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The Built Environment Factors and Elements Essay

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Physical inactivity is an important international public health issue as the population is becoming increasingly sedentary. Physical activity is any bodily movement that is produced by the skeletal muscles and requires energy expenditure. It is important in everyday life as it is essential for growth and development. Physical activity produces progressive health benefits since avoiding a sedentary life will decrease the chances of obesity and sedentary death syndrome. Furthermore, daily physical activity will lead one to become physically fit which will allow them the freedom to do everyday tasks without a problem. However, not everyone can be physically active as some populations encounter barriers that prevent them from being active. …show more content…

(2004), Addy et al. (2004), Sallis et al. (2009), Glanz & Sallis (2009), Titze et al. (2008), and Brownson et al. (2003). One of the biggest built environment factors that may discourage kids from being physically active is violence and crime. Neighbourhood lighting is also a factor as residents believe low lit neighbourhoods are more susceptible to crime. Of the six articles, two of them have shown a relationship between neighbourhood crime and physical activity (Gόmez et al., 2004; Sallis et al., 2009). Gόmez et al. (2004) conducted a cross-sectional study (a study of a population group at a point in time) on seventh graders. It was called project PACT (Physical Activity Changes in Teenagers) and it was held in various middle schools in San Antonio. Gόmez et al. (2004) surveyed the seventh graders and also measured crime densities within a ½ mile radius of the participant’s homes. Data of crimes committed around the target area were obtained from the San Antonio police. The results from Gόmez et al. (2004) stated that the density of crime within a neighbourhood is inversely related to the girl’s physical activity but not the boys. These results may be due to gender-specific roles. Females are viewed as more precious and fragile so the family may keep them inside to protect them from the violence in the neighbourhood. On the other hand, boys are

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