Inadequate Physical Activity and Low SES

Physical activity involves walking, running, exercising, and basically anything but sitting on the couch. As I have mentioned from my previous posts, individuals who live in an underdeveloped community typically experience running out of resources. For example, children who live in an area where it is predominantly full of people with low SES, lack resources and materials in their school districts to have a better education. As a result, not only their health is affected but their education stability as well. Recently, it has been founded that the lack of physical activity within underdeveloped schools is starting to become a common trend. 

By definition, the World Health Organizations mentions that physical activity is "any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure," which typically has positive benefits such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that children, nowadays, should be obtaining an hour of physical activity everyday. In addition, governments recommend that public schools from K-12 should incorporate physical activity in their curriculum. However, how is that possible when school districts are "too poor" to be able to provide physical education classes?

To me personally, I believe that the conditions of low SES areas affect how much physical activity a student achieves. Since school systems are most likely focused on trying to achieve maintaining books and materials for the core subjects, materials for a physical education class is more or less neglected. Low SES areas most likely do not prioritize maintaining playgrounds and do not maintain the gardens which could discourage children to go outside and play because of the poor surroundings. Even if low SES areas have the resources, accessibility becomes an issue because the costs of being able to afford and maintain facilities are typically over the budget. 

It breaks my heart to know that physical activity lacks in some school districts. I cannot imagine going through elementary school without the privilege of having recess and PE. What can we do to help those who are in need? Maybe performing community service low SES areas by planting flowers could help under developed areas look beautiful enough for children to be encouraged to play outside instead of staying at home neglecting their need for physical activity. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHY LOW SES SCHOOLS ARE LACKING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CHECK OUT...

http://publichealthstories.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/physical-activity-in-low-ses-areas/