APHA Physical Activity Section (PA Section)

Welcome to the Physical Activity Section! We are a diverse group committed to advocating for the importance of physical activity in public health and public policy. We advocate for health-benefiting physical activity through health practice and research. We invite practitioners, activists, researchers and educators to join us in promoting physical activity through collaborative scholarship, active living policies and environmental change to reduce the risk factors associated with chronic diseases. Join us to learn about other ways that you can contribute to developing and sustaining a healthier, more active America! Mission & Vision: The mission of the Physical Activity Section is to provide leadership and to advocate for policies, practices, environmental changes, and research that supports physical activity. The goals of the Physical Activity Section are to: Provide a credible and visible home within APHA for physical activity practitioners, researchers, advocates, and partners. Implement Annual Meeting activities to meet the needs of professional and student members. Enhance the development and dissemination of evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence. Facilitate the inclusion of physical activity in public health policy and advocacy. Brief history: In 2009, we began our affiliation with APHA as a Special Primary Interest Group. In 2012, we grew substantially in membership and graduated to become an official APHA Section. Our membership includes members from a multitude of disciplines including exercise physiologists, health behaviorists, physical activity specialists, epidemiologists, public health practitioners, health professionals, educators, advocates, and researchers interested in physical activity issues.