Canada Gets an F for Physical Activity -2010 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card

Recently Active Healthy Kids Canada released the 2010 National Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. For the fourth year running as a nation we receive an F for Physical Activity.

Only 12% of Children and Youth are meeting Canada’s guidelines of 90 minutes of physical activity a day. Sadly we’ve slipped slightly from 13% in ’09. That said, we’ve got to focus on the momentum that is building, and the progress that has already been made. In 2007 the national average sat at 9%, so there has been progress and awareness is building.

Let’s be real though, 12 or 13 % it doesn’t matter, it’s pretty brutal.

Here’s a quick break down of our national results for Physical Activity Levels:

C    Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation

F    Active Play

D   Active Transportation

F   Screen Time

There is a ton more information in the Report Card that you should check out. You can download your copy from the Saskatchewan in motion website.

The Saskatchewan specific page doesn’t look much better.  As a province we’re sitting at 13% of kids getting their 90 minutes/day of physical activity.

Does that sit well with you? It really doesn’t with me.

The bottom line is that if we live inactive, sedentary lives in our younger years its likely we will live that way when we’re older as well. Inactivity is a recipe for an unhealthy life.

The good news is here in Saskatchewan (and across Canada) an effort is being made to make sure physical activity is recognized as being a hugely important issue.

Even better than that you can take this info and make a lifestyle choice that is good for you! Then once you see how great you feel living active you may want to spread the word.

If you have any questions, or want advocacy tools or more info, make sure you leave a comment below and we’ll get you all the info you need!

Kenji