Daily Physical Activity the Key

To Healthy Children

The health and well being of Canadian children is a concern for all of us.  It has been estimated that Canadian children and youth are 40 per cent less active than they were 30 years ago and more than one third of Canadian children are not sufficiently active for optimal growth and development.

Very young children are naturally active – the challenge is to keep them active.  By the age of two, many children already have a low level of fitness.  The average student watches more than 26 hours of television a week, and sits at a school desk for 25-30 hours a week.  An estimated 25 per cent of Canadian children are considered overweight.  Many children would simply prefer to watch TV or play computer games than do something active.

Improved Abilities

Physically active children have better classroom attitudes and behaviour.  Children who are physically active improve their ability to do math and to read.  Physically active children and youth report lower levels of smoking, less drinking, reduced drug use, lower crime rates, and better eating habits. Children are more physically active when their families are physically active.  The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends that families participate in an accumulation of at least 30 – 60 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity from a variety of activities, over most days of the week.

Physical activity should last for at least 10 minutes each episode.  The longer the episode of moderately vigorous activity, the greater the potential for health gains.

Working As A Community

How can we as community members help to ensure our youngsters are sufficiently active?  We can start by asking some fundamental questions such as:

·        How much physical activity are children receiving each day at school?

·        What opportunities does our community offer for children to be active?

·        Are the resources that are available affordable?

·        What kind of message are we as a society giving to our youth about the importance of physical activity?

Make physical activity a part of your daily life.  You will be sending a positive message to our youth as well as helping to ensure your own lifelong health and fitness.

For more information on the benefits of physical activity, call the Physical Activity Coordinator of the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 1-519-881-1920 .