Studies show only about one in ten kids in the country are getting enough physical activity every day. A report card on physical activity for children and youth rated Canadian kids with an overall D minus.
Healthy Kids Community Project Manager in Kapuskasing, Breanna Plourde says technology plays a big factor as many kids are spending extended periods of time in front of a screen. Plourde says instead, try to take advantage of screen time by remaining active or watching workout videos.
Since we have longer winters here in Northern Ontario, Plourde says many people use that as a barrier to prevent themselves from staying active. However, the colder weather provides more opportunities for families to get enough physical activity by skiing, snow-shoeing, shovelling snow or even building a snow man.
Plourde adds that just because you play a sport or take part in extra curricular activities doesn’t mean you’re getting enough physical activity. For example when you play hockey you’re inactive a third of the time. Kids between the age of 5 and 17 should be getting at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day.
Often times the responsibility falls to the children, but Plourde says it’s up to the whole community to make a change. She says if the community is healthy that’s creating a supportive environment for children that promotes good nutrition, active living and will result in healthier lifestyles.
