Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 in Psychology & Sociology
Since girls typically are less physically active than boys, a Kansas State University researcher has looked to organizations like Girl Scouts to provide education and incentives to get girls moving early in life and instill lifelong healthy habits.
Richard Rosenkranz, assistant professor in human nutrition at K-State, conducted a study using interventions with Girl Scout troops. He trained group leaders to instruct exercise sessions and promote healthful eating, teaching the girls about a healthy lifestyle and increasing their participation in exercise activities.
The two-year study involved nine troops, with five of the troops receiving an intervention. Rosenkranz trained the group leaders as part of the intervention including nutrition, family meals, physical activity and family connectionas well as the expectations of being role models and providing a healthful environment at meetings. He also introduced new physically active games for the girls and emphasized walking, dancing, active games and yoga - activities that can be done around home, without special equipment, ideally involving parents.
The interventions created the same amount of activity for all demographics and there was no difference by minority or weight status.
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Researcher finds Girl Scout meetings provide an opportunity to increase girls' physical activity
Annual Learning Survey Released with Data on Kids' Playtime
Yoga for Kids is being touted as a healthy non-competitive activity that encourages body awareness and creative movement as well as exercise, ability to follow direction and socialize with peers. Exposing children to stretching and strength building also instills some of the values of a healthy lifestyle. Ontarians earn a "C" average, room for improvement OTTAWA, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Research to reduce childhood obesity received a $1.9 million boost with new funding announced today. The funding comes from a four-way partnership involving the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Rx&D Health Research Foundation (HRF), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada.
"Controlling obesity and the diseases related to it requires research into wellness strategies that allow individual Canadians - starting especially with our children - to better maintain their personal health through healthy lifestyles," said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. "Partnerships with stakeholders play a key role in this regard, and I am very pleased to join with Rx&D Health Research Foundation, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Health Canada to fund these projects." June 12, 2009, Toronto -- Rogers Media is proud to join AstraZeneca Canada and Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) as a presenting partner of the school-based children's wellness initiative, At My Best. The program addresses three key areas of wellness-physical, nutritional and emotional-and empowers teachers, parents and caregivers to inspire and motivate children and their families to make healthier choices today and develop lifelong healthy habits.
Toronto board committee votes to recommend removal of pop machines because of aspartame fears Brian Grey of Sun Media reports that all work and no play will make Johnny dull and stupid. The Canadian Press (By Lauren La Rose, June 2) reports that, according to Active Healthy Kids Canada's Report Card on Physical Activity, Canadian kids continue to spend too much time glued to TVs, computers and video games and not enough being physically active, with the vast majority failing to meet recommended guidelines for daily physical activity. According to a recent Canadian study whose results will be published in the July edition of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, by the time adolescents reach ninth grade, most abandon the physical activities they enjoyed in seventh grade; and the more vigorous the activity, the more likely they are to drop it.
An eight-year study examining whether physical attributes of a community contribute to physical activity, have been published in the April 2009 volume of Social Science and Medicine. Researcher Jim Sallis, funded by the National Institutes of Health, evaluated 32 communities in the Seattle WA and Baltimore MD regions and found those who lived in walkable neighborhoods got substantially more exercise each week than those living in low-walkable areas. Residents of walkable communities were also less likely to be overweight or obese. Hamilton school proves it is possible to dramatically improve fitness levels with the use of heart rate monitors The Green Apple School Program is a specially designed grant program that engages young people in Ontario and Quebec to consider a healthier environment and make healthier living conscious choices - rewarding them for their efforts to make a positive impact. TORONTO, May 7 /CNW/ - Improving the health of children in low-income families, which is chronically worse than that of richer children, requires well-targeted policy reforms, according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute.
Devon McGregor, of the National Post reports that Childhood obesity is at an all-time high in North America. Researchers believe that an early start on physical activity is the only way to keep kids fit and healthy as they reach adulthood. The state of health for kids is becoming troublesome for both health experts and economists. Since the 1970s, the percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has nearly tripled. Don Fennell of the Richmond Review (B.C.) reports that sports play an important role in the culture of most high schools. But it’s more than simply about winning and losing. The London Free Press (April27, KELLY PEDRO) reports that local organizers of this year's Turn Off the Screens Week, which runs this week, have decided that asking young people to turn everything off for a week is unrealistic. Instead, they are asking that kids pause their screens (TV, video games and computers - except for homework) and go outside to play, making time for 90 minutes of physical activity daily. Heart and Stroke Foundation grant helps YMCA to build healthier kids Toronto task force aims to stop students buying junk food meals The Toronto Star (April 9, 2009) Toronto middle schools and junior highs should make kids stay on school property at lunch to prevent them from wandering over to a mall or hot dog vendor and buying junk food, a task force recommends. But to do that, school cafeterias need a makeover - they must be brighter, more appealing and offer better food choices, says the report from the Toronto District School Board's nutrition task force.Trustee Michael Coteau says it will be controversial to keep 11 to 14 year-olds at school, but says it's worth it because nutrition has been proven to be key to their health, behaviour and school success. "I think if we had more vibrant, youth-friendly places to eat, with background music and programs that could be running, it would make it more interactive and more fun," said Coteau, the task force chair, adding more nutrition education in the classroom is also needed. The move wouldn't prevent the kids - in Grades 6 to 9 - from going home, but if they stay at school, they'd need written parental permission to leave property. Students, however, are not convinced. Bowen Pausey, who is in Grade 8 at Glen Ames Senior Public School in the Beach, brings his lunch most days. On Fridays, he heads to Queen St. E. for pizza, subs or Tim Hortons. It is a weekly ritual that gives him time with friends and a break from the school."I wouldn't like that at all," the 13-year-old said of having to remain on site for lunch. He's no fan of cafeteria food - "the salads don't look too pleasing, the fries are always cold" - but said if it improved, and the prices dropped, he'd consider eating there.George Wilson, 12, leaves Deer Park Public School two noon-hours every week to play basketball and eat pizza. He likes the freedom to walk over to nearby Yonge St. or St. Clair Ave. for fast food. "If we had to stay at school every day it would get pretty boring," added Emily Mooy, who leaves Hodgson Senior Public School, near Mount Pleasant and Eglinton, and goes to Tim Hortons every Friday for a toasted bagel. For two years, the task force, comprising parents, trustees and nutrition experts, has looked at ways to improve student nutrition and, given the current economic meltdown, more families will rely on snack and lunch programs, it notes. The report, which is yet to be approved by the board, comes on the heels of the Ontario Medical Association's request for provincial legislation forcing restaurants and school cafeterias to post calorie counts on menus.The Toronto District School Board runs nutrition programs for 78,000 students at a cost of more than $10 million from provincial and municipal funding, parent contributions and local donations.The report notes that Canada is the only Western nation not to have a national, federally funded nutrition program for children and asks Toronto trustees to lobby government to change that. Research has shown nutrition affects everything from aggression to attendance to academic success; hungry teens are more likely to have lower math scores and repeat a grade and students with high-calorie diets can be aggressive and irritable because of sugar intake. According to a Toronto survey, some 41 per cent of the city's high school students don't have breakfast and 21 per cent don't eat lunch. Of those who do have lunch, 54 per cent buy their meal in the school cafeteria, with half of those buying one meal a week, the report notes. About 20 per cent leave school property at lunch to buy "cheap, unhealthy food." Some complained the school food is too expensive and feel the space is unclean.Staying at school for lunch wouldn't change much for the 1,175 students at Toronto's Valley Park Middle School, near Don Mills Rd. and the Don Valley Parkway, which requires all students, whether in Grade 6, 7 or 8, to stay for safety reasons unless their parents write to say they can leave, said vice-principal Amajit Parmar. "I buy the spicy chicken patty every day for $1.40. It's good," said Grade 8 student Razia Popal, 14, while friend Manigha Satari waited for the next batch of fries. "I mostly buy poutines," she confessed. Coteau said rather than banning fries - which students told the task force they were dead-set against - cafeterias could instead offer "fries-free" days once or twice a week.Catherine Parsonage, the board's senior manager of nutrition services, said schools that have banned unhealthy foods see cafeteria revenue drop by about 30 per cent. Toronto board cafeterias are either operated by outside, for-profit companies or by the board itself on a non-profit basis. All are required to offer a healthy food lunch option each day for $4.
The CBC News (April 14, 2009)
writes on Australian research which shows poor urban design and safety fears are critical factors in
determining whether children walk or cycle to school.
The researchers say their findings can help inform public policy that will increase children travelling to school by foot or bicycle. Dr. Clare Hume, from the Deakin University's Centre for Physical Activity
and Nutrition Research, and
colleagues report the proportion of Australian school children walking
to school dropped from 37 per cent in 1985 to 26 per cent in 2001.
At the same time, the proportion of children cycling to school is
now so low it is statistically too insignificant to be considered on
its own. The decrease in what is known as active commuting has
occurred at the same time as obesity rates among children have
increased. As a result, programs that aim to increase active commuting
throughout childhood and in adolescence may have a positive effect on
children's accumulated physical activity. Hume and colleagues took a closer look at the factors that affect the amount of active transport among children and adolescents.
They tracked children and adolescents' mode of travel to school between 2004 and 2006.
During that period active commuting among the younger cohort, who
were aged nine at the start of the study, increased significantly by
1.04 trips per week.
For the older adolescents (aged 14 at the start of the study) the
increase was smaller with an additional in 0.65 trips per week.
