Empowering+women+through+physical+activity

Empowering women through physical activity Physical activity is defined as movement of the body using skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure (World Health Organisation, 2011a). Walking, swimming, cycling and dancing are ways to be physically active. This picture depicts a girl leaping through the air in the middle of her dance. Her fiery red hair which flows into her dress depicts strength and determination and is contrasted by her feminine but athletic body. She represents what it means to be liberated, confident, and in good health; all of these are important for the modern women. Empowerment is captured through her posture by the way she lifts her head and sticks out her chest. Her body displays a healthy weight which research suggests is associated with positive health outcomes such as longevity and decreased risks of preventable diseases. (Burton, Chen, Schultz, & Edington, 1998; Alfano, 2002; Mokdad, Ford, Bowman, Dietz, Vinicor, Bales, & Marks, 2003). This picture was found at depositphotos.com which is a photograph and vector images agency website. The image is described by keywords such as: dancer, fitness, modern, and woman.
 * Artefact**

Increasing rates of overweight and obesity in women and adolescent girls is a major public health issue. According to a research report on overweight and obesity in Australia, the prevalence of obesity in women was 34.1% (Cameron et al., 2003). Of greater concern is that young women become less physically active as they get older (Gilchrist, 2004). Obesity is a consequence of physical inactivity and excessive energy intake, and is associated with health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, most cancers, and arthritis. Each of these problems has major morbidity, mortality and socio-economic costs that impact on health services in general. (Alfano, Klesges, Murray, Beech, McClanahan, 2002). In spite of the many well-established health benefits that physical activity can bring, some Australian women are becoming less physically active. This essay will report on the prevalence of obesity in Australia’s female population and its associated health issues linked to this public health concern. It will critically analyse the barriers for inactivity in adolescent girls and the impact it has in laying down the foundations for active, healthy adults. Furthermore, it will address societal perceptions and cultural stigmas that prevent women from participating in physical activity.
 * Public Health Issue**

Obesity is arguable one of Australia’s most important public health concerns of the 21st century (Timperio, Cameron-Smith, Burns and Crawford, 2000). The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as excessive fat accumulation that may impair one’s health (World Health Organization, 2011b). Body Mass Index (BMI) is the simplest way to classify someone who is overweight or obese and is measured by weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2) squared. The WHO suggests a BMI greater than 25 is overweight and 30 is obese (World Health Organization, 2011b).
 * Literature Review:**

In Australia, obesity has more than doubled in the last 20 years with approximately 60% of the adult population now being overweight or obese (Thorburn, 2005). In a 2007-2008 survey of children between 5-17 years, 25% were classified as overweight or obese (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009a). Although genetics may affect a person’s risk of becoming overweight or obese, the primary cause is an imbalance ratio of energy in vs. energy out (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). High dense diets and physical inactivity have been strongly associated with being overweight or obese (Grundy, Blackburn, Higgins, Lauer, Perri, & Ryan, 1999; Cameron, et al. 2003).

Obesity is ranked by the WHO as one of ten preventable conditions requiring urgent attention (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend Australian adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day (National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults, 1999, p. 2). The guidelines also suggest Australian children should aim for 60 minutes of a combination of moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity everyday (Australia’s Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds. 2004, p. 1).

In 2009, the top ten causes for death in Australia for women were heart disease, dementia and Alzheimer disease, breast cancer and diabetes (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007). Obesity is of particular concern to women because of its associated risks to these diseases (Alfano, Klesges, Murray, Beech, & McClanahan, 2002). Routine physical activity is also associated with improved psychological well-being, such as reduced stress, anxiety and depression. (Warburton, Nicol, Bredin, 2006). Regular physical activity, in addition to a healthy diet, can prevent these risk factors that have contributed to the increase of overweight and obesity in Australian women (Campbell, et al., 2001; Laurin, Verreault, Lindsay, MacPherson, Rockwood, 2001; Blair, 2009; __Leone,__ Deudon, __Robert__ , 2008). The overweight and obesity trends are also rising among adolescent girls. The proportion of adolescent girls aged 13–17 years, who were overweight or obese increased from 12% in 1995 to 20% in 2007–08 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b). Obese in adolescence also comes with the increased risks of developing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and psychological and social problems, and this can lead to discrimination, victimisation and bullying (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b).

