Monday, November 09, 2015
South East Grey Community Health Centre
Run, Jump, Play, Every Day to support healthy kids & healthy communities
Local municipalities, schools, health organizations and other community groups are coming together to support healthy kids and healthy communities in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands, in partnership with the Township of Southgate and Township of Chatsworth will receive up to $375,000 in provincial funding over a three year period for this program. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is funding this initiative that focuses on community-led programs that see partners from different sectors working together to implement sustainable activities, and programs and policies to reduce and prevent childhood weight issues and obesity.
“I am excited to launch this program. The idea is to get kids to learn healthy habits from an early age. Good habits learned in childhood will serve them well throughout their lives,” says Dipika Damerla, Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
This past week, students at Highpoint Community School in Dundalk kicked off the first theme, “Run. Jump. Play. Every Day.” Student leaders in grade 7 and 8 worked together to run a four-square tournament at recess for students in grades 4-6, reminding students how easy it is and how much fun it is to be physically active, every day.
"The four square tournament gave students an opportunity to develop social skills by collaboratively agreeing upon and implementing consistent rules. They demonstrated persistence and a commitment to skill development, as they practised and prepared for the tournament not only during structured practice but also on their own time. There was a genuine excitement for this activity, which I hope will transition into students' recreational time outside of school," says Carolynn Dyer, Principal at Highpoint Community School.
The goal of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge is to promote healthy eating and physical activity where children live, learn, and play. Over the next few months, our local communities will be launching projects that encourage children and their families to incorporate more physical activity into their lives.
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children and youth 5-17 years old enjoy at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This includes activities like playing tag, soccer or cycling, to name just a few!
Physically activity is important at every age. Try to encourage infants to participate in floor-base play several times a day. For toddlers and preschoolers, try to get them moving at any intensity for 3 hours each day.
To learn more about the local Healthy Kids Community Challenge, places to get active or physical activity guidelines contact South East Grey Community Health Centre at 519-986-2222.
Media Contact:
Crystal Ferguson
South East Grey Community Health Centre
519-986-2222 ext. 6376
crystal.ferguson@segchc.ca
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