Hume says there was no gender difference in the rates of walking to school. For the younger cohort, Hume says the study highlighted one factor as critical to whether the children actively commuted. Children of parents who reported that the child had many friends in their area were twice as likely as to increase their active commuting compared with other children [in terms of mean trips per week. For adolescents, whether they walked or cycled to school was related to urban design issues such as the presence of pedestrian crossings and traffic lights. Canada.com (April 4, 2009 By Tom Spears, Ottawa Citizen) writes that the hibernating habits of Canadian teenagers is becoming a health hazard, scientists say. They're going indoors in winter, and not coming out again until spring returns. Winter is the time when teenagers become permanently less active, says the study of Montreal high school students. In summer, they're running around outdoors. But they slow down in winter and, crucially, they don't return to their previous level of activity when the warm weather returns. Over a series of years, winters gradually reduce teens' level of physical activity, the study says. The study by the Université de Montreal, McGill University and the Centre de Formation medical du Nouveau-Brunswick examined some 1,200 students in Grades 7-11 in Montreal. The pattern was the same in boys and girls, and in students across the city — rich, poor, anglophone, francophone. Participation in organized physical activity dropped at an average rate of 16.3 per cent per year. American Journal of Preventative Medicine (April 2009) According to a recent study published this month in the AJPM, U.S. kids are not only too heavy; they're also out of shape. The Northcumberland View (April 2, 2009) writes that the
April 2009 online edition of Canadian Social Trends, released today,
features another article from the series Life in the metropolitan areas
entitled: "Are suburban residents really less physically active?" This article quantifies and discusses the difference between the
levels of physical activity of residents of high-density neighbourhoods
and low-density, suburban neighbourhoods of metropolitan areas. It uses
data on time use from the 2005 General Social Survey, focusing on the
activities of people aged 15 and over. This study is the first of its kind to cover all of Canada's
metropolitan areas. It differs notably from previous studies in that it
examines the relationship between urban planning and various types of
physical activities. It reveals that although the activities practiced
differ by type of neighbourhood, total activity levels are quite
similar wherever people live.
In fact, people living in low-density residential areas are as
likely to be physically active over the course of a day as those in
high-density areas. However, people living in the central
neighbourhoods of Canada's largest metropolitan areas are the most
likely of all to be physically active.
The type of physical activity varies by place of residence.
Residents of urban residential areas are more likely to get around
actively, i.e. by walking or cycling, while tending to their daily
affairs. On the other hand, residents of suburban areas are much more
apt to get their exercise by performing outside work (gardening, yard
work and cleaning). Visit the web site to read more. Toronto Star, March 31, 2009. Noor Javeed, of the Toronto Star reports that compulsory gym class in school does little to reduce childhood obesity, meaning more must be done after school to curb the growing fat epidemic, according to a study released yesterday.
Canada.com (March 19, 2009 By Jill Barker Calgary Herald) reports that experts
are bemoaning the lack of play among today’s youngest generation, which
some suggest if left unchecked could lead to diminished social, mental
and physical health. In anticipation of the meeting of
early childhood educators in Montreal this month, Jane Hewes, chair of
Early Childhood Development at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, said
the hectic schedules kids have adopted in recent years have resulted in
fewer opportunities to enjoy what she describes as “rich episodes of
play” At McGill’s 2008 Health
Challenge Think-Tank geared to halting childhood obesity, Stuart Brown,
the former chief of Psychiatry at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and
current president of the National Institute for Play, suggested we
shouldn’t take play for granted. Indeed, research seems to
suggest the physical skills developed through play are the necessary
building blocksto more complex physical activities and sport. Play
teaches children not just how to move, but also a love of movement —
and that, say the experts, can be the difference between a child who
plays with a remote and a child who plays with a ball. According to Brown,
movement and joy are fundamental to play — which rules out the kind of
play that takes place sitting in front of a video screen. He also
suggests that to qualify as play, the activity has to be more fun than
the outcome, which eliminates all sporting endeavours that put more
emphasis on the score than the activity itself. Brown is
also an advocate of rough and tumble play, the kind that causes parents
and teachers to cringe. Running, chasing, wrestling and play fighting
teaches kids about their physical capabilities, as well as how to
respond to their playmates and how their playmates respond to them. In
fact, evidence now suggests active play not only affects growing
bodies, it also affects growing brains. Right now, there’s not enough science to offer a
convincing cause and effect between a lack of free play and an increase
in obesity, but there is enough to warrant more research, which is why
play is such a hot topic. That said, Brown is quick to
point out play shouldn’t be restricted to young kids. Older children
naturally give up unfettered play in favour of more structured
environments of play including sports and organized physical activity.
Despite this switch to a more regulated play environment, the joy
associated with playing or what Brown refers to as “play bliss” is
needed. Without it, play feels more like work and will taper off
further. (March 18, 2009 PR, AJPM)Several bursts of exercise that last five minutes or more might be better for preventing childhood obesity than are intermittent physical activity sessions lasting four minutes or less throughout the day. That is the key message from a four-year study that researchers at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada conducted. Children at high risk of obesity who live near parks and recreation areas are apt to participate in walking activities more often, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Conference on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism. In a Canadian study, the presence of nearby parks was strongly associated with girls walking to school and boys engaging in leisure walking. For every additional park located within a half mile of their home, the likelihood of walking to school more than doubled among girls and leisure walking by boys increased by 60 percent. Results were similar even after taking into account family income and the average level of education in the neighborhood, an indicator of area disadvantage. "There was a strong association between walking and the number of nearby public open recreational spaces, including neighborhood parks, playgrounds and sports fields," said Tracie A. Barnett, Ph.D., lead author of the study and a researcher at Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center and Université de Montréal in Montreal, Canada. "We were able to relate the proximity and number of parks to how often children aged 8-10 years walked. This is important because active transportation is a promising public health strategy for increasing overall physical activity, and for helping to curb the obesity epidemic. We know that walking to school has been decreasing steadily for the past 30 years; concurrent increases in overweight and obesity suggest that these two phenomena may be linked." The results are based on the first 300 families enrolled into the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth (QUALITY) study in which researchers are following over 600 children and both biological parents to study the natural history of excess weight and cardiometabolic risk in children. "Obesity in children and adolescents has tripled in the past 20 or so years," Barnett said. "Although obesity has many causes, this relatively sudden and steep increase suggests that the drivers of the obesity epidemic are largely environmental rather than biological or genetic in nature." In this study, researchers examined the relationship between park availability and proximity, and walking. All the children were considered at high risk for future obesity because at least one of their parents was obese. Clinic visits determined body fat distribution, fitness, metabolic, genetic/familial, and behavioral factors that could lead to obesity. Both parents and children completed questionnaires during the clinic visit, and children provided a seven-day recall of walking for leisure and their usual methods of getting to and from school. Location of parks was obtained using a geographic information system. In this sample, researchers found: One-third of the children walked to and from school. Parks located within approximately one half mile had the strongest association with walking in this age group. A greater number of parks were associated more with purpose-driven walking in girls and with leisure walking in boys. "Parks may benefit girls and boys differently, but are associated with increased overall walking for both," said Barnett, who is also assistant professor of Social and Preventive Medicine at the Université de Montréal. "In the past few decades we have become more sedentary due to the increased use of labor-saving devices, motorized transportation, television and computers," she said. "In addition, children are spending more time inside, yet we know that spending time outdoors is an important determinant of activity. In future urban improvements, consideration must be given to parks, outdoor recreational areas and walking or cycling infrastructure in order to increase active living. Equally important is that the parks and recreational areas are well maintained and are safe." The cross-sectional study provided a "snapshot" look at the environment, but researchers will be following these families over the next 10 years. The researchers plan to follow the children until age 18 to determine the effects of their environments on the development of obesity. While this study does not provide specific information on the mechanism by which the presence of parks might affect activity in other places, it does provide useful data on how differences in urban environments may translate into differences in lifestyle activities, researchers said. As the children become teenagers, the environment will evolve, especially as they attain more freedom and become more independent, Barnett said. "Factors that influence their health and lifestyle behaviors will change and these will need to be reassessed." An American Heart Association statement released in June of 2008 says, "walkable" neighborhoods, with adequate sidewalks and areas for physical activity, can play an important role in combating the rise in obesity rates by making it easier to get daily exercise. From the Canada NewsWire (March 11, 2009) TORONTO, March 10 /CNW/ - RBC and the Canadian Olympic School Program (COSP) today unveiled the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay School Kit, to help bring the Olympic Spirit to classrooms across Canada. Presented by RBC, COSP has produced a kit of free educational resources to engage students in the excitement of the Olympic Movement. The kit brings the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay to life while meeting provincial learning outcomes in social studies, language arts, math, science and physical activity. "The Olympic Flame is one of the most visible and inspiring symbols of the Games," said David Bedford, Canadian Olympic Committee Executive Director, Marketing & Communications. "Working with RBC to incorporate it into our educational programs helps educate students on the values of the Olympic Movement and grow the excitement and support across Canada for our athletes and the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver." In addition to torch relay-related facts, figures and activities, the COSP kit will also include an exciting opportunity for teachers and students across the country to carry the Olympic Flame. RBC is encouraging Canadians to create a better Canada by pledging to do something big or small in their daily lives to make Canada a better place to live. By making a pledge, Canadians will automatically enter the Carry the Torch contest for a chance to be an Olympic Torchbearer. In keeping with the spirit of RBC's Carry the Torch contest, teachers, coaches and school leaders will work with their students to submit a team pledge through the COSP. Team pledges will chronicle how they are going to improve their community, be more environmentally-friendly, or live healthier lifestyles. RBC and COSP will review the pledges and award 16 teams of 20 students, 13 and over, and teachers with the chance to be an Olympic Torchbearer. Each team will collectively carry the Olympic Flame for one kilometre during a local leg of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. "Through the COSP contest, teachers and students are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay," says Jacqueline Ryan, Director, Olympic Marketing, RBC. "We encourage participating teachers and school leaders to visit www.olympicschool.ca/torchrelay to learn more about this exciting program and the opportunity to be an Olympic Torchbearer." The COSP contest will run from March 10 to May 12, 2009. Winners of the team torchbearer spots will be announced the week of June 22, 2009. The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will begin its journey to Vancouver on October 30, 2009, when the flame arrives in Victoria, British Columbia following the traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece. The Olympic Flame will then travel from coast to coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada - spanning 45,000 kilometres, 1,020 communities, over 106 days. It will end at B.C. Place on February 12, 2010, with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. About the Canadian Olympic Committee About RBC and the Olympic Games VICTORIA, March 7, 2009 - B.C. is the first province in Canada to restrict trans fat in all prepared and served foods in B.C. restaurants, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport Mary Polak announced today.
