A growing body of research links physical activity to the physical and mental health of children. This link between physical activity and happier, healthier children can help build support for Safe Routes to School in your community. In this webinar, we will hear from two experts in the public health field who have studied how programs such as SRTS can directly impact the health of children and their readiness to learn.
Jim Sallis, the Director of Active Living Research and Professor of Family and Preventative Medicine at UC-San Diego, will begin with an overview of the science linking SRTS programs and children’s well-being. He will cover topics such as trends in active transportation to school and the connection to a child’s body mass index.
Jason Mendoza, a board-certified pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, will present his research on active commuting to school, including walking school bus programs, in which he has evaluated the impact on students' physical activity, pedestrian safety, and risk of obesity.
This webinar is part of the SRTS Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Presenters:
- James Sallis, Ph.D., Director, Active Living Research & Distinguished Professor, Family and Preventative Medicine, at UC-San Diego
- Jason Mendoza, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center & Academic General Pediatrics
