Physical Activity

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity during the perinatal period to support maternal health and fetal development

August 27, 2025
By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine published a new fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity recommendations during the perinatal period—one year before conception to one year after pregnancy. Adequate aerobic activity and strength training during pregnancy and in the postpartum period…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Most state school laws lack accountability and funding for physical education and recess

August 25, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
Physical education and recess are crucial for increasing children’s physical activity levels, socioemotional health, and academic performance; however, compliance with existing laws is often low in elementary schools. While studies show that states with strong laws are more likely to implement physical…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Hannah Thompson joins KQED Forum to discuss the history and future of school fitness testing

August 18, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
Nutrition Policy Institute researcher Hannah Thompson joined KQED Forum to discuss the current administration's efforts to resume the Presidential Fitness Test in schools. In her interview, Thompson explained how the US dismantled physical education programs in 2002 through the No Child Left Behind Act,…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New research brief examines strengths and opportunities to support health promotion practices in early childhood programs

July 31, 2025
By Reka Vasicsek, Summer J Cortez, Miranda W Brown
Research by the Nutrition Policy Institute’s CalFresh Healthy Living team highlights the importance of providing tailored resources and support for nutrition and physical activity in childcare settings to create equitable early childhood environments. CalFresh Healthy Living, known nationally as SNAP-Ed,…
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University of California 4-H Youth Development Program: Page

About California 4-H

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program (California 4-H) is open to all youth ages 5 to 18 in every county in California. California 4-H believes in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. California 4-H…
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Nutrition Policy Institute: Page

Childcare

Nutrition Policy Institute's research in the childcare field focuses on early interventions among at-risk preschoolers, prior to the onset of unhealthy eating habits and sedentary patterns.
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Nutrition Policy Institute: Page

Food and Physical Activity Guidelines

The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) conducts research to support the development of and inform improvements to federal, state and local food and physical activity policies and guidance.
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