While the rising obesity in adolescent girls is blamed by diets high in fat and sugars (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b), the decline of physical activity from 61% in grade 9 to 41% in grade 12, is as much to blame (Alfano et al., 2004). Social influences and perceived societal norms have been suggested for the decline in physical activity among adolescents girls (Whitehead & Biddle, 2008). In a research conducted by Whitehead and Biddle (2008), they found a rising number of girls entering adolescent years abandoned exercise in pursuit of conforming to societal norms of suitable women behaviour. However, others also admitted that they simply could not be bothered in taking part in physical activity (Whitehead & Biddle, 2008). This is particularly concerning for the reason that research has also found children who were physically inactive remained physically inactive through to adulthood (Alfano et al., 2002). Additionally, children who became obese were more likely to stay obese as adults. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b; Public Health Association of Australia, 2010) Therefore an important avenue for obesity prevention in women would be to target adolescent girls through the promotion of physical activity involvement at school (Alfano et al., 2002).

Overweight and obesity in women and adolescent girls is a major public health concern as well as an economic burden on our health system. As part of our nation’s burden of chronic disease, obesity reported a total cost in Australia in 2008 an estimated $58 billion (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010; Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). More concerning is that although Australia’s health budget spends 70% on treating chronic disease, only 2% is spent on prevention (Kirby, 2009). Individuals living years with obesity also have a subsequent cost of high health care costs and lost productivity in the workforce. Further, the cost of obesity related disorders, such as diabetes, also put a significant financial burden on the individual (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). Implementing a prudent public health policy that averts this condition in the first place should be a priority for our Government; otherwise the threat of obesity to women and adolescent girls in Australian society will continue (Hawley & Dunstan 2008).

Overweight and obesity in women and adolescent girls are common among lower-socioeconomic groups, some immigrant groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). These sub-groups who hold different values and beliefs regarding diet and physical activity need to be addressed by applying the principals found in the Ottawa Charter. These are:
 * Cultural and Social Analysis**
 * Build Healthy Public Policy;
 * Create Supportive Environments;
 * Strengthen Community Actions;
 * Develop Personal Skills; and
 * Reorient Health Services ( International Conference on Health Promotion, 1986).

Managing overweight and obesity is a health action priority because it is considered to be more cost effective to prevent weight gain than it is to treat it (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010).

While research stresses the importance of being physically active, the extent to which women and adolescent girls are involved paints a different picture (Bialeschki, 1999). Bialeschki (1999) found a list of barriers that impeded females’ participation in physical activity which included cultural stereotypes, a lack of support from family and friends, concerns about their safety, and lack of access to facilities.

Within in Australia, the influence of societal norms of women and adolescent girls has been found to effect participation in physical activities. Many adolescent girls hold on to their feminine identity prescribed by society norms which suggests they should be more concerned with their appearance and clothes instead of physical activity (Whitehead & Biddle, 2008). Adolescent girls felt that in order to avoid a “butch” image and to maintain a feminine sexuality, they would pass up on physical activity or limited their choice of activity (Gilchrist, 2004). The difficulty in encouraging women and girls to be physically active is the difficulty in negotiating in a society that does not place value on their needs and interest (Kulge, 2002).

Another reason for the lack of participation in physical activities stems from social and social psychological influences. A significant predictor of physical activity is environmental opportunities such as sidewalks, street lights, parks, enjoyable scenery, and health clubs (Ammouri, Kaur, Neuberger, Gajewski, & Choi 2007). Fernwood Women’s Club (Fernwood) is a good example of making it easy for women to be physically active in a supportive environment. Fernwood was started in 1989 with the intent of creating a women-only health club where ladies could form friendships while enjoying regular exercise in a comfortable and safe setting. Fernwood has grown to become the largest organisation of its kind with over 68,000 members. This is evident that through the creation of a supportive environment, women are more inclined to become involved in physical activity.

In regards to social support as an enabler to physical activity, participation in group exercise classes produces the opportunity to socialise with other women. One research found that group programs promote increased physical activity when women can network with others in similar culture and living environments (Donatelle, Brownson, King, Cromer, Baker, and Eyler, 1998).

Whitehead and Biddle (2008) acknowledges that promoting an active lifestyle to women and adolescent girls is going to be an uphill struggle, however the consequence of inactivity in the female population would be far worse. If nothing is done than obesity and its comorbities place a profound stress on the individual, their friends, family and the public health system.

For this reason, the Australian Government, recognizing that obesity is a an epidemic and social concern, has devised strategic plans aiming to prevent overweight and obesity across the population, and specifically within the disadvantage groups, including low-socioeconomics and ATSI (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). Obesity prevention should encourage healthy eating and physical activity through interventions to change the physical, policy, economic, educational and social environments (Public Health Association of Australia, 2010). Todd (1979) proposes targeting schools because they are a place where social values and norms are ingrained, roles are learnt, and skills acquired. Implementing change in the educational system will assist to bring about change elsewhere (Todd, 1979). While obesity prevention is a priority, another avenue is providing appropriate support and assistance in sustaining dietary and physical activity as suggested with Fernwood.

