The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action

Most weekends on Obesity Panacea we post our favourite obesity and fitness related news, stories and videos. This week I am only linking to one thing, because it is incredibly important and I'd really like everyone to check it out.  The final version of Toronto Charter for Physical Activity is now online.  I discussed the Charter in detail a few weeks ago, and it has also been discussed by Speaking of Medicine.

Essentially, the Charter aims to convince world leaders of the important role that physical activity plays in physical, mental, social, environmental, and economic well-being, and then calls them to take four key actions:

1.  Implement a national [physical activity] policy and action plan.

2.  Introduce policies that support physical activity.

3.  Reorient services and funding to prioritize physical activity.

4.  Develop partnerships for action.

If you have any interest in the importance of physical activity (as a parent, educator, policy maker, researcher, or in any other capacity), I strongly urge you to visit the Charter website http://www.globalpa.org.uk/, where you can read the full Charter.  It is also incredibly important that people register their support (as individuals and as organizations) for the Charter's goals, which takes just a few seconds and can be done here.  Finally, please send the Charter to at least 5 other colleagues, to ensure that word continues to spread.

This document has the potential to be a key moment in the promotion of physical activity worldwide, and I hope you'll take the time to check it out and register your support.

Have a great weekend!

Travis