Hernández-Rincón EH, Arias-Villate SC, Gómez-López MT, León-Pachón LE, Martínez-Ceballos MA, Chaar-Hernández AJ, Severiche-Bueno D

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 201-212
PDF size: 140.72 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: the adoption and upholding of healthy habits such as physical activity in children and their environments favor the prevention of long-term chronic noncommunicable diseases.
Objective: to strengthen the knowledge, attitudes and practices related with physical activity in children in ages from 4 to 5 years, parents and teachers of the municipality of Sopó (Cundinamarca, Colombia) from primary care oriented to the community.
Methods: qualitative research, with a type of participatory action carried out with 60 kindergarten children, 8 teachers, 11 parents, 2 nutritionists and 1 member of the municipal administration during the first semester of 2016, through the treatment of three central themes: appropriation of the community, motivating physical activity and upholding of physical activity.
Results: parents, teachers and children recognize the importance of physical activity; parents recognize children as a motivation at home for doing physical activity; children improve their coordination and motor skills; and the community is aware of the importance of having the habit of practicing physical activities for the prevention of chronic diseases.
Conclusions: preschool children are agents of change in their homes and have the potential to raise awareness about the practicing of physical activity to be healthy and to grow properly through healthy lifestyles. Additionally, parents and teachers are important actors in the development of activities that involve the comprehensive development of early childhood, support and sustainability of health initiatives.