This artifact represents to me the empowerment I feel when I am physically active. The way the girl effortlessly leaps through the air symbolizes good physical and mental health. Her body is athletic but her body is also feminine. She depicts a healthy body mass index. All these are what the above text suggests Australian women and girls should strive towards. I feel this artifact reflects Fernwood’s mission statement: ‘empowering women to shine’.
 * Analysis of the artifact and my reflections**

What I have learnt as a result of this research is the importance of keeping women and adolescent girls physically active in order to prevent overweight and obesity. From a public health perspective, overweight and obesity is a priority because of its correlation with chronic and life-threatening health conditions, as well as its significant cost to the economy. Physical activities have profound health benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, cardiorespiratory stamina, and cognitive and neurological functions of the brain (Jable, 1998).

Previous efforts on obesity preventions, from the public health, have focused on those already overweight or obese. However, health authorities are realising the importance of population-wide prevention of obesity as an approach more likely to be cost-effective and have a greater impact on the long-term weight control (Timperio, Cameron-Smith, Burns, and Crawford, 2000).

I believe it is essential to provide culturally appropriate health services and programs for overweight and obese in women and adolescent girls of all group and that the approaches are suitable especially for the high-risk target groups.

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009)a. National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007-2008 (Reissue). Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4364.0Main%20Features42007-2008%20(Reissue)?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4364.0&issue=2007-2008%20(Reissue)&num=&view=
 * References**

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009)b. Australian Social Trends. Retrieved from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features20Sep+2009

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Measures of Australia's Progress. Retrieved from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1370.0~2010~Chapter~Obesity%20(4.1.6.6.3)

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011). Gender Indicators, Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by+Subject/4125.0~Jul+2011~Main+Features~Overweight+and+obesity~3330

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) Causes of Death, Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/9982A795F3C13BE2CA25757C001EF4D9?opendocument

Alfano, C. M., Klesges, R. C., Murray, D. M., Beech, B. M., & McClanahan, B. S. (2002). History of sport participation in relation to obesity and related health behaviors in women. //Preventive Medicine, 34//, 82-89. doi: 10.1006/pmed.2001.0963

Ammouri, A. A., Kaur, H., Neuberger, G. B., Gajewski, B., & Choi, W. (2007). Correlates of exercise participation in adolescents. Public health nursing, 24(2), 111-120.

Bialeschki, D. (1999). Physical activity for women: What park and recreation departments can do. //The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 70//(3), 36-39.

Blair, S. (2009). Physical inactivity: the biggest public health problem of the 21st century. //British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43//(1), 1-2.

Burton, W. N., Chen, C., Schultz, A. B., & Edington, D. W. (1998). The economic costs associated with body mass index in a workplace. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine(1076-2752), //40//(9),786-792.

Cameron, A. J., Welborn, T. A., Zimmet, P. Z., Dunstan, D. W., Owen, N., Salmon, J., Dalton, M., Jolley, D., & Shaw, J. E. (2003). Overweight and obesity in Australia: the 1999–2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab). //Medical Journal of Australia, 178//(9), 427-432.

Campbell, K., Waters, E., O’Meara S., & Summerbell, C. (2001). Interventions for preventing obesity in childhood. A systematic review. //Obesity Reviews,// 2(3), 149–157. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-789x.2001.00035.x

Donatelle, R. J., Brownson, R. C., King, A. C., Cromer, L., Baker, E., & Eyler, A. A. (1998). Physical activity and minority women: A qualitative study. //Health Education & Behavior, 25//(5), 640. doi: 10.1177/109019819802500510

First International Conference on Health Promotion//. Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. (1986).// Retrieved from: www.who.int/hpr/NPH/docs/ottawa_charter_hp.pd Gilchrist, H. (2004). How do constructions of gender influence younger women’s physical activity participation and experiences? Retrieved from: www.awe.asn.au/.../Constructionofgenderandphysicalactivity.pdf

Grundy, S. M., Blackburn, G., Higgins, M., Lauer, R., Perri, M. G., & Ryan, D. (1999). Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities: evidence report of independent panel to assess the role of physical activity in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. //Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 31//(11), 1493.

Hawley, J. A., & Dunstan, D. W. (2008). Overweight and obesity in Australia. //The Medical Journal of Australia, 188 // (11), 678-679.

Heckman, D. (1992). Women & athletics: A twenty year retrospective on title IX. //University of Miami Entertainment & Sports Law Review, 9//(1), 1-64.

