Food and physical activity environment in the urban context and its impacts on public health

if it is not seen, it is not remembered, nor remedied

Abstract

Human interaction with food and physical activity environments, and how this relationship impacts community health, has aroused the interest of researchers, especially in public health. As a difference, the present study discusses both environments simultaneously, as well as using cordel literature as a starting point to encourage reflection on the topic. The aim was to reflect on how characteristics of food and physical activity environments can affect the health of urban populations. This study was conceived through textual analysis and experience in the research setting, exploration of scientific literature, and creation of a cordel poem entitled “The surroundings of me”, whose construction stages were based on reading, interpretation, and categorization of thematic units, preceded by critical-discursive exposition. There was agreement between the message presented in the poem and the scientific literature regarding the interconnection between food and physical activity environments as determinants of health. In conclusion, the role of urban food and physical activity environments deserves to be considered in the development of public policies, as well as actions and strategies aimed at promoting health equity.