ActNow BC, the Province's healthy living initiative, supports British Columbians in making healthy lifestyle choices, providing information to support better nutrition, physical activity, smoke-free living and healthy pregnancies. For more information go to: www.actnowbc.ca The National Post (March 9, 2009 By: Dorene Internicola, Reuters) reports that fitness programs in schools help to get children moving, but experts say more is needed to curb rising obesity rates. Instead of low intensity aerobic exercise, which dominates most school programs, Frederick Hahn, the author of the new book "Strong Kids, Healthy Kids," believes the emphasis should be on strength training and eating the right foods. Hahn, co-founder of the National Council for Exercise Standards, wants to equip school gyms with exercise machines and dumbbells. He said strength-or resistance-training combined with a low-carbohydrate diet is the most effective way to battle childhood flab. According
to his book just 30 minutes per week of resistance training will
increase muscle mass and speed metabolism in children. Physical
activity alone is not enough to prevent obesity in children, he added. A
recent review of 26 studies of school-based activity programs for 6- to
18-year olds in North America, South America, Australia, and Europe,
appears to support his thesis. Obesity among children aged 6 to 11 has more than doubled in 20 years, going from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 17 percent in 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The rate among adolescents aged 12 to 19 has more than tripled. American Heart Association, DALLAS, March 2, 2009 - Every level of society should address barriers to heart-friendly nutrition and undertake specific strategies to make it easier for people to follow healthy eating patterns to reduce heart disease risk, according to an American Heart Association statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. The statement is a call to action of specific strategies to implement nutrition guidelines established by the association in 2006.
"The goal is to have a more structured eating pattern," he explained. "You should eat regular meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner. One snack a day is plenty." Co-authors include: Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc.; Myles S. Faith, Ph.D.; Allison Karpyn, Ph.D.; Julie A. Mennella, Ph.D.; Barry Popkin, Ph.D.; Jonnelle Rowe, M.D.; Linda Van Horn, Ph.D., R.D.; and Laurie Whitsel, Ph.D. Canada.com (March 3, 2009 By: Dr. Tim Rindlisbacher, National Post) writes that study
after study has confirmed the obvious: Childhood obesity in Canada is a
growing problem. This generation is burdened not only with extra pounds
but with the sad prediction of being the first demographic to inherit a
shorter lifespan than their parents. March Break is a perfect an opportunity for parents to improve this situation. A good start would be to compare your child's activity levels and diets with recommended targets. A formal position statement released by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine concurs with Health Canada's recommendation regarding physical activity for children: The goal is 90 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity every day. Do the kids in your life meet this standard? Processed foods and high-fat diets are partly to blame for our bulging babes, yet several studies suggest physical inactivity plays a pivotal role. One need only observe our children on a typical day. Screen time (TV, internet and video games) shackles them to monitors and robs them of active lifestyles. And parents, struggling with their own busy lives, are often cornered into allowing Mrs. Sony, Ms. Mac or Mr. Xbox to be the surrogate caregivers. Parental role modelling can't be underestimated; habits of
sedentary living start young. Parenting experts suggest a nice balance
between exerting a little tough love while still maintaining a fun
environment around active living. During March Break, parents have so many exercise options
for their kids to enjoy. Whether you choose an elaborate ski vacation,
a skate at the local rink or simply backyard fun, your chances of
having a fit, healthy child will improve as these activities become
regular parts of your lives. We sacrifice so much for our children to
provide them with fuller lives, yet we're inadvertently saddling them
with obesity and thus shortening their lives. The Barrhaven.com (February 25, 2009
BY MPP Jim Watson) writes that active children are better able to learn –
that’s no secret.
And children who adopt healthy eating
habits when they are young are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults
because there is a clear link between healthy habits and student performances. It is for this reason that I am
encouraging our area school to consider participating in the province’s 2009
Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
What is this program?
It’s simple. The program challenges schools across the province to carry
out at least one new healthy activity or build on an existing activity this
school year. If they “accept the challenge” they will win a Healthy School
award and be presented with a banner. Last year, I presented a banner to Parkwood Hills
Public School because
their Health and Wellness team created several initiatives including the "Fruits
en Folie!" (Crazy for fruit) program and the TV Turnoff Challenge. Another local winner was St.
Paul Catholic High School, which pledged to establish
an area for play during lunch break and physical education class and to
purchase and install outdoor basketball nets.
We did a great job last year, with 11
schools in Ottawa West-Nepean being awarded the Healthy Schools banner. The focus of the challenges should be activities
relating to physical activity, healthy eating, bullying prevention, personal
safety, prevention/education of substance use and abuse, and mental health can
all be counted toward your school’s participation.
Application forms are available at www.ontario.ca/healthyschools, along
with questions and answers, success stories, tips and a search function to find
out what other schools have done in the past. February 18, 2009. New York (Businesswire) The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) will launch its fourth annual Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen education initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition this March, in conjuctions with National Nutrition Month in the United States and Canada. The well-established initiative helps communities across four countries address the consequences of childhood obesity and poor nutrition. This year it will continue to teach youngsters about healthy eating by involving them in the preparation of their own meals and by equipping tyhem with the knowledge they need to make healthy choices.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUES INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1901 by New Yorker, Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are
charitable nonprofit organizations of women committed to voluntarism,
developing the potential of women and improving communities through the
effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Association
of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) is made up of 292 Junior
Leagues in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Together, they are one of the largest international volunteer
organizations for women interested in making a positive impact in their
communities. For more information, visit the website www.ajli.org.
SOURCE: The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.
The Association of Junior Leagues International The Canadian Council on Learning has released its annual survey with data showing that parents are allowing their young children significantly less time to play video/computer games than to watch television, videos and DVDs. 5,488 Canadians were surveyed, of whom 1,757 were parents of kids aged two to five. The Globe & Mail (February 19, 2009 By: Sheryl Ubelacker Source: The Canadian Press) reports that according to researchers, almost
one-fifth of childhood injuries occur at school, most often while kids
are playing or taking part in informal sports. They
suggest more adult supervision may be needed to better safeguard
children's health. The one-year study analyzed childhood injury statistics from the
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and six other Ottawa-area
emergency departments or clinics.
It found that 4,287 children were hurt at school in 2002, representing 18 per cent of all kids injured.
The joint study by York and the University of Ottawa found that 58
per cent of school injuries occurred while children were playing or
engaging in informal sports. About 10 per cent of the school-based harms that sent kids to
hospital emergency departments were head injuries - everything from bad
bumps to concussions. Of the 402 head injuries, seven required
admission to hospital.
More than 1,100 of the total school-based injuries, or 26 per cent, involved fractures.
Data for the study, published in this month's issue of the Journal
of School Health, were collected by doctors in Ottawa-area hospital
emergency departments and urgent-care clinics through the Canadian
Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program.
