February 16, 2007

By Rosanne Prinsen, MSc

Resource Coordinator

Alberta Centre for Active Living

RESEARCH

The relationship between vigorous physical activity and juvenile delinquency: A mediating role for self-esteem?

Faulkner, G.E.; Adlaf, E.M.; Irving, H.M.; Allison, K.R.; Dwyer, J.J., and Goodman, J. J Behav Med. 2007 Feb 1.Abstract: Many policy-related reviews of the potential social value of sport and physical activity list the prevention of juvenile delinquency. We examined the relationships among vigorous physical activity, self-esteem, and delinquent behavior among adolescents in a large cross-sectional survey of Ontario adolescents. Data are based on questionnaires from 3,796 students (range 11-20 years) derived from the 2005 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey. Negative binominal regression methods were used to estimate both additive and interactive models predicting delinquent behavior. Vigorous physical activity was positively associated with delinquent behavior; however, this pattern of association was observed only among male adolescents. There was no evidence of a mediating role for self-esteem. Our findings suggest that physical activity is not the solution for reducing juvenile delinquency.

RESOURCES

Healthy school community readiness checklist
From the Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition.
http://www.healthunit.com/articlesPDF/11497.pdf

International charter for walking
The people of the world are facing a series of inter-related, complex problems. We are becoming less healthy, we have inefficient transport systems and our environments are under increasing pressure to accommodate our needs. The quality and amount of walking as an everyday activity, in any given area, is an established and unique primary indicator of the quality of life.
http://www.walk21.com/charter/default.asp

Neighbourhood schools and sidewalk connections
Here's a scary stat.... the CDC reports that in 1969 90% of kids five to15 who lived within one mile of school walked or rode their bike. In a recent survey (approx. 2005), the CDC found the number had dropped to 31%.
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/trnews/trnews237environment.pdf

Physical activity among adults: United States, 2000 and 2005
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/physicalactivity/
physicalactivity.htm#ref1

School health manuals/planning tools
This gateway website provides access to many resources in school health promotion as well as being home for the Canadian School Health Centre and the Canadian School Health NGO Network
http://www.safehealthyschools.org/manuals_planning_tools.htm

Voices and choices website
The voices and choices website is a new site that can help members of your school community work together to improve student and school health and enhance learning.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/vc-ss/welcome_e.html

February 2, 2007

By Rosanne Prinsen, MSc
Resource Coordinator
Alberta Centre for Active Living

MEDIA

ParticipACTION—link to the web-site and news release for the re-launch
The target populations for the ParticipACTION communication strategy will include all Canadians of all ages and backgrounds. However, the priority areas of focus will be children and youth, especially parents and other influencers of children ages two to 12, Aboriginal peoples, Canadians with a disability and seniors.www.participaction.com

RESEARCH

Opportunities for student physical activity in elementary schools: A cross-sectional survey of frequency and correlates
Health Education & Behavior, Vol. 33, No. 2, 215-232 (2006)The objectives of this study were to describe opportunities for student physical activity (PA) in elementary schools and to identify factors in the school environment associated with higher PA opportunity. Self-report questionnaires were completed by school principals and physical education teachers in 277 schools (88% response) in metropolitan Montreal. Correlates of opportunity were identified using ordinal logistic regression. There was substantial variation in PA opportunities between schools. Higher opportunity was associated with role modeling of PA by school principals, their interest in increasing PA through links to the municipality, adequate financial and human resources, access to school sports facilities, adequate space for storing student sports equipment, and suburban location. There is both the need and the potential for intervention to increase PAopportunities in elementary schools. Addressing barriers related to resources and access to sports facilities may help reduce disparities between schools in opportunities for students to engage in PA.

RESOURCES

Australia's physical activity recommendations for children and young people
http://www.chdf.org.au/i-cms_file?page=5/ForumNewsletter.pdf

CAHPERD quality school health checklist
http://www.cahperd.ca/eng/health/qsh_checklist.cfm

Creating healthy futures—BC Healthy Schools Network assessment tool
BC Ministries of Education and Health, 2006/07 Pilot
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/health/hsnetwork/assess_tool_toc.htm

Focus Edmonton
Please be advised about new updates on the Focus Edmonton: City Plan project. www.FocusEdmonton.ca

The Draft "Stage 1 Public Involvement Results" report and the "Draft Principles for Land Use Planning"
Please refer to the website for further project information and full contact details.http://www.focusedmonton.ca/stage1_1.html

Health promoting schools—Australia
http://www.chdf.org.au/i-cms_file?page=3/Hps_1.pdf