'YOUNG AND ACTIVE': AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS REGARDING YOUTH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

45 In 1997 the Health Education Authority began a process of expert consultation and review of the evidence surrounding the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity for young people in England. The outcome of this process was the production of 'Young and Active' - a document which sets out a series of policies and recommendations aiming to maximise the opportunity for young people to participate in a lifetime of regular health-enhancing physical activity. The core national recommendation states that all young people should participate in physical activity of at least moderate intensity for one hour per day. The document emphasises the role that a wide range of agencies and organisations can play in encouraging this new message. It has been used as a basis for an extensive programme of professional education involving a wide range of professionals who work with young people and/or physical activity. Different approaches were used including a series of briefing days, consultation meetings, scientific articles and inserts in professional journals. The aim of this process was to inform professionals of the new national recommendations on youth physical activity so that they can take them forward within their organisations.