In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome.

This book examines how social determinants can have an impact on physical activity and associated health outcomes. It explores the social, cultural, political and environmental factors that influence engagement in physical activity in a range of diverse populations and presents strategies for targeting and promoting physical activity.

Physical Activity Epidemiology, Third Edition, provides a comprehensive discussion of population-level studies on the effects of physical activity on disease. The text summarizes the current knowledge, details the methods used to obtain the findings, and considers the implications for public health

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Women's Global Health and Human Rights serves as an overview of the challenges faced by women in different regions of the world. Ideal as a tool for both professionals and students, this book discusses the similarities and differences in health and human rights challenges that are faced by women globally. Best practices and success stories are also included in this timely and important text. Major Topics include: „X Globalization „X Gender Based Terrorism and Violence „X Cultural Practices „X Health Problems „X Progress and Challenges

Physical activity remains a critical area of research as we consider cost-effective measures for lowering the chronic disease epidemic worldwide. In our increasingly automated society, many adults and children are not active at health-enhancing levels. In Physical Activity and Public Health Practice, a panel of respected researchers summarizes essential topics in physical activity and community health and guides public health practitioners and researchers in understanding the positive impact that physical activity has on a host of disease states. Focusing on the benefits of physical activity across the human lifespan with emphasis on primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases and conditions, the book examines: Historical insights into physical activity and health Public health philosophy and approaches to understanding health concerns Application of public health strategies to increase physical activity in youth, adults, and older adults Known and effective policy and environmental approaches applied to various settings, including schools, worksites, and the community The role of physical activity on growth and development and in relation to obesity Methods for measuring physical fitness and applying U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for exercise prescriptions How to promote physical activity among hard-to-reach populations A goal of all physical activity health promotion advocates is to increase the opportunity for citizens to live active, healthy lives. Understanding the immense role physical activity plays in human health is critical to shaping programs and policies that will benefit the population. This volume catalogs the latest research and provides a window into future possibilities for creating healthier communities.

Learn to tailor physical activity interventions to the women you work with! Ethnic minority and low-income women have some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the highest rates of physical inactivity—an independent risk factor for CVD. This book discusses the environmental, policy, and cultural factors that affect the tendency of these women (ages 20–50) to undertake physical activities. This vital information is based on qualitative research conducted in various locations in the United States with African-American, American Indian, Latina, and white women living in both urban and rural environments. Along with individual chapters on separate groups of women, this book includes a thorough summary discussing the similarities and differences among the groups—and recommendations for future research. This book will increase your understanding of: the impact of environmental influences on women's patterns of physical activity the mission and methodology of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Network Project cultural, environmental, and policy determinants of physical activity based upon the responses of the focus groups involved in the study, which include a) low-income minority women b) well-educated urban African-American women c) African-American women in the southeastern United States d) rural African-American women e) rural white women who say they don't exercise regularly f) Latina immigrants g) Southwestern American Indian women