This article gives you quick ideas on how to incorporate more fun activity into your day. It's a great hand-out for parents/families and just about anyone looking for some new ideas.
Weaver, R. G., Beets, M. W., Webster, C., Beighle, A., & Hubertay, J. (2012). A conceptual model for training after-school program staffers to promote physical activity and nutrition. Journal of School Health, 82(4), 186-195. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00685.x
PDF file, 229 pages Published: Sep 2010 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This is a user-friendly resource to link teachers, youth coaches, and community instructors with the multitude of resources available across Canada to support healthy and active school communities.
A hard copy is also available at the Centre Library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1311.
100 pages Published: May 2009 GeoOrigin: International
The policy approaches and resources within this toolkit represent a collection of current best approaches that have been identified, reviewed and selected by Leadership for Healthy Communities and the 11 policy-maker organizations participating in the program.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre library: Health/Well-Being--Community Health, Report ID #1310.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring issue examines the recent implementation of daily physical activity (DPA) in Alberta schools and offers some examples of schools that have successfully incorporated DPA into the school day. The issue also discusses ways in which Alberta Education is supporting the initiative.
Based on a consultation process, this document describes a vision and strategic directions for active after school programs for girls and young women.
The policy recommendations were developed for community, provincial/territorial and national level organizations to use when considering the design and delivery of active after school programming.
A national organization, well known for its annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.
A key organization who is advancing knowledge and providing evidence base information for advocacy work, to increase support for quality, accessible and enjoyable physical activity participation experiences for young people across Canada.
Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Council on School Health (2006). Active healthy living: Prevention of childhood obesity through increased physical activity. Pediatrics, 117, 1834-1842.
Active Kids Healthy Kids is an initiative of the Nova Scotia Government to help increase the physical activity levels of children and youth in Nova Scotia.
On this website, you will find an overview and the initiative's strategy as well as resources and research.
You will also find two research reports (the benchmark study (2002) and the follow-up study (2005) that examined the physical activity levels children and youth in grade 3, 7 and 11).
Part of Nova Scotia's Active Kids, Healthy Kids initiative, this resource suggests ways for childcare operators and staff to increase physical activity in their programs.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
"The family that plays together stays together." On page 2 of this WellSpring issue, the article discusses the importance of intergenerational relationships in physical activity, sports, and recreation. The author also suggests that we need to rethink how we currently isolate people by generation in the various forms of activity, sport, and recreation in our communities.
A series of 9 booklets that deals with different types of disabilities and addresses physical education opportunities for each. A practical resource for teachers; includes strategies and ideas to promote inclusion of all students.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Persons with a Disability, ID #1239
Active Movement is a series of 14 brochures that show parents and others involved with infants, toddlers, and young children how to incorporate quality physical activity into their lives.
229 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This resource contains a wealth of fun, easy-to-implement activities that are specifically designed to teach 2- to 6-year-old children important health concepts.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth, ID # 1085
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Aug 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
In recent years, a new type of video game has emerged: the active video game, which gets people out of their seats and moving around as they play the game. Wii and other active gaming products have become incredibly popular.
pdf file, 1 page Published: 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article summarized a study on why adolescents stop physical activity. The study also relates these reasons to stages of exercise change, using a model describing barriers to youth's participation in recreational activities.
What is the future of the Canada's Physical Activity Guides to Healthy Active Living? Here you will find reviews and evidence-based information that will shape the future of Canada's guides for physical activity.
Specific reviews address different populations, ages and abilities. Others examine the impact, limitations and strategies for the future.
This is a great section on the Physical and Health Education's (formerly known as CAHPERD) website. Here you will find great resources to help you in your advocacy work:
Current research
Facts and stats
Physical education information from across the country
Advocacy tools
You will also find tips for parents, teachers, administrators and politicians on how you can advocate for better physical education and health.
This report focuses on the idea of a comprehensive after school strategy to get children more active. This is a largely unsupervised and inactive period of time.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth, ID #1304
Beets, M. W., Beighle, A., Erwin, H. E., & Huberty, J. L. (2009). After-school program impact on physical activity and fitness: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 36(6), 527-537. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.033
The Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities (ACHSC) promotes healthy school communities through comprehensive school health approaches.
On this site, you will find information about the ACHSC and links to key organizations and publications.
This website can be used to help you develop and access information and resources.
psychologically, and offers suggestions for parents and teachers on how to help kids be active from a young age, at school and at home. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
9 pages Published: Jan 2010 GeoOrigin: International
Jerrett, M., McConnell, R., Chang, C.C.R., Wolch, J., Reynolds, K., Lurmann, F., Gilliland, F., & Berhane, K. (2010). Automobile traffic around the home and attained body mass index: A longitudinal
cohort study of children aged 10–18 years. Preventive Medicine, 50, S50–S58. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.09.026
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2007 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Obesity prevention and treatment have traditionally been seen as separate areas with separate goals.
However, reaching common ground between these two areas can help individuals and families either prevent weight gain or help them lose or manage weight.
This WellSpring article looks at prevention approaches and the traditional treatment approach (focusing on weight as an individual issue).
The article then discusses another treatment approach that tries to bridge the gap between clinic and community.
Downs, S.M., Marshall, D., Ng, C. & Willows, N.D. (2008). Central adiposity and associated lifestyle factors in Cree children. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33, 476-482.
224 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This issue is a series of research articles that focus on the challenges of combating childhood obesity and the research being done to address it. Volume 16, #1 the Future of Children
This resource is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity, ID #1241
The Childhood Obesity Foundation is a registered charity and a leading Canadian authority on issues related to childhood obesity.