Boys were hurt more often than girls (about 60 per cent compared
with 40 per cent) and suffered a significantly higher proportion of
head injuries. Nova News Now (February 19, 2009 By Vanguard) reports that a new text book for physical education is being delivered to high schools around the province. Active Healthy Living: Physical Education in Nova Scotia is the province's first resource developed to directly support physical education, which was made mandatory in high schools this year. The 250-page hardcover book for Grade 10 students addresses a range of topics including exercise science, personal fitness, the promotion of life-long physical activity and nutrition. The textbook and the accompanying teacher manual are among a number of resources, grants and new curricula developed over the past year to support the implementation of the mandatory physical education graduation requirement. Students must earn one physical education credit to receive their Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma. Students can choose from a range of physical education courses including Physical Education 10, Physically Active Living 11, Physical Education 11, Fitness Leadership 11 and Dance 11. Other courses under development include Yoga 11, Leadership 12 and Exercise Science 12. Canada.com (February 18, 2009 By Donna Gray) writes that moms who are at home raising kids, getting regular exercise or even being able to escape the parenting routine to meet up with other mothers, can be next to impossible.These are just some of the findings uncovered by investigators Beth Mansfield and Natacha Ducharme, who represent Mothers in Motion, a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy activity and accessibility for low-income women with children under 14. Together, they crossed the country interviewing single, married, or cohabitating women, including two groups from Calgary, to find out what is holding them back from a healthy lifestyle.They will be presenting their findings in Calgary next week. During their discussions with moms ranging in age from 20 to 35, they measured mother-specific activity levels, leisure time, occupational, and child and household activity. The misnomer that low-income status mothers who care for their children at home are out of shape, sedentary, and not motivated was quickly torn apart. The women also stated they weren't just looking for the fitness as the reason for joining a program, but rather the need to connect to other moms in the area. The women who had high school or some college education preferred programs that promoted social inclusion and exercise. The workshop will offer trainers, health and physical activity promoters, community leaders, and group organizations a snapshot of beliefs and barriers that prevent women from getting fit and connecting to their neighbourhood. The Mothers in Motion presentation is free for all who attend, and begins at 9:30 a. m. Friday, February 13 in the boardroom at the Village Square Leisure Centre, 2623 -56 St. N. E.The contact number is 403-366-3900. The Silhouette (February 12, 2009 By:
Heather Herda) writes that a review out of McMaster has determined that school-based
interventions to promote physical activity in children, such as gym
class and recess, are useful in getting children to be active in school
but it does not necessarily translate into their home life. Maureen Dobbins, an associate professor at the School
of Nursing at McMaster University took part in a review that included
26 studies from 1985 to the present that focussed on physical activity
in school benefitting children’s overall health. The good news is that school-based physical activities did help
lower blood cholesterol, improve lung function and decrease the amount
of time children watch television. The bad news is that the review
found there was no impact on pulse, body mass index and whether or not
children were active outside of school. Dobbins suggests that other elements are needed in order to help families maintain a
healthy lifestyle and to teach children why staying active is important.
Another vital aspect that the review mentions is that
physical education should be taught by a specially trained physical
education teacher, as opposed to a general teacher or a homeroom
teacher. Dobbins suggested that it is critical for children to be more
active for longer periods of time in addition to teaching them the
benefits of healthy eating.
The review was published in the Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews, which means it will be updated every two years with
new studies and new information. According to the January/February 2009 issue of Child Development Preschoolers are not necessarily the nonstop dynamos of their reputation, even when they're playing outside.  The Leduc Representative (February 6, 2009 Posted By Michelle Minnoch reports that the City of Leduc is
taking steps to include residents in some important healthy initiatives
this year, and Mayor Greg Krischke is excited about it.
February is Heart and Stroke month and the mayor sat down with
the Rep to discuss what residents can look forward to, to get them
healthy, energized and engaged. Leduc is a Choosewell community, which is part of the province’s
Healthy U campaign. The campaign helps communities realize the value of
active living and eating well and the Choosewell Challenge recognized
communities for their efforts. There are currently 160 communities
registered. The city was recognized by Minister of Alberta Health, and
Wellness David Hancock, as an overall high achiever in the 10,000 to
40,000 population category for the Community Choosewell Challenge. Feb. 11 is walk/run/skate day in Leduc. Residents and city
administration will be asked to do and record 20 minutes of any
exercise that day.
Another healthy initiative comes a week later.
On Feb. 18, Enmax Hockey Heroes will be coming to Leduc. Leduc
Atom teams have been selected to be part of the Edmonton Oil Kings
Exmax game. It will be held on the Kinsmen outdoor rink. Leduc’s two Atom B teams will play against each other and some of the Edmonton Oil Kings will join the players on the ice.
The city is also continuing to work with Black Gold Schools on the Healthy Hearts initiative.
The initiative that started five years ago, the Healthy
Hearts initiative, has encouraged physical activity with the students.
They take measurements and readings of them periodically throughout the
year to see whether they are becoming more healthy. They have been
tracking these students for the past five years. The city is also undertaking another initiative — Sogo. The
Sogo is a new initiative by the Alberta Recreation Parks Association
(ARPA). The program is an initiative designed for youth by youth. The
national initiative is supported by Coca Cola, lead by ARPA. It is
designed for kids, by kids, to increase sport participation between the
ages of 15 and 18. The city is now finalizing the details for the Friday night teen swim at the LRC.
The swim would be for teens between the ages 15 and 18 and the
evening would include a two-hour swim with music. The program will
begin in April and run throughout the summer. The initiative will be funded by a grant from Sogo Active, the City of Leduc and the LRC. Lake Superior News (February 1, 2009) writes that young children across Ontario are getting active at JiggaJump
concerts, featuring Juno Award-winning children’s entertainers, Judy
& David. This exciting and interactive concert series is
free-of-charge and makes a stop at Intercity Shopping Centre on February 4th at 11am and 2pm and will visit cities across the province
throughout January and February.
JiggaJump
uses music to engage young children in fun, physical activities that
helps to plant the seed for a lifetime of healthy, active living. These
high energy events will provide an opportunity for children and parents
to be physically active together, while reinforcing the importance of
physical activity with children and families.
At
each concert, a free CD and parent resource will be distributed to all
attendees to allow them to continue using the JiggaJump program to get
active in community and home settings. In addition, key community
partners will be in attendance at each concert to promote programs
available in the community that assist with keeping families physically
active and healthy.
JiggaJump
will get young children up and moving in the following cities: Ottawa,
Kingston, London, Etobicoke, Oshawa, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Sudbury,
Barrie, St. Catharines, Brampton and Windsor. The mall concert tour is
based on the JiggaJump CD and Leader’s Guide, now being used in
thousands of Ontario schools and Early Years Centres.
JiggaJump is the creative product of All Together Now Entertainment
Inc. (Judy & David), developed and delivered in partnership with
Ophea. Funding for JiggaJump was provided by the Ministry of Health
Promotion through the Communities In Action Fund.
For more information on the concert tour visit www.jiggajump.com
About Judy & David
About Ophea
Press Release (February 2, 2009) Parks and Recreation
Ontario (PRO) has partnered with Ophea to promote and deliver the WinterActive
School Challenge. Winter Active is Canada's annual six-week
community-based healthy living campaign which helps Canadians take their first
steps to lead healthier lives. The goal is to spread the message that active
living, healthy eating, and living smoke-free are all key parts of a healthy
lifestyle.
Register for
WinterActive and receive free sample activities from Ophea's activ8 resource, a
physical activity challenge program that helps children and youth of all
abilities develop their fitness and skill levels. WinterActive is Canada's annual
six-week community-based healthy living campaign which helps Canadians take
their first steps to lead healthier lives. The goal is to spread the message
that active living, healthy eating and living smoke-free are all key parts of a
healthy lifestyle.
The WinterActive
activities can be used by classrooms to implement Daily Physical Activity
(DPA) expectations or as part of a WinterActive school challenge event to get
all students up and active together!
To register for WinterActive visit www.prontario.org/WinterActive/index-wa09.htm To order your free copy of Ophea's full activ8 resource visit www.ophea.net/activ8 From the Canada Newswire (February 2, 2009) The Capital One Rocks & Rings program launched this morning in an effort to get GTA youth moving during the school day. This new program also will expose curling to children and families that would otherwise not receive the opportunity, with the ultimate goal being increased participation in the sport. The program will be offered at no charge to the participating children. Using unique floor curling equipment, students experience a high-energy, fun-filled session while learning about the sport in their school's gymnasium. The Capital One Rocks & Rings program will visit 30 GTA schools in this inaugural season with expansion into other major urban centres in the 2009-10 school year. "It is so satisfying to see the look on a child's face when they embrace a sport for the first time," said Ian Cunningham, Chief Operating Officer, Capital One Canada. "Curling requires both physical and mental skills. The Rocks & Rings program not only gets these kids moving, but also introduces a new generation to this very challenging sport." "We were thrilled to have recently signed a formal partnership with Capital One. As part of the framework of that partnership, we agreed to be the official national sport partner to the Capital One Rocks & Rings Program. We feel that the concept of starting this initiative in Canada's largest market(Greater Toronto Area) and expanding this program to other major urban and inner-city areas across the country will play a pivotal role for the future of curling," explained Greg Stremlaw, the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. With each elementary school visit, the Capital One Rocks & Rings program reaches six to seven classes or approximately 150 to 200 students. Upon completion, each student receives a graduation certificate which also provides valuable information including where and how the student and his or her parents can get involved in curling in their area. "This is an excellent example of the important impact physical activity can have on a student's life and their overall ability to achieve," said Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West. "By giving children the opportunity to learn a new sport, be physically active and have fun we are teaching children the importance of healthy living which will serve them well now and in the future." "We are ecstatic at the response the program has received to date - it's beyond my highest expectations. The kids and teachers absolutely love it and all the while we help address several of the challenges the sport faces," said Chad McMullan, President of Rock Solid Productions, Inc. and creator of the Capital One Rocks & Rings program. "Thanks to the amazing support of Capital One, the CCA and The Dominion, we are able to expose curling to a whole new audience." About Capital One About Rock Solid Productions Inc. ABOUT THE CCA The Dominion Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, January 2009, Issue 1. Ontario Long-Term Care Association, The Morning Report Released in partnership by United Generations Ontario, and the Lifestyle Information Network, the Guide to Intergenerational Physical Activity contains nine guidelines addressing the design, implementation and evaluation of intergenerational physical activity programs. “Physical activity is a big issue right now so what we wanted to look at opportunities to incorporate physical activity into intergenerational programs on a consistent basis,” says Wright, coach and consultant with Wright Momentum, as well as project co-ordinator for the Guide to Intergenerational Physical Activity. “Our aim is to see more people in Ontario active and generations being active together.” According to Wright, intergenerational programming benefits both young and old and is about breaking down the barriers and stereotypes that both generations may have about one another. “The youth have perceptions of an older adult but what (we) hear from the people who are in the trenches, so to speak, is that those myths are demystified very quickly as those relationships develop.” Wright says it’s also important to engage youth as stakeholders in the decision-making process. “When an idea or initiative is put forward, it’s really essential that you have the youth speaking and involved in the decisions that are made so they have input in the process and the activity that’s been chosen,” Wright says. United Generations Ontario, who have made the Guide to Intergenerational Physical Activity available for download online, say its essential that all intergenerational programs contain an opportunity for acceptance and respect between generations, opens doors for new connections and future program opportunities and increased physical activity and movement. If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051 or e-mail jason(at)axiomnews.ca.
