Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112589

Leslie Mikkelsen, MPH, RD, Prevention Institute, 265 29th Street, Oakland, CA 94611, 510-444-7738, leslie@preventioninstitute.org

The field of chronic disease prevention is increasingly recognizing the influence of the environment in shaping eating and physical activity behaviors. While evidence-based research is still emerging, many communities are already taking action. Prevention Institute, as a member of the Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and Activity Environments has developed the Environmental Nutrition and Activity Community Tool (ENACT) to help focus these efforts in the most promising directions. ENACT was developed through a review of research literature and an environmental scan of efforts from across the country. The tool offers an array of achievable actions for making improvements to eating and activity environments in seven sectors including: neighborhoods, schools, preschool and day care sites, after school programs, workplace environments, health care, and government. As an online electronic resource, ENACT is being continually updated to provide practical "how-to" information to implement each strategy, including model policies and programs, tools, success stories, data & evaluation, relevant publications and resources. The Strategic Alliance believes that working locally to mobilize changes to the environment will result in healthy changes in individual behavior. ENACT provides a road map for change, offering a practical starting place for communities and making healthy eating and regular activity a realistic option for everyone.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe strategies to improve eating and activity environments for children & youth
• Highlight the environmental context for primary prevention
• Demonstrate how to use ENACT
• Identify strengths and challenges for implementation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation