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Preventive Cardiovascular Health in Schools: Current Status

  • Pediatrics (S. Gidding, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This report presents a critical review and synthesis of selected school-based research that has been instrumental in demonstrating the feasibility and potential of schools as a population-based venue for preventive cardiovascular care and recent data on the status of school-based cardiovascular disease prevention initiatives.

Recent Findings

Results underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches for promoting healthy behaviors and heart health in the school environment, indicate the need for policies that enhance the food and physical environments of schools, and provide data indicating substantial (state, school district, and school level) variability in implementation of policies designed to promote heart health in schools.

Summary

Multilevel, evidence-based polices and dedicated resources are central and essential to promote heart health in school environments. Research is needed to evaluate the process and outcomes of school-based programs and policies and optimize schools as a delivery channel for preventive cardiovascular care.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA, 02125, USA

    Laura L. Hayman

  2. Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Laura L. Hayman

Authors
  1. Laura L. Hayman
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Correspondence to Laura L. Hayman.

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Dr. Hayman have no conflicts of interests to declare.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatrics

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Hayman, L.L. Preventive Cardiovascular Health in Schools: Current Status. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 11, 24 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-017-0549-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-017-0549-2

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