The Bracebridge Examiner (January 21, 2009 - by Darren Lum) reports that Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School’s Fit Club is giving students from Grade 9 to 12 the opportunity to tone up and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere. For George Manolakos, the club’s weight room instructor, it is something he feels is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles for youths who are not typically athletic.The whole goal of this program is to make them feel comfortable in the weight room ... to learn proper etiquette, safety and how to work out. The retired physical education teacher said the
after-school club runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 3:30 p.m.,
and offers a comfortable social environment where the members not only
encourage each other but also teach and support one another. Manolakos’
program uses more repetitions and lower weights and does not encourage
bulking up; instead, it focuses attention on muscular endurance and
overall health, utilizing the entire spectrum of fitness instruction.
It also includes education on nutrition. Andrea Gordon, Family Issues Reporter for the Toronto Star (January 19, 2009), reports on a Middle Childhood Study that states that less than 10% of Toronto students attend formal after school programming, raising concerns about what children may be doing before their parents get home from work. CBC News (January 21, 2009) writes that a review of studies on beefed-up physical activity programs in schools found the interventions have some health
benefits but little effect on the amount of exercise the kids do outside school. Researchers went over data from 26 studies in North America, Europe,
South America and Australia as part of a Cochrane review, published
Wednesday in the Cochrane Library.
In general, the study found that school-based physical activity interventions are
effective in getting kids to spend more time being physically active
during school hours, however, there was little impact on weight or blood pressure.
But Maureen Dobbins, an associate professor at McMaster University's School
of Nursing, suggested that measuring weight or focusing on body mass index, or BMI, isn't really an "appropriate outcome
measure" because these were growing kids from the ages of six to 18. The interventions in some programs involved teachers being trained to build more physical activity into non-phys-ed courses,
she said.
Or there might be a "super phys-ed class" that would keep children "with an elevated heart rate for the whole gym class as
opposed to different sports that might have kids sitting out, rotating on and off the court."
A control group was offered regular phys-ed classes.
Many of the programs tried to keep the activities fun and engaging, and some removed the competitiveness.
In addition, the children were taught about the importance of physical activity to their health through materials geared
for them, and for their families. The National Post (January 19, 2009 Source: Reuters Health) writes that according to a report published this month, children with chronic illnesses or disability can often benefit from the right exercise program, showing improved quality of life, greater aerobic capacity and better function. But chronically ill or disabled children and teens who aren't active can get out of shape and too fat, just like their peers who aren't challenged by illness or disability, warns Dr. Patrick J. Morris of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Morris notes that children with cerebral palsy often have movement problems that make it difficult to walk, let alone exercise. But he points to a study in seven teens with the disease that showed three months of training improved their aerobic capacity and their ability to stand, walk, jump and run. Physical activity is also beneficial to individuals with spinal cord injuries, Morris adds. And while the jury is still out on whether exercise can help people with cystic fibrosis get stronger and breathe more easily, he notes, the studies to date show no evidence that physical activity is harmful for these patients. Aerobic workouts can clearly help children with asthma get stronger and more fit, although the evidence is not as clear on whether training affects symptoms like breathlessness or the amount of medication a patient needs. SOURCE: Current Sports Medicine Reports, November/December 2008. The Globe and Mail (Jan 16 2009, byline; Hayley Mick) reports that Basketball is one of Canada's s fastest-growing sports for children aged 5 to 14, with participation rates rising from 14 to 19 per cent between 1998 and 2005, according to a Statistics Canada study released last year. It's also the fifth most popular sport among Canadian adults, behind golf, hockey, swimming and soccer. The increase is attributed mainly to the effect of immigrants from country's such as the Philuppines and China, who bring their affinity to basketball with them. Recently, the effect of President-elect Obama.s love of the sport is also having an effect. The fact that it is inexpensive to play is also a plus. The National Post (January 12, 2009 By: Amy Norton, Reuters) writes that childhood obesity is a growing problem, and new research suggests that physical activity levels among youngsters already begin a decline before they start school. In a study of 244 New Zealand children, researchers found that the children's daily exercise levels generally declined between the ages of 3 and 5, while their time in front of the TV or in other sedentary activities stayed consistent. Using both parents' reports and an objective measure of daily activity -- a wearable monitor that records the body's movements -- the researchers found that exercise levels dipped among both boys and girls by the age of 5. Meanwhile, the children spent an average of 90 minutes per day in front of the TV or computer, with another 90 minutes devoted to other sedentary activities like reading and drawing. Those habits were consistent over time, according to findings published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. SOURCE: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, January 2009. Scotiabank, in partnership with Cricket Canada, will support cricket at the grass roots level with the Cricket Canada Scotiabank School Program (CCSSP). The program will initially be offered in Greater Vancouver, Calgary and the Greater Toronto Area to introduce elementary school students to the game of cricket. The Auckland City Harbour News (January 9, 2009
By LISA HARRISON) writes that with obesity rates steadily on the rise, messages about healthy eating and exercise are everywhere.
And they’re not just targeted at adults. With Health Ministry figures showing 10 percent of New Zealand
children are obese, schools have started healthy eating programmes to
combat the problem.
The Education Ministry launched its Mission On programme in 2006 to
encourage parents and children to eat healthier and get regular
exercise. In 2007, it also announced new, stricter guidelines for foods to be sold in school tuck shops.
Schools now need to classify foods into categories of everyday,
sometimes and occasional, and provide balanced options for children’s
lunches. St Joseph’s School in Onehunga has made healthy eating a priority.
There are no sweets, chips or fizzy – and the
tuck shop menu has been revised to include healthy options such as
sandwiches, milk, yoghurt and fruit.
Combos are also available to give children a healthy, balanced meal for the day. The tuck shop menu has also been altered to include healthy options such as sushi and filled rolls.
Healthy eating has also been integrated into the curriculum at all
levels, with children learning about how different foods affect energy
levels and keeping a food diary. Students also have 20 minutes of activity a day and an hour of physical education a week to help keep them active. Education Ministry Mission On project manager Tracey McLennan is also positive the healthy eating message is getting through.
She has been working with schools over the past three years to implement the programme.
It is coordinated with Sport and Recreation New Zealand and the
health and youth development ministries and teaches parents and
children about healthy eating and exercise.
Resources include information on healthy lunchbox options, portion sizes, exercise and how healthy eating helps learning. Mission On case studies of 16 schools of different deciles around
the country also show students are embracing healthy eating and are
proud of choosing healthy options.
In the schools surveyed, teachers had noticed students achieving at higher levels with more concentration in the classroom. TORONTO, Jan. 6 /CNW/ - Today, Green Communities Canada, Walk and Bike for Life and walkON are launching Ontario Communities walkON, a program that will, over the next three years, help make 24 Ontario cities and towns more walkable. Canoe.ca reports that about 100 students from the school recently visited the Ontario Science Centre and the Rogers Centre in Toronto, taking part in activities which included storytelling and science, and viewing displays of aboriginal art and crafts. Support from the Dreamcatcher's Fund went towards the cost of busing students to these activities. The Heart & Stroke Foundation is asking kids to "Tell us what you would do if you had magical powers and could do one thing to make people's hearts healthier". See the attached flyer for categories and prizes. Send entries no later than February 27, 2009. From the Canada NewsWire (december 11, 2008) McGuinty Government To Introduce Mandatory Reporting Legislation In 2009 TORONTO, Dec. 11 /CNW/ - NEWS A new report about school safety will help guide and strengthen requirements for staff to report serious incidents. New legislation to be introduced this spring will, if passed, make reporting serious incidents, including assaults, to the principal mandatory. This follows the release of the new Safe Schools Action Team report, Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships. The report also calls for action to address serious issues like gender-based violence, homophobia, sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behaviour between students in schools. The Ontario government asked the Safe Schools Action Team (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/nr/08.12/bg1211.html) in February to examine these issues. Its report summarizes the team's findings and recommends areas for action. The government will provide a comprehensive response over time that builds on its safe schools strategy. In addition to the proposed legislation, it will be: QUOTES "I want to thank everyone who contributed during the consultation process, in particular those students who provided the action team with their valuable advice. I am confident that the actions we recommended will help to foster positive and safe learning environments in our schools," said Liz Sandals (http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=2115), Chair of the Safe Schools Action Team and Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Wynne. QUICK FACTS LEARN MORE
Physical activity benefits all children, including those with disabilities. For children with disabilities, participation in sports and recreational activities promotes inclusion, minimizes deconditioning, optimizes physical functioning, and enhances overall well-being. Despite these benefits, children with disabilities are more restricted in their participation, have lower levels of fitness, and have higher levels of obesity than their peers without disabilities.
