Epidemiology offers both a means to understand the causes of chronic diseases and procedures to prevent and control such diseases. Both prospective and retrospective longitudinal observations have been used successfully to accomplish these purposes. The most reliable of such observations have examined host and environmental characteristics of cohorts of special populations in relation to the development of specific chronic diseases. For example, many prospective cohort studies have shown a physically active way of life to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular—hypertensive—metabolic diseases.
From time immemorial to this day, physical activity (or physical exercise) and physiologic fitness have been heralded as preventing disease and extending longevity. Physical Activity Epidemiology describes this activity through important messages from the past to our modern civilization about basic requirements of exercise, diet, and other life ways for good health.
Required Reading:
Note: Because your text does not have a specific chapter on PA Epidemiology the readings below are VERY important!
Read these two articles as examples of PA Epidemiology:
Epidemiology of Walking for PA in the US
Prevalence of PA in the USA: Behavioral Risk Factors...
Review these slides on the Field of Epidemiology (no sound or narration)
Make sure you know what an epidemiologiest does; then think about the specifics of a PA Epidemiologist
View this talk from Dr. Lisa Colbert a former professor in our department who is a physical activity epidemiologist. (Please note that there are two speakers in this video. The first speaker is the physical activity epidemiology professor and the one required for this module. The other is an exercise physiologist and would be a good resource for you if you have an interest in exercise physiology).
Check your knowledge of terms in PA Epidemiology by using these flashcards
Review the Focus of PA Epidemiology (Slides only, no narration provided)
View this video about Physical Activity and Diabetes
Additional Study Resources:
Play this public health (epidemiology) game: Outbreak at Watersedge
- What are the major topics of study in this discipline?
- What are some of the main concepts that are important to this discipline?
- What current issues are being explored by professionals in this discipline?
- How can this discipline contribute to a positive impact on society?
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