This exciting five-day series of seminars and how-to sessions, occurring within Scientific Sessions 2013, will bring together leading experts on physical activity and fitness from around the world in the areas of epidemiology, basic and clinical science, prevention science, rehabilitation, public health, and governmental policy. Participants and attendees will hear state-of-the-art information on the detrimental impact of physical inactivity and diminished fitness on a global scale. The importance of improving physical activity patterns and strategies to achieve this goal will be equally addressed.

Increasing physical activity patterns from a primary, even primordial prevention, population perspective is a high priority. Physical activity is now one of the four behaviors used by the experts of the AHA to define ideal cardiovascular health. The evidence supporting enhanced efforts to increase physical activity patterns is robust and highly compelling. Simply stated, the time has come for increased physical activity to be viewed as a primary treatment strategy in the fight against the majority of noncommunicable diseases (i.e. NCDs). This international congress will make a strong case for this viewpoint.
 

“The AHA International Congress on Physical Activity and Fitness will provide the opportunity for discussion of important global issues and promises to be a major meeting.  I urge all with an interest in issues surrounding this vitally important lifestyle intervention to attend.”— Ross Arena, PhD, PT, FAHA

 

“This International Congress on Physical Activity held within Scientific Sessions 2013 clearly emphasizes the commitment of the AHA not only to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease but also to focus on cardiovascular health. The faculty associated with this conference is truly exceptional and this meeting is a must for anyone interested in physical activity/exercise and heart health.” Jean-Pierre Després, PhD, FAHA