Grade 5s swim and skate for free
This may be in part due to parents overestimating the risks or overlooking the benefits of physical activity in children with disabilities. When making decisions about their child's participation, parents must consider overall health status, individual activity preferences, safety precautions, and availability of appropriate programs and equipment. All children need to participate in appropriate physical activity Murphy, N. A., Carbone, P. S., and the Council on Children with Disabilities (2008) Promoting the participation of children with disabilities in sports, recreation, and physical activities. Pediatrics 121(5), 1057-1061.) Durham Region News (November 19, 2008) reports that many of Durham's Grade 5 students are getting a leg up on healthy
living with a free pass that allows to them to swim and skate for free. Durham Lives! is offering Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington
students the Action Pass, which gives them free access to public swimming and
skating at local rec centres. Normally, they would be required to pay an
admission fee or buy a membership. The organization is a coalition of individuals and agencies working to
prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
The organization is hoping that by taking away the cost of the activities,
they'll encourage more children to participate. To grab a pass, students can visit their local rec complex or the Durham
Family YMCA in Oshawa. They should bring the letter they receive from their
school about the program and proof of address and date of birth. For more information about the Grade 5 Action Pass or other Durham Lives! Initiatives, call 905-668-7711, ext. 3172, or visit www.durhamlives.org.
The Times&Transcript (Novmeber 17th, 2008 By: By Sherri Gallant THE CANADIAN PRESS)
reports that many Canadian schools are bringing back schoolyard games into the lives of children. One such program is called Positive Playgrounds, developed by Pearl Marko of
Edmonton. A decade ago, Marko noticed that the kids at her son's school seemed
to be standing idly at recess with nothing to do, their boredom eroding their
physical and perhaps even their emotional well-being.
Teachers at Coalhurst Elementary School, west of Lethbridge, adopted Marko's
approach three years ago, and found that not only were there immediate benefits
for the children in learning to play physical games again, but unexpected
bonuses for the school staff, as well. When one teacher takes the kids for an hour each Monday to teach them new
games, the other teachers get that hour to collaborate and plan. The students
take what they've learned out into the playground at recess and lunch break,
signing out equipment (funded through an innovative program grant from Palliser
Schools) that's kept at the front office. Using Marko's Positive Playgrounds manual to get started, the school made it
a weekly program. The kids are skipping, playing hopscotch, mini sticks, tag and
jacks. They're getting exercise, learning new social skills and having a lot
more fun. Because their weekly groups are comprised of mixed classrooms and
ages, they're meeting new friends they might not otherwise get to know.
And the older ones are mentoring the younger ones. The manual for the old-fashioned games revived by Marko's program are laid out with clear instructions for the uninitiated, and teachers can add their own if they wish. Some games require simple equipment, but many do not. Ontario students are being challenged to do one more thing to make their school healthier as part of the Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
Schools can come up with a healthy living activity of their own, expand on previous activities or participate in existing voluntary programs. This could include using healthy recipes from Eating Well Looks Good on You, a project designed to bring healthier food to school cafeterias using fresh, locally grown food . Participating schools will receive a certificate and pennant to display in their school. Quotes "Healthy students have more energy for learning – and eating healthy and staying active are an important part of that. I challenge everyone to get involved and help bring healthier food into their schools," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. "By educating children and youth about health and wellness, we are providing them with the building blocks to live healthy, active lives," said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best. "The Healthy Schools Recognition Program is just one of many ways we are encouraging Ontarians to eat healthy and be active." "Participating in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program helped everyone at our school get more physically active. It also fostered more teamwork, student engagement and pride in our school," said Carolyn Thomson, Holy Family Catholic School principal. Quick Facts
Learn More Find out how you can help create a healthier learning environment at your school. Read some of the success stories from the last two years. The Mississauga News (October 29, 2008
By: Julie Slack) writes Canadian Idol winner, Eva Avila, was on hand at Huntington Ridge Public Schoolto promote At My Best, a new children's wellness program that was piloted
in Peel earlier this year. At My Best is a school-based program for students from
kindergarten to Grade 3 focussing on physical, nutritional and emotional
health. AstraZeneca and Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE) announced
the launch at Huntington, one of 39 Peel schools that participated in the pilot
program. AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company with Canadian headquarters
in Mississauga, has invested $4 million so far to ensure the program is
available at 1,000 schools across Canada, and will continue to invest $1 million
each year until the program is available at every school across the
country. According to PHE Canada president Mark Jones, At My Best was developed because Canada has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the developed world. A quarter of all Canadian children are overweight or obese and 70 per cent of children do not get the minimum daily requirement of fruits and vegetables. The Owen Sound Sun Times (October 28, 2008 By Jonathon Jackson) writes that things are changing on many schoolyards and a program called Peaceful
Playgrounds is in the forefront of that change.
Mike Kirby, a teacher at Notre Dame school and three students gave a presentation on Monday at the Grey
Bruce Health Unit building as part of a collaborative project called Childhood
Obesity: One Issue Two Solutions.
The presentation demonstrated how old-fashioned childhood games such as
rock-paper-scissors, skipping and hopscotch can be used on playgrounds to get
kids more active, encourage inclusiveness, teach safe conflict resolution and
promote leadership. Peaceful Playgrounds, founded by Bruce MacPherson, director of education at
the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, takes students with leadership
potential to seminars and trains them to teach the skills of these basic games
to other children on their school playgrounds.
They’re also trained to encourage students to play who might
not otherwise get involved, out of shyness or a feeling of being awkward. The presentation followed a panel discussion that delivered some sobering
statistics about children in Grey-Bruce. A research project entitled the School
Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) has revealed that of more
than 2,200 students, 14 per cent get no physical activity in or out of school.
Only 25 per cent of the sampled students, who were in grades five through 12
in the spring of 2007, typically consumed sufficient fruits and vegetables.
Forty per cent reported that they ate junk food four or more times a day. Fewer
than 50 per cent ate breakfast in the mornings before school. More than 25 per
cent said they spent three or more hours each day in front of a TV or computer
screen, or on the phone. (NC) October 16, 2008. Packing a nutritious lunch not only ensures your kids refuel for an afternoon of learning, it is also a good way to help establish healthy eating habits that will last well beyond primary school. The Toronto Star (October 7, 2008
By: Kristin Rushowy) reports that principals in the city's west end were asked what they wanted most to help student learning. They all agreed: food. The schools have just launched a program called "Feeding Our Future" to help
fill the stomachs of the 6,000 students in their care.
Participating high schools are C.W. Jefferys, Emery Collegiate and Westview
Centennial. Middle schools are Brookview, Oakdale, Elia and Humber Summit. All
are in a community with high rates of poverty and violence. The initiative is in
part a response to a safety panel report on the shooting of Jordan Manners at
Jefferys last year.
From surveys, Falconer and the principals knew 68 per cent of students do not
eat breakfast every day and 21 per cent never do. And fewer than half eat lunch
every day. But the area also has the highest rate of childhood obesity and
diabetes in Canada, so they knew plans had to have a nutritional component.
Their nutrition program is the first one in secondary schools that is
universal, meaning it is available to all students, regardless of need. This is
so poor students aren't singled out. A snack with items like nutri-bars, fruit,
bread or cheese is packaged by students and distributed to all during class.
While breakfast programs are available at 249 Toronto public elementary
schools, serving 65,029 students, it is a lot tougher to reach high school
students. So, while 153 high schools offer nutrition programs, they serve only
10,934 students – 3,000 of them in the Feeding our Future program. Research shows both behaviour
and learning are affected by hunger.
Teens don't eat for a number of reasons – some because there's no food at
home, others because they'd rather sleep in. And some find it easier to get to
school and buy pop and chips from the vending machine. Yesterday was the program's first official day. At Emery, snacks packaged by special needs students and student volunteers were served before 10 a.m. The $1 million cost of program is covered by the charitable arm of the board, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success – www.studentsuccess.ca – with the help of sponsors and $20 contributions from families who can afford to donate. This week is Feeding Toronto's Hungry Students Week, and students and staff will be at TTC stations after school raising funds to support nutrition programs.
The Toronto Star (October 6,
2008 By:
Diana Zlomislic)
reports on a new study which suggests reading may help teenagers lose weight.
In the first study to look at the impact of literature on adolescent obesity,
researchers at Duke Children's Hospital, in North Carolina, discovered reading
the right type of novel can help kids lose weight.
Researchers asked 31 obese girls ages 9 to 13, who were already enrolled in a
weight-loss program, to read an age-appropriate novel called Lake Rescue
(Beacon Street Girls), whose protagonist derides herself as "the big girl"
at school. The novel was written with the help of pediatric experts to include
the latest research on weight management. Healthy lessons and positive messages
are woven into the adventure-heavy plot. As the story evolves, the novel's
heroine learns to make healthier lifestyle choices and finds a mentor to help
her. A group of 33 girls read a different book called Charlotte in Paris, which did not have an overweight protagonist, and another group of 17 girls read neither novel. After six months, researchers found both reading groups had lost weight but
the girls who read Lake Rescue lost more. They lowered their Body Mass
Index, a ratio of weight and height used to measure obesity, by just under 1 per
cent.
In Canada, more than a quarter of all children ages 2 to 17 are overweight or
obese, Statistics Canada reports. The obesity rate of this age group has tripled
over the past 25 years. Obesity experts say there's a direct correlation between heavier children and
the amount of TV they watch. Studies show having a TV in a child's bedroom
increases their risk of being overweight. Canada.com (October 1, 2008 By:
Rachel Naud) writes that our high-tech super-structured life isn't working.
