BRASIL MUNICIPALITY OF PIRIPIRI MUNICIPAL HEALTH SECRETARIAT HEALTH EVIDENCE TEAM
SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE # 01/2010 Health Evidence Team of the Piripiri Municipal Health Secretariat (MHS): Almiro Mendes da Costa Neto (Nurse at Piripiri MHS); Carliane Maria de Araújo Souza (Nurse at Piripiri MHS); Evaldo Sales Leal (Nurse at Piripiri MHS); Maria Erinelda de Araújo Souza (Nurse at Piripiri MHS); Michell Lucilane dos Santos Holanda (Nurse at Piripiri MHS); and Yluska Myrna Meneses Brandão e Mendes (Nurse at Piripiri MHS). Coordination: Jorge Otávio Maia Barreto (MSc, Municipal Health Secretary of Piripiri, PI) THEME: Physical activity and prevention/control of arterial hypertension in primary healthcare (Atenção Primária à Saúde, APS). 1 KEY MESSAGES PROBLEM Healthcare in Brazil has invested in formulating, implementing, and putting into practice policies related to the promotion, protection, and recovery of health. In the construction of the primary health care model, great emphasis has been placed on the improvement of the quality of life of collective subjects (Brazil 2006). Improvements in access to and the quality of the services provided by Brazil’s public health service, the Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Único de Saúde), are among the biggest priorities in healthcare, with an emphasis on strengthening the Family Health Program (Programa Saúde da Família). This includes the promotion of good health; health-related information and education; the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle habits; the control of tobacco and alcohol consumption; and care for the elderly. In Piripiri, the Gym on the Square Project (Projeto Academia na Praça) encouraged the local population to exercise to improve their quality of life. What is the best way, however, to include physical activity in the context of primary healthcare? What type of physical activity is most beneficial? Which groups would benefit the most? How much exercise is recommended? Are there risks related to physical exercise? This summary presents the best available evidence found on physical activity at the individual and community level, and discusses the benefits, obstacles, and implications that physical activity offers. OPTIONS Option 1: Prescription of physical activity as part of primary healthcare to prevent and treat arterial hypertension at the individual level. Option 2: Encouragement of aerobic physical activity at the community level.