This is part of our Active Spaces & Latino Kids: A Research Review »
The goal to increase access to schoolyards after school
One of the goals for Healthy People 2020 is to increase the access to school physical activity facilities during non-school hours, with a current goal of having 31.7 percent of U.S. schools providing access by 2020.11 The previous target, from Healthy People 2010, was to have 50 percent of schools allowing access by 2010; however, data showed that no progress was being made so the goal was revised.31 In fact, fewer schools provided access to their physical activity facilities in 2006 (29%) than the baseline in 2000 (35%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Before 2010, the School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) sought ...
This is part of our Active Spaces & Latino Kids: A Research Review »
Latino children lack access to active spaces
Latino children living in underserved communities in the United States have limited access to physical activity sites. Increasing access to physical activity sites may increase physical activity among Latino children in these communities. Children in underserved communities often have insufficient access to physical activity sites, such as trails, recreational facilities, and parks.18–23 A study investigating the availability of recreational resources in neighborhoods of three diverse areas of the United States—Baltimore city and county, Maryland; Forsyth County, North Carolina; and Manhattan and the Bronx, New York—found that Latino neighborhoods were less ...
This is part of our Active Spaces & Latino Kids: A Research Review »
Introduction
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. Latino youths ages 2-19 are overweight or obese compared with 28.5 percent of non-Latino white youths.1 Physical activity is important for good health, physical and cognitive growth and development, and maintaining a healthy weight.2 However, Latino children in underserved communities often have limited opportunities for physical activity.3,4 In a national survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer Latino (70%) than white (82.5%) respondents described their neighborhoods as having safe places for children to play.5 A study conducted in Southern California found that children of racial/ethnic minorities living in poverty have less access to parks and physical ...
Abstract
Latino kids and families have limited spaces to be physically active. What are the best ways to improve Latino families’ access to “active spaces” like gyms, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds? Many schools do not provide public access to physical activity facilities. Shared use agreements set up rules for public use of schoolyards after class. Repairing sidewalks, installing street lights, and improving parks can stimulate more physical activity. Creating safer streets can people to walk or cycle to schools, parks, and other family destinations. Also, using marketing and technology to change Latino kids’ physical activity patterns. Read the Issue Brief in English (PDF)
Read the Issue Brief in Spanish (PDF)
Contents
Introduction & Methods. This ...
The new year is a time of resolutions and for many, a time to think about health, and one's diet. Members and representatives of San Antonio's Healthy Beverage Coalition joined together on January 6, 2016, to hold an educational press conference on the importance of knowing how much sugar is in the average sugary beverage and to help San Antonio to think about what sugary beverages they are drinking this year. Dr. Robert Ferrer, Board Chairman of the Health Collaborative, started off the conference holding up a bag of sugar and eating it one spoon at a time, all the while stating that eating the sugar in the bag is about the same as drinking a soda. Speaking also at the conference were members of the Healthy Beverage Coalition, Bexar County Judge, Nelson Wolff. Wolff explained ...
Need for a quick, easy and less costly process to establish farmer's markets in Wyandotte County brought the KCK Farmers Market board to advocate for policy changes on December 10, 2015. The Unified Government Board of Commissioners passed the amendment in order for farmers markets to establish themselves within the city with less confusion and cost. Changes include lower special use permit fees, as well as fewer steps to renew annual agreements with the Department of Urban Planning and Land Use. To find out more, click ...
What is popping up all around San Antonio? Fresh fruits and vegetables! New categories for zoning are allowing urban farms and local city gardeners to grow and sell food throughout San Antonio. Many of the local city restaurants and urban areas that grew food were limited to sitting in a legal "grey zone" according to a recent article. Now urban farms and small businesses that are even using techniques like hydroponic growing are able to legally grow and sell fresh fruits and vegetables without concern. These new zoning codes under the City's Unified Development Code are called, "urban farms" or "residential market gardens." Single-family residential zoned areas are still limited within the new amendments, as this zoning pertains to the homeowners association and the state. To ...
The Active Living Council (ALC) of San Antonio was formed in 2010 with funding from the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. The ALC developed and promoted the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio as a living document to promote active living, to reduce sedentary behaviors, and to increase physical activity in San Antonio (63.2% Latino). Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio shares the vision of the National Physical Activity Plan and is the result of a public and private sector collaboration to increase physical activity in all segments of the San Antonio Area population. The ALC is now supported by the San Antonio Mayor's Fitness Council. ALC members use this platform to further support and promote the plan's strategies and tactics across the ...
Mom was right when she said to eat your veggies, the new federal dietary guidelines encourage Americans to eat more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like seafood while lowering consumption of sugars, high-sodium and high-cholesterol foods. The guidelines suggest: A variety of vegetables, focusing on leafy greens and legumes
Whole fruits and grains daily
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Variety of lean proteins
Natural oils like, safflower, canola, and avocado oils. Studies show that diet and nutrition play a large part towards healthier outcomes. Encouraging less sugar-sweetened beverages and more fresh foods is beneficial to a long healthy lifestyle for Latinos and lowers risk of obesity and diabetes, studies suggest. Healthier food access is also ...
