Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health

Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health, Third Edition With HKPropel Access, is the first textbook of its kind to explore concepts in public health and kinesiology, measurement of physical activity, and the impact of exercise and physical activity on health. This text empowers students to advance the use of physical activity as a significant component in public health initiatives.

Presented in full color, Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health uses tables, graphs, and figures to clarify complex topics, and it reflects information presented in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. An underlying theme in this third edition is health equity and health disparities viewed through a physical activity lens. New sidebars devoted specifically to those topics are woven throughout the text, along with sidebars and references that have been refreshed with the latest information. Additional content updates to the third edition cover these topics:

• Brain health and immunity as they relate to physical activity and public health science
• The physical activity paradox hypothesis
• The current status of physical activity levels for children and adolescents
• Comprehensive community-wide programs to increase physical activity

Related online content is delivered through HKPropel to enhance student learning. The materials include downloadable review questions; a key term activity; web links to explore issues related to physical activity, exercise, and public health; three core assignments that align with the three parts of the book; and three assignments relevant to students seeking a Physical Activity and Public Health Specialist certification. To further tie theory to practice, case studies and callout boxes can be found throughout the text, and each chapter ends with a review. Leader Profile sidebars allow students to explore potential career paths.

Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health will give students deeper insight into the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on health, including cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases, weight status, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and brain health. Evidence-based strategies are examined using three general approaches—informational, behavioral and social, and environmental and policy—and examples of successful programs are showcased. A chapter on data collection and analysis describes strategies to measure and evaluate program and policy effectiveness, while discussion of real-world initiatives illustrates developing effective partnerships and models for advocacy.

As the emphasis on physical activity as a tool for improving public health grows, professionals with combined knowledge of both public health and exercise science will be highly sought. Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health, Third Edition, will help students obtain an overview of kinesiology and public health areas, understand physical activity applications for public health, and learn about career options.