ACTIVE KIDS

Being healthy includes a good diet and nutrition, getting a good night's sleep, being physically fit and active and playing safely.

• One in three Canadian children do not get the necessary amount of physical activity to promote development of the cardiovascular system, muscle strength and flexibility.
• Canadian children watch an average of 15.5 hours of television per week.  Add computer and video games and internet surfing and children are spending too much time in front of a screen.
• Diet and amount of physical activity contribute to the development of obesity.
• As reported in 2000, the number of Canadian children classified as obese: boys 13.5% and girls 11.8% (a 92% and 57% increased prevalence over 15 years of study)
• Obesity has been associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease and some forms of cancer.  More children are being diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

Benefits of Regular exercise

• Build strong bones (peak bone mass is achieved before age 20)
• Strengthen muscles
• Maintain or improve flexibility
• Achieve or maintain health weight
• Promote good posture and balance
• Strengthen the heart
• Decrease cholesterol and blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers
• Decrease stress and anxiety
• Less likely to be heavy smokers or use drugs
• More likely to stay in school
• Learn teamwork, self - discipline, sportsmanship and leadership skills
• Increase energy
• Improve self esteem
• Improve quality of sleep

Lifestyle Choices

Studies suggest that people are less active as they grow older.  Those individuals who are active as children are more likely to be active adults.  Physically active lifestyles over the years lead to healthier bodies.

Motor skills like riding a bike, skating or throwing a ball for example are more easily learned early in life.  Missed opportunities for development as a child limit a person's opportunities as an adult.

Adults are role models for children.  Parents should set examples for healthy behaviours.

Increase activity may be derived from play, sports, transportation, physical education or planned exercise.  Activity can be sporadic and interspersed throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the far end of the parking lot, get up from the desk and stretch, walk to school or help with household chores.

According to Health Canada experts, children should have 90 minutes of physical activity throughout the day, every day.  This should include 60 minutes of moderate activity like walking , playing outdoors, skating or biking, and 30 minutes of vigorous activity such as running, basketball or soccer.  It is proposed that 90 minutes of "screen time" be eliminated in favour of increased activity. Visit www.healthcanada.ca/paguide for more information on how to guide your children toward more activity.

Encourage your children to be active through praise and example for a healthier lifestyle.

D. Freer & Associates is a multidisciplinary clinic with a staff of physiotherapists, massage therapists, dietitian and personal fitness trainer that can assist you in becoming more physically active.

Michelle Kleiner

Registered Physiotherapist