Canadian children are lacking the exercise needed for brain health, according to the latest finding of the ParticipACTION report, released last month. The report gives Canadian kids a D+ grade for their overall level of physical activity.
Interestingly, the numbers drop from 62% of children between 3-4 years of age getting the recommended physical activity levels, to only 35 per cent of children from the ages of 5 to 17. Both groups are also getting more screen time than is recommended.
It’s hard to believe, but just 60 minutes/day of physical activity helps children:
- develop cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and bone density
- maintain a healthy body weight
- increased creativity
- reduce the risk of chronic disease and health problems
- lessen the likelihood of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
- feel better every day, through improved mental health and well-being
And even harder to believe is that children who aren’t active enough are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular illnesses.
5 years ago, a study across Canada showed us that only 1 in 10 children in Canada met the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Knowing what this meant for their health, across the country people have been working to make physical activity a regular part of daily Canadian living.
Let’s Make a Difference
Here are a few tips to help teach children the importance of daily physical activity:
- Let us Help! At Creating Together, we apply the City of Toronto’s Rainbow Fun Guide in our programming – a physical activity and healthy eating program for children 3-6 years old. Through this program, children build on skills like listening, singing, movement and participation, while developing their fine and gross motor skills. Keep your eye out in our calendar for the busy body exercise cards, parachute play, play in the park, and scarf dancing.
- Encourage – gently encourage them to walk or ride their bikes
- Schedule – be sure there is active time scheduled each day
- Mix it up – intersperse periods of moderate activity (e.g., walking or biking) with periods of more vigorous activity (e.g., running or or tag)
- Register – check with the Fun Guide, local schools and community centres for affordable programs (e.g., swimming, soccer, gymnastics)
- Unstructured Activity – For children who shy away from competition, build in physical activities that are informal and unstructured (e.g., tag)
- Mimicry – children under the age of six are constantly learning by copying what they see and hear, so set a positive example by being physically active as a family.
- Praise – remember to praise your children for being active. Confidence is the key to success!
- Share – reinforce positive health messages with other parents and caregivers, with information about physical activity, healthy eating and self-esteem.
Other Resources:
- Towards a Healthier Canada – 2017 Progress report on advancing the federal / provincial / territorial framework on healthy weights.