The ImpacTeen project got the grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study policy and environmental factors that influence youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity and tobacco use. In some communities, researchers will look at what opportunities are available to kids for physical activity — such as walking/biking paths, bike racks, parks, sidewalks, recreation facilities and dance studios — and what characteristics of the built environment may promote or serve as barriers to activity among kids. The availability — or lack of availability — of healthy food options in communities will also be identified. Policy makers at all levels — at the federal level, state level, local level, in schools and other organizations — will be involved in this effort.

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