In fact, it's failing our children. A 2008 report card issued by Active Healthy Kids Canada, a charitable
organization and advocate of physical activity for Canadian children and youth,
issued children an F in physical activity. The data utilized to issue the grade came from a survey conducted by the
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyles Research Institute (CFLRI).
The CFLRI collected pedometer data on a sample of approximately 6,000
children and youth age five to 19 across Canada, measuring the number of steps
kids take in order to assess their activity levels. By examining rates of
participation in organized and unorganized physical activities both in and
outside of school, the pedometer data found that most children and youth are far
below recommended activity levels. The average amount of steps children are
getting is around 11,500.
It's no surprise with competing factors such as video games, cellphones,
computers and TVs, that children are opting for high-tech downtime instead of
participating in sports or activities -- which is why Active Kids Canada also
issued children an F for the amount of screen time they're getting. Residential streets used to be the venue of choice for an impromptu game of
soccer or hockey. However, in recent years municipal bylaws have been put in
place to restrict road hockey, cycling and skateboarding in public areas. In
fact, 96 per cent of the major municipalities in Canada have at least one bylaw
that is restrictive to physical activity for children and youth. But it's not just the law kids have to fight for fitness; they have to get
past their parents.
For instance, parents don't allow their kids to walk or ride their bikes to
school anymore because they fear for their children's safety. And forget about
sending kids down the street to the playground -- parents are opting instead to
enrol them in structured, organized sports and activities. That's why parents should start kicking it old school. Programs across Canada are promoting free activity by supporting active commuting wherein groups of children are walked to school by a volunteer or teacher. Because children and youth are going through critical growth stages, they need 60 to 90 minutes of activity a day to develop their minds and bodies. And although the 60 to 90 minutes can be broken down into several 10-minute increments throughout the day, the benefits of exercise go beyond weight control. Parents have to practice what they preach when it comes to raising active kids. Happily Ever Active™ is a family calendar that helps you organize your busy family schedule. It also helps you and your family focus on active and healthy living. Interactivity—it has 300 stickers for activities like
curling, dance, and hockey. When you finish an activity, find the right sticker
and stick it on your calendar. It's a great visual way to track your family's
physical activity and progress. Tons of great ideas—50 family activity ideas for
every season and 25 great family treat ideas for when you reach
your healthy living goals. Child-friendly snack recipes that your kids are sure
to love. And you too! Plenty of room to write—3+ inches
of writing space per day. And, there's room for every member of your family
to write down their own activities and appointments. Month-at-a-glance—each page has a month-at-a-glance
so you see what's coming up on a monthly basis. Endorsed by certified professional fitness
trainers. Diversity—lists Canadian and American holidays,
Christian, Muslim and Jewish events and celebrations. It also includes special
'activity' days, like 'Bike to Work Day'.
Positive Focus—focuses on healthy living, not dieting
and deprivation. Happily Ever Active™ emphasizes family and having fun
— together. Fundraising—a great way to raise money for
your organization. Uniqueness—its unique format makes it easy to see who's doing what. There's simply no other product like it. Great Illustrations—fun, vibrant images produced by a professional illustrator. The illustrations will also give you more ideas on how to get out there and have fun. The Heart and Stroke Foundation's On The Pulse News (September 22, 2008) writes that new Foundation-funded research shows Ontario
elementary school students aren’t getting enough activity, despite having access
to a number of programs and facilities at their schools. In a study funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario,
physical activity expert Dr. John Dwyer found that most schools were meeting the
province’s required number of minutes in physical education classes (an average
of 100 to 113 minutes). However, this fell short of the Physical & Health
Education Canada’s recommendations for 150 minutes of activity a week for
elementary students. Most schools had intramural and inter-school sports, as well as facilities such as an indoor gym, playground and playing fields. The amount of daily physical activity students and their parents reported was lower than expected, given the availability of these facilities.
Dr. Dwyer says that elementary schools and teachers need more support
from boards of education, health units and other outside influences. He says
that demands on academics and social demands may be contributing to the
declining level of physical activity participation in students since 1998. Tim Hortons Coaches Helping Coaches Clinic - Learn from the Leafs< Join the Toronto Maple Leafs for this free and unique learning experience where you will spend a half day at the Air Canada Centre while you learn from the Leafs. Participants will watch an intense NHL practice session followed by a series of learn from the Leafs training sessions where participants can learn valuable teaching techniques and skills to improve their knowledge of the game. Be a part of hockey history while you and hundreds of hockey parents, trainers, coaches and managers gather in Toronto at the home of the Leafs, the Air Canada Centre. Here’s your chance to ask questions, find answers, and learn what you always wanted to know about teaching the game of hockey. Don't miss out! REGISTER NOW... space is limited! Register before September 26, 2008 for your chance to win one of the following Leaf prizes! 2 Pairs of tickets for the Tim Hortons Private Box vs
Detroit on October 4, 2008 Draw will take place during the coaching clinic on October 4, 2008.
Participant must be in attendance to be eligible to win. From the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Posted September 11, 2008) Children are naturally energetic, but without encouragement they may become
sedentary. These days, many children spend more and more time sitting – in
class, on a school bus, or at home reading, doing homework, using the computer,
playing video games, talking on the phone or watching TV. These can all be
educational and pleasurable, but the reality is more than half of Canadian
children aged 5 to 17 aren’t active enough for optimal health and
development. Be a good role model Keep them moving Children and teens need to be active 60 to 90 minutes a day, most days of the
week. It’s not a matter of trying to fit something else into their busy day.
Instead, you simply need to encourage your children to trade an hour of
inactivity for an hour of activity. About 45 minutes could be spent on moderate
activity, such as brisk walking, skating, cycling or playing outdoors. Another
15 minutes should be for vigorous activity, such as running or soccer. Unstructured activities are beneficial Here are some ideas for unstructured activities: Playing tag
Family activities may include:
Your kids don’t have to make the change all at once.
They may start with stints of 5 to 10 minutes, increasing the time each week
until daily activity becomes part of their healthy lifestyle.
News Release from the Canada Newswire (TORONTO, Sept. 9 2008) Goodbye burgers and chips, hello couscous and grilled chicken. Students at four Ontario high schools will don chef hats and prepare healthy meals this fall. The students will use fresh, locally grown ingredients in meals based on celebrity chef David Rocco's (http://www.davidrocco.com/index.asp) recipes. Healthy eating habits help students succeed. According to the Journal of School Health, students who ate healthy -- and reduced their fat intake --performed better at school. The McGuinty government is launching this pilot project at four schools in Brampton, Kingston, North Bay and Guelph. Since 2003, Ontario has taken several steps to fuel student success through healthier food choices. Dropping trans fat from lunchroom menus and banning junk food in elementary school vending machines and tuck shops are two examples. Real Food for Real Kids and Foodland Ontario (http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/) are partners in this pilot project. Real Food for Real Kids will use their expertise to prepare healthy recipes schools can use. Foodland Ontario will review the recipes and work with schools to identify fresh, locally-grown foods The participating schools offer the new Specialist High Skills Major (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsuccess/SHSM.html) in Hospitality and Tourism. QUICK FACTS
The Canwest News Service (September 4, 2008 By: Jill Barker) writes that according to the Report on the Health of Young People in Canada, released
this month by the Canadian Public Health Agency, between 56 and 64 per cent of
boys are physically active compared to only 39 to 56 per cent of girls.
This trend is particularly prevalent toward the high school years -- physical
activity declines steadily from grades six through 10. Despite the heralded successes of Canadian women in amateur sport (Canadian
women won more medals than Canadian men at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics),
these numbers represent a very small portion of the female population. Girls seem less inclined to participate in traditional sports as basketball, soccer, volleyball and baseball. This is especially true in physical education classes where boys and girls participate side by side. Boys, on the other hand, understand that in the male world, sport has value both socially and professionally. Men often network with colleagues and clients through participation in sport, cementing a business deal on the golf course or getting to know your boss and co-workers on the squash court. Compare that behaviour to women who rarely do business on the golf course or use sport as a vehicle to visit with their girlfriends. Is encouraging girls to be active worth the effort? It sure is. Girls who are
physically active are 92 per cent less likely to use drugs and 80 per cent less
likely to get pregnant. They also enjoy higher than average levels of
self-esteem. And that's not all. According to a poll of 401 female executives,
sponsored by Mass Mutual Financial Group and Oppenheimer Funds, their experience
in sports helped them function better on a team, develop leadership skills and
learn how to better cope with failure, all of which contributed toward their
professional success later in life. Full text. Hamilton Spectator (Thu 28 Aug 2008 Byline: Mike Funston)
Sarah Crane is determined that her six-year-old twins,
Sean and Emma, will grow up physically fit, by limiting their TV and computer
time and ensuring they get plenty of daily exercise.
The Toronto mother and her husband, Jeff, get the kids involved in
recreational programs such as karate and dancing, as well as joining them in
activities such as biking and skiing.
That puts them in the minority among Canadian children, most of whom do not
meet the recommended daily exercise levels, largely because of the time spent on
computers playing video games, watching television and text messaging on
cellphones. Research shows the average Canadian child between ages 10 and 16 spends 42
hours a week on screen time.
"I don't want (Sean and Emma) doing that," Crane says. "It's much better to
be outside, whether it's playing ball or building a snowman." Parents can't depend on the school system to ensure their kids get sufficient
daily exercise.
