American Academy of Pediatrics Writes a Prescription That Can't be Filled

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) broke new ground in this month’s issue of Pediatrics when it issued its first policy recommendation calling for changes in how cities and communities are designed to address the exploding epidemic of unfit and overweight children. Unfortunately, a collection of health and community professionals point out that existing myths and misperceptions could block communities from filling that prescription.

“While much of the obesity discussion has centered on food, the Academy found that children cannot access safe places where they can be active,” explains Dr. Richard Jackson, a consultant on the AAP policy statement and chair of the UCLA Department of Environment Health Sciences.

“The Academy’s landmark recommendation addresses this reality head-on and encourages physicians and parents to advocate for better access to playgrounds, parks and green spaces.”

With nearly a third of California children overweight and physically inactive, Jackson says it is vital that we aggressively address every factor that contributes to this crisis.

“Opening up public facilities like school grounds so that children have safe places to play after school and on weekends is one smart way to meet the Academy’s recommendations,” says Manal Aboelata of the Oakland-based Prevention Institute.

“Sadly, in too many communities children lack access to parks and playgrounds, and this will only get worse amidst the budget crisis, unless school districts, cities and counties commit to pooling resources for the sake of our kids’ health and well-being. There are some good examples throughout the state, so we know that these partnerships can result in a win-win for communities and families.”

Joint use agreements lay the foundation for partnerships between public agencies, non-profits and community groups to increase physical-activity opportunities in community spaces like school gymnasiums, ball fields and playgrounds.

For leading health organizations meeting at the Childhood Obesity Conference in Los Angeles today, joint use is being heralded as a logical and immediate step to help kids get the physical activity they need. And while the concept is simple – share resources to keep costs down and communities healthy – the practice is limited, especially in low-income communities where the need is highest.

To assist city and school officials in better understanding joint use opportunities, a new Web site has been launched. Jointuse.org explores the possibilities, debunks the myths, and offers concrete examples of how communities have successfully opened up public facilities to respond to the needs outlined by the AAP.

For more information visit: www.preventioninstitute.org.