Boston Collaboration for Youth Physical Activity

Harvard University: Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity

Topics:
Healthy Youth | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Youth | Obesity & Overweight

Children and adolescents from ethnic minorities in Boston may have less access to recreational facilities and after-school sports than do other children their age. A low level of physical activity may increase their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Researchers collaborated with the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society and other local organizations to assess Boston’s recreational resources. Survey information gathered from communities, neighborhoods, families, and young people will indicate the extent to which the availability of recreational resources and other factors influence young people’s participation in physical activity. Researchers are also developing a surveillance tool to help Boston’s public health and physical activity agencies assess residents’ physical activity levels. The results will show whether additional recreational resources and physical activity programs or other resources are needed to increase the physical activity levels among Boston’s minority youth.

 

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