Ontario's Education Ministry requires schools to provide at least 20 minutes
of exercise per day for children in Grades 1 to 8.
But that's still not enough. "Kids need about 90 minutes of vigorous physical activity a day," says Kelly
Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION,
the federal agency that promotes physical activity for Canadians. "It doesn't
have to be consecutive minutes, as long as it totals at least 90." From the time they are toddlers, kids want to run and play, but the lure of
onscreen activities is diverting them into sedentary lifestyles.
"Even preschoolers are averaging two hours a day in screen time," says
Murumets, citing a study by Active Health Kids Canada, a non-profit group
promoting fitness. She notes childhood obesity is growing and, along with it, the increased risk of developing medical problems such as diabetes. As children return to school, encourage them to walk, if possible. One idea is the walking school bus (a group of children walking to school with one or more adults), says Murumets. "It's a lovely idea and it's community building." The DIGITAL JOURNAL
(Sat 30 Aug 2008
) reports on a new study that encourages exercise to fight obesity but city planners and school
boards have to help bring a pedestrian lifestyle to children. Dr. Jason Gilliland, Director of the Urban Development Program at the University
of Western Ontario, completed a study that should hang prominently
on any family's kitchen fridge. Dr. Gilliland believes parents should allow
their children to walk to school in order to combat rising obesity rates. Also,
he has some advice for city planners to make this exercise possible. Dr. Gilliland and his team surveyed 811 kids aged 11 to 13 in London,
Ontario. They were surprised to find a high number of kids walked to school - 62
per cent. Their research also found that streets lined with trees encouraged kids to walk to
school. What deterred some kids from walking in the morning? High traffic areas and
multiple intersections were major turnoffs, Dr. Gilliland found.
Dr. Gilliland's study, which has yet to be published and was funded by the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, also discovered that boys were 1.5 times
more likely to walk to school than girls. The Hamilton Spectator (Thu 28 Aug 2008, Byline: Mike Funston) ran a story quoting research showing that the average Canadian child between 10 and 16 spends 42 hours a week on screen time and saying that parents can't depend on the school system to ensure their kids get sufficient daily exercise. Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION, the federal agency that promotes physical activity for Canadians says that kids need about 90 minutes of vigorous physical activity a day, not necessarily consecutive time. From the time they are toddlers, kids want to run and play, but the lure of onscreen activities is diverting them into sedentary lifestyles. "Even preschoolers are averaging two hours a day in screen time," says Murumets, citing a study by Active Health Kids Canada, a non-profit group promoting fitness. She notes childhood obesity is growing and, along with it, the increased risk of developing medical problems such as diabetes. As children return to school, encourage them to walk, if possible. One idea is the walking school bus (a group of children walking to school with one or more adults), says Murumets. "It's a lovely idea and it's community building." Northern Life (Aug. 21, 2008) reports that with the end of summer looming, parents may consider decreasing the number of activities their child participates in to ensure their child can focus on academics. However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid, on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Centres, has found that children who are engaged in extracurricular activities experience academic benefits beyond their less-active counterparts. According to responses from more than 1,200 Canadian parents, the number of nights a student participates in extracurricular activities does not negatively impact academic performance. Of those parents surveyed, whose child participates in extracurricular activities on two or more school nights, 84 per cent were identified by their parents as academically at or above average grade level. The amount and type of extracurricular activities will
depend on a number of factors, including the age of your
child. Kindergarten - Grade 2: The early school years are a time for your child to adjust to school routines and explore individual interests. Non-competitive sports and other physical activities, such as dance or gymnastics, are good bets, as well as enhancing your child’s creative side with art or music classes. Grades 3 - 6: Team sports are a good bet at these grade levels. Your child is old enough to remember to follow rules and typically has the maturity to handle a bit of competition. Grades 7 - 12: Pre-teens
and teenaged children can be steered toward activities such as clubs of
interest, volunteering, and leadership activities at school (e.g., school
newspaper) or in the community (e.g., Scouts or Guides). The Leland Trbune (8/21/2008)
writes that North Carolina schools have a new way to track
how they are doing in helping kids to eat better and be more physically active. The Successful Students Scorecard was launched this week to coincide with the
start of school. The Scorecard is an online assessment tool to help schools
measure their progress toward implementing Local Wellness
Policy.
The scorecard is part of a program
led by the N.C. Division of Public Health and N.C. Action for Healthy Kids, a
state branch of the national nonprofit dedicated to improving school food and
physical activity environments and their effect on kids’ health. The Successful
Students Eat Smart and Move More program helps schools and school districts
fully implement, monitor and evaluate their local wellness policies.
The new scorecard
will help school staff and administrators see where they are in their effort to
meet the requirements to provide healthy school lunches, as well as their
progress in making foods all over campus healthier. It asks questions pertaining
to foods and drinks sold in vending machines, as fundraisers, and in concession
stands and meals served as part of school celebrations, as well as foods served
in the cafeteria. The scorecard also provides feedback on steps taken to ensure
that students get adequate amounts of physical activity while on campus and on
how the policy is being monitored.
MSNBC News (August 19, 2008 By: Jacqueline Stenson) suggests getting your kids moving if you want them to do better in school this fall. That’s the
message from a growing field of research linking physical activity with better
academic performance.
At a time when many schools have
reduced or eliminated gym classes and recess, experts say the worry goes beyond
the childhood obesity epidemic. In one of the latest studies in
this field, James Pivarnik, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine
(ACSM) and a professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University in East
Lansing, and colleagues found that middle-school students who
performed best on fitness tests — which gauged aerobic capacity, strength,
endurance, flexibility and body composition — performed better academically as
well. Results from the study, which
included 317 students in grades six through eight, showed that the fittest group
of students scored almost 30 percent higher on standardized tests than the least
fit group. And the least fit students had grades in four core classes that were
13 percent to 20 percent lower than all other kids, according to findings
presented at a recent ACSM meeting. Experts speculate that exercise
may boost academic performance in various ways, including: burning off pent-up
energy and allowing kids to pay attention better and focus on their work;
boosting self-esteem and mood; and increasing blood flow to the brain, helping
with memory and concentration.
Studies in older people have found
that cognitive function is significantly better among those who are active,
Pivarnik notes. So if your child’s school is lacking in PE and recess, should you hurry to sign your kid up for sports this fall? Not necessarily. While sports certainly can help kids to shape up, regular free play — at the playground or your backyard — may work just as well, or even better. The Winnipeg Sun (Mon 11 Aug 2008 Byline: BY LIZA SARDI) writes that if it were up to Kelly Murumets, Canadian students would skip more. The president and chief executive of ParticipACTION says "children are naturally equipped to run and to move and to play and jump and hop." As head of an organization known as the voice for physical activity and sport
participation across the nation since 1971, Murumets is on a kick to get parents
to think about themselves as role models for active lives.
And kids need all the help they can get, given a recent report by CANPLAY
revealing 90% of children across the country don't get the daily physical
activity they need. Aiming to get children to not only hit the books but playgrounds, parks and
sidewalks this fall, she encourages moms and dad to be involved in
school to ensure that gym classes and playtime are not pushed to the wayside --
and to lobby schools to ensure they have extracurricular activities outdoors.
She suggests fundraising to ensure playgrounds are stocked with supplies such
as skipping ropes, frisbees and balls that encourage activity during recess and lunch
hours.
And, as an active public speaker, she often lectures parents on cutting back
on driving kids to school, particularly if they have to circle the block a few
times to get a convenient parking spot. She also advocates for the "walking bus" where a number of students meet at
the bus stop, but then parent volunteers alternate walking them to school.
After school, Murumets encourages joining activities and team sports
where students can learn other skills, such as communication, leadership, role
clarity and co-operation. At home, Murumets' is a big proponent of getting children involved in chores
from vacuuming to dusting by cranking the music and turning it into fun. And she encourages parents
to set limits on screen time and take TVs and computers out of bedrooms.
According to a recent Active Healthy Kids Canada survey, children spend an
average of six hours per day on a screen daily or 42 hours a week. ParticipACTION is set to launch a new program in October, Youth Leading Youth, to target those most at risk. The National Post (August 13, 2008 By: Terri Coles, Reuters) writes that for many adolescents, "screen time" is almost a full-time job that could lead
to obesity, diabetes and other health issues, a Canadian researcher says. Adolescents now spend an average of six hours a day in front of some type of
screen, whether it's a television or computer screen or one of the many portable
devices now popular with young people, studies done by Dr. Ian Michael Janssen
show. Even if they are still playing with friends, children are increasingly likely
to be engaging in more passive activities like playing video games, one reason
why only half of Canadian children aged five to 17 get as much physical activity
as they should each day, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The result is a rise in obesity rates among adolescents. Twenty-six percent
of Canadian children are overweight or obese, according to a government health
committee report, representing a 15% increase over 30 years. In the United
States, the obesity rates for preschool-aged children and adolescents has more
than doubled over that time period, and more than tripled for children aged six
to 11.
Unfortunately, fixing the problem isn't as easy as simply cutting down screen
time, Janssen cautions. While a sedentary lifestyle has been associated with
childhood obesity, as reported in the Canadian Medical Association journal,
Janssen says that physical activity and screen time are separate behaviours in
children. Computers are required for schoolwork, and technological skills are important for future job prospects. Ideally, children should aim for no more than two hours of recreational screen time a day. It's recommended that children get at least 90 minutes of physical activity a day, he said, but any increase will pay off in health benefits. Powered by the Lifestyle Information Network. |