Jable, J. T. (1998). Physical activity benefits both. //Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 69//(8), 13.

King, A. C., Castro, C., Wilcox, S.,Eyler, A. A., Brownson, R. C., & Sallis, J. F. (2000). Personal and environmental factors associated with physical inactivity among different racial-ethnic groups of U.S. middle-aged and older-aged women. Health Psychology(0278-6133), //19// (4). 354. doi: 10.1037/AB78^133.19,4.354

Kirby, T. (2009). Australia considers string of preventive health measures //The Lancet, 374//(9694), 963. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61647-0

Kluge, M. A. (2002). Understanding the essence of a physically active lifestyle: A phenomenological study of women 65 and older. //Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 10//, 4-27.

yles, C., & Lounsbery, M. (2004). Project destiny: Initiating physical activity for nonathletic girls through sport. //Journal of Physical Education Recreation and Dance, 75//(1), 37-37.

Laurin, D., Verreault, R., Lindsay, J., MacPherson, K., & Rockwood, K. (2001). Physical activity and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly persons.//American Medical Association// Archives of Neurology//, 58//(3), 498-504.

Leone, E., Deudon, A., & Robert, P. (2008). Physical activity, dementia, and BPSD. //The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 12//(7), 457-460.

Mokdad, A. H., Ford, E. S., Bowman, B. A., Dietz, W. H., Vinicor, F., Bales, V. S., & Marks, J, S. (2003). Prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and obesity-related health risk factors, 2001. //J//ournal of the American Medical Association(0098-7484), //289//(1),76.

National Health and Medical Research Council (1997). //Acting on Australia's Weight: a Strategy for the Prevention of Overweight and Obesity//. Retrieved from: www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/n21.pdf

National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults. (1999). //Department of Health and Aged Care// [Brochure]. Canberra, NSW.: Australian Government.

O. Hill, J., & Wyatt, H. R. (2005). Role of physical activity in preventing and treating obesity. //Journal of Applied Physiology,// 99(2). 765–770. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00137.2005

Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds. (2004). //Department of Health and Ageing// [Brochure]. Canberra, NSW.: Australian Government.

Prakash, P. (1990). Women and sports – Extending limits to physical expression. //Economic and Political Weekly//, //25//(17), 19-29.

Public Health Association of Australia. (2010). //Promoting healthy weight policy.// Retrieved from: www.phaa.net.au/.../101215_Promoting%20Health%20Weight%20...

Timperio, A., Cameron-Smith, D., Burns, C., & Crawford, D. (2000). The public's response to the obesity epidemic in Australia: weight concerns and weight control practices of men and women. //Public Health Nutrition, 3//(4), 417-424. doi: 10.1017/S1368980000000483

Thorburn, A. W. (2005). Prevalence of obesity in Australia. Obesity Reviews(1467-7881), //6// (3), 187.

Todd, J. C. (1979). Title IX of the 1972 education amendments: //Preventing sex discrimination in public schools,// //103,// 1974-1975.

Walseth, K. (2006). Young Muslim women and sport: the impact of identity work. //Leisure Studies, 25//(1), 75-94. doi: 10.1080/02614360500200722

Warburton, D., Nicol, C., & Bredin, S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6). doi: 10.1503/cmaj.051351

World Health Organization. (2009). Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. Retrieved from: www.who.int/healthinfo/...disease/GlobalHealthRisks_report_full.pdf

World Health Organization. (2011)a Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/pa/en/index.html

World Health Organization. (2011)b. Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/

Whitehead, S., & Biddle, S. (2008). Adolescent girls’ perceptions of physical activity: A focus group study. //European Physical Education Review, 4//(2), 243-262. doi: 10.1177/1356336X08090708

Hi Meg, This was an interesting topic that I hadnt thought much about. I was drawn to your page because I love the movie from which you drew your artifact. I agree that there IS too many forms of communication and that Gen Y is easily influenced by the latest technology. As a Gen Y, I can't go anywhere without my Iphone and am addicted to checking my facebook. While I was reading your assignment I was linking an idea back to my own topic. I thought could there be a link between an increase of communication through technology and a decrease in team sports played? Instead of finding social support and networks by joining a team sport, Gen Y are joining facebook and twitter. What do you think? ||
 * || megan.james

Hi Holly, This was a well written assignment - well done! I enjoyed reading your assignment and found the topic very interesting. I was surprised at the large porportion of our population that had experienced a mental health disorder. It is understandable that these stats show how mental health is a burden for the health system. I was also shocked by the history of treatment for people with mental health disorders. This was an eye opener for me because it is something I havent thought about before. Thanks ||
 * || megan.james