Canadian Children Face Activity and Fitness Crisis
by John Belfry
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:
FACT 1
Daily, physical activity improves children's skeletal health, thereby also reducing the risk of future development of osteoporosis.
Evidence
FACT 2
Recent research has indicated an increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity which is linked to a lack of physical activity. Both obesity and inactivity are modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Increasing participation in regular physical activity will consequently reduce the risk of this fatal disease.
Evidence
FACT 3
Regular physical activity improves children's mental health and contributes to their growth and development.
Evidence
FACT 4
Regular physical activity enhances academic performance.
Evidence
FACT 5
It is important to educate, encourage and motivate children to participate in regular, physical activity because the habits they establish in childhood carry over to adulthood.
Evidence
FACT 6
Participation in regular physical activity has a positive impact on behaviour and healthy lifestyles in youth.
Evidence
FACT 7
An increase of youth participation in physical activity will provide significant reductions in health care costs by decreasing their future risk related to a variety of diseases.
Evidence
These facts suggest that Canadian children are experiencing an activity and fitness crisis. It is critical that we provide our children with attitudes and skills required for them to lead long, healthy and productive lives.
Child care providers play an important role both as role models and by giving young children positive experiences with active play. By encouraging large-motor play and by making physical activity a priority every day, children and caregivers will experience the fun of movement and the benefits of good physical health. Parents who see the importance of active play for their children in preschool and day care settings will be advocates for physical education programs when their children are in school.
Why You Should Be Concerned
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John Belfry is Director, Quality Daily Physical Education for the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 1600 James Naismith Drive, Gloucester, Ontario, K1B 5N4. Tel (613) 748-5622; Fax (613) 748-5737. E-mail CAHPERD@activeliving.ca. The Canadian Child Care Federation is a member of the Canadian Coalition for Quality Daily Physical Education.
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This article appeared in Interaction (Fall 1996), published by the Canadian Child Care Federation. |
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Posted by the Canadian Child Care Federation, August 1997. |
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