engleski

Physical activity in children: Threats and opportunities in the environment

Background: Physical activity of children from the earliest age is of vital importance for the lifelong health. The opportunities for physical activity can be steered by the environmental influences making children more active by enabling them to pursue in regular physical activity or more sedentary by making it easier for them to choose sedentary behavior as easier choice. Methods: Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative in compliance with the World Health Organization Protocol was administered on the nationally representative sample of 5662 second and third elementary school grade children in the Republic of Croatia in 2016. Results: The data showing inconsistency in free time, school-organized physical activity and sedentary behavior suggest that children are more active in free time in the City of Zagreb in comparison to Continental and Adriatic regions. On the other hand, schools in the City of Zagreb and Adriatic region give the most opportunities to children to participate in organized physical activities. Conclusion: It is of vital importance to structure opportunities for childhood physical activity through school day and free time. Via Healthy Living program, children are enabled for both by the implementation of numerous activities and supporting schools and communities.

health, physical activity, health promotion, children

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