George X. Lapousis

School Physical Education and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases: Relationship Between Physical Education and Health George X. Lapousis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and young adulthood. Physical activity reduces the risk of chronic disease, including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Lower exercise levels have been associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke among youngs. Despite active lifestyles having an array of positive health and social benefits for young people, children today have fewer opportunities to be active in a safe and independent manner, especially in large cities. Adolescents also have become increasingly sedentary with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behaviour over the past decades. Students spend large amounts of time in school and there is a a great potential for increasing their level of physical activity through school-based lesson of physical education. Increasing the levels of physical education in schools has been perceived as one way of getting young people involved in physical activity. There is an urgent need through the physical education lessons in school environment, establishing long-term lifestyle patterns.