What does safety have to do with physical activity and healthy eating? A great deal, according to a first-of-its-kind report released from Prevention
Institute. Addressing the Intersection: Preventing Violence and Promoting Healthy Eating and Active Living, finds that we must prevent violence if we are to be successful in preventing chronic disease.
Healthy eating and active living has become a national priority, but when people don't feel safe in their communities, they are less likely to use local parks, access public transportation or let their children walk to school or play outside. Until now, very little research on the impact of community violence on healthy eating and activity--and potential solutions--has been done. The Kaiser Permanente-funded report conducted interviews with community advocates as well as strategy sessions with national experts. The final product makes a compelling case for embedding safety strategies into community efforts to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
Read Addressing the Intersection.
Building on the recommendations in Addressing the Intersection, Prevention Institute is coordinating a Convergence Partnership-funded effort to support this work. In an innovative pilot program, six sites across the country (Chula Vista, CA; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Louisville, KY; Oakland, CA; and Philadelphia, PA) are developing approaches that support healthy eating and activity while addressing violence. We look forward to sharing the success stories of these communities with you.