Why do we need QDPE?

There is a growing concern across the nation that while children are receiving sound academic programs in their schools, they are not receiving an adequate level of regular vigorous physical activity. This is especially alarming when you consider the following facts:

• Only 766 out of more than 15,800 Canadian schools have been formally recognized for quality physical education programs on a daily basis [CAHPERD (1995)].

• One of the rationales for promoting physical activity in youth is to enhance their future health by increasing the probability that they will remain active as adults [Sallis & Patrick (1994)].

• Cardiovascular disease kills an estimated 80,000 Canadians annually and cost taxpayers two billion dollars each year in health care costs.

• Physical activity in adolescence has an important role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life by enhancing peak bone mass [Bailey & Martin (1994)].

• Forty percent of Canadian children have at least one risk factor for heart disease — reduced fitness due to an inactive lifestyle [Fishburne & Harper-Tarr (1992)].

• In North America, 40% of five to eight year old children can be classified as obese [Fishburne & Harper-Tarr (1992)].

• Not only do Canadian children show a statistically significant decline in physical fitness beyond the age of 12 [Saskatchewan Growth Study (1983)], but only 10% of Canadian youth are active enough to receive any heart-health benefits [Health Canada, Campbell's Survey on Well-Being in Canada (1988)].

• The average Canadian child watches more than 26 hours of television [Forbes (1987)] and spends up to 30 hours sitting in school each week [CAHPERD].

• Lack of regular physical activity may be as detrimental to longevity as cigarette smoking [Powell, Thompson, Caspersen & Kendrick (1987)].

These facts suggest that Canadian children are experiencing an activity and fitness crisis. It is critical that we provide our children with the attitudes and skills required for them to lead long, healthy and productive lives. QDPE is an investment in the future of Canadian youth.

(Note: The sources for the above facts can be found in The Evidence Behind QDPE.)

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