Overview of Cardiovascular Prevention: Physical Activity

Poland: “Schools in movement” (Polish: “Szkoła w ruchu”)

By Piotr Jankowski, National CVD Prevention Coordinator for Poland (2018)

Aim

Strengthen the physical condition of children and adolescents and to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle among young people. 

Target Group

• Preschoolers and pupils
• Teachers

Method

• Education of teachers on physical activity and healthy lifestyle.
• Upskilling of teachers, heads of schools and kindergartens in organizing physical activity classes and motivating students to an active lifestyle. 
• Exchange of experiences between teachers, extra-curricular activities organizers and parents.
• Promotion of:
  • good school practices related to physical activity, which prove that physical activity classes can be interesting and attractive.
  • alternative physical activity classes (dance classes, fitness and health classes, sports activities, active tourism).
  • exercise based extra-curricular activities, especially in cooperation with local cultural centers, scouting associations, sport clubs, non-governmental organisations. 

The title “School in movement” or “Kindergarten in movement” was given only to schools and kindergartens that have proven (photos, videos on the school's website) to carry out the tasks provided for in the program.

Main results

• 4444 schools and kindergartens took part in the initiative
• 1863 schools and 974 kindergartens received the title “School in movement” or “Kindergarten in movement”.
• The main effects include:
  • increased awareness of children and their parents in terms of: the need of appropriate time division for learning and active recreation, the relationship between physical activity and health and well-being, that active lifestyle is a way to achieve life's success
  • inspiration for children and young people to develop talents, passions and sports interests as part of school and out-of-school activities
  • raising the prestige of the physical education teachers in the school communities.

More information

Read the "Country of the Month" report from Poland to get more detailed information about CVD Prevention in this country.  

Note: The content of this article reflects the personal opinion of the author/s and is not necessarily the official position of the European Society of Cardiology.