reported regular (≥ twice a week) or occasional (once a week) participation in ECPA. Those reporting regular participation in ECPA were significantly ( p < .01) more active (steps/day) and scored higher ( p < .01) on each psychosocial subscale. Results of multinomial regression analysis showed that perceived physical competence ( p < .001) had a significant main effect on ECPA participation. Our study results indicate that students from disadvantaged backgrounds whom participate in ECPA at least once a week are significantly more physically active and have a higher level of psychological well-being than those who never participate.

Download Full-text