ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to identify for the lifestyle medicine practitioner evidence-based interventions that address policy and environmental supports for promoting physical activity that can reinforce a healthy lifestyle and active living assessment and counseling. Adults in developed countries report many barriers to participation in regular physical activity. Policy and environmental approaches for promoting physical activity are predicated on the basis of establishing a foundation on which the concept of a “physical activity friendly” community/space is created, whereby intersectoral efforts of physical activity programming, promotion, and civic action can yield greater success among community residents. School physical education and health education curricula provide methods of promoting youth physical activity, and many of the strategies have been shown to be effective. Active transport by walking and cycling to and from school can provide substantial physical activity for children and youth, as illustrated by a recent evaluation of the Safe Routes to School program.