This website is dedicated to educating Canadian children, their families and care givers, educators, business and government about the problem of childhood obesity.
Please tour our website to find out more about the 5-2-1-0 rule as well as what else families, educators, business and government can do to help prevent childhood obesity
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Feb 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Recently, there has been much discussion and research regarding children’s play activities and the significance of play. This increased focus is partly due to rising obesity and overweight rates among children in Canada and other countries. This WellSpring article aims to shed light on children’s views about play, with a particular focus on what children themselves think about play activities and meanings of play.
112 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This resource provides teachers with creative, alternative physical activity ideas to integrate physical activity throughout the day. Includes posters.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1308.
Annesi, J.J. (2005). Correlations of depression and total mood disturbance with physical activity and self-concept in preadolescents enrolled in an after-school exercise program. Psychological Reports, 96, 891-898.
From this link you will find a brief explanation of the goals, policy, procedures and guidelines behind the implementation of Daily Physical Activity (DPA).
You can download (as pdf files):
DPA School Handbook for grades 1-9.
Five-minute awareness video.
Results from the pedometer study.
DPA literature review.
This information will help Alberta teachers and administrators implement daily physical activity in their schools.
Beets, M. W., Wallner, M., & Beighle, A. (2012). Defining standards and policies for promoting physical activity in afterschool programs. Journal of School Health, 80(8), 411-417.
doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00521.x.
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Feb 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring article offers background information on the City of Edmonton’s experience with using a “design” approach for playground developments. The author makes note of the poor state of physical conditioning in our young people and the alarming increase in children’s “screen time.” He suggests that to help counteract these trends, a fresh approach to playground design and development is needed. He provides recommendations for playground development committees, and proposes that new or refurbished facilities be interesting or creative enough to engage children and entice them away from other “inactive” (or electronic) choices.
Miller, Y.D., & Brown, W.J. (2005). Determinants of active leisure for women with young children: An "ethic of care" prevails. Leisure Sciences, 27, 405-420.
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
In 2011-12, a pan-Alberta Advisory Committee worked to create a physical literacy policy for Alberta child care settings. The committee included experts in child development, health, recreation, child care, and policy development. This WellSpring article shares the experiences of some of the committee members and outlines the policy development process used by the committee.
This resource provides information on diabetes and includes suggestions on how to deliver this information to youth in Grades 5 or 6. The information reinforces healthy lifestyles choices, including quality daily activity and proper nutrition.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1288
pdf file, 35 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
Do More, Watch Less! is a toolkit for after school programs and organizations serving youth between the ages 10 and 14.
This tool provides step-by-step guidance on incorporating more screen-free activities into children's lives while reducing the time they spend watching TV, surfing the Internet and playing video games.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: Alberta
On page 6 of this WellSpring issue, the article discusses the importance of playing in childhood. The article also shows the different ways in which children can play and how play has changed over the years with the influence of televisions, computers, and organized sports.
Eat Smart, Play Hard is a national campaign in the United States designed to convey science-based, behaviour-focused messages about healthy eating and physical activity. Messages are "kid-tested" and based on the Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Veugelers P. & Fitzgerald A. (2005). Effectiveness of School Programs in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Multilevel Comparison. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 432-435
Sallis, J.F., McKenzie, T.L., Conway, T.L., Elder, J.P., Prochaska, J.J., Brown, M., et al. (2003). Environmental interventions for eating and physical activity: A randomized controlled trial in middle schools. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24, 209-217.
The ESTEEM TEAM program sends Canada's Olympic, Paralympic and World Class athletes to classrooms, community clubs or other facilities to encourage children and youth (grades 4-8) to make healthier choices.
The program includes resources for the teacher/leader to prepare for the athlete's visit and to reinforce positive self-development and reduce negative or compromising behaviours.
Pate, R.R., Saunders, R.P., Ward, D.S., Felton, G., Trost, S.G., & Dowda, M. (2003). Evaluation of a community-based intervention to promote physical activity in youth: Lessons from active winners. American Journal of Health Promotion, 17, 171-182.
This is a resource is for recreation practitioners, professionals, community volunteers and others living in Northern communities who work with children, youth or families.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1282
This is a review of the research the hopes to answer whether out-of-school time programming can be used to help combat America's battle with youth obesity by promoting increased levels of physical activity.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1229
Dollman, J., Norton, K., & Norton, L. (2005). Evidence for secular trends in children's physical activity behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39, 892-897.
Timperio, A., Salmon, J., & Ball, K. (2004). Evidence-based strategies to promote physical activity among children, adolescents and young adults: Review and update. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 7(1 Suppl), 20-29.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Sep 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Pages 1 and 2 of thisResearch Update article discusses the findings of a study that explored the facilitators and barriers to unstructured free play for families (children, youth and adults) living in rural communities in Northern.
Pyle, S.A., Sharkey, J., Yetter, G., Felix, E., Furlong, M.J., & Poston, W.S.C. (2006). Fighting an epidemic: The role of schools in reducing childhood obesity. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 361-376.
This link takes you to over 50 informative articles written for practitioners, parents, teachers, facility designers, policy-makers and researchers about physical activity and leisure for people with disabilities.
This link includes information on various topics, including the following:
The second edition of Growth, Maturation, and Physical Activity has been expanded with almost 300 new pages of material, making it the most comprehensive text on the biological growth, maturation, physical performance, and physical activity of children. 2nd Ed.
This resource is also in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, ID #1019
Scroll all the way down to find this resource (you'll see some other great resources along the way).
The best time to learn basic movement skills, such as climbing, catching, throwing and jumping, is in early childhood.
This resource supports physical activity programs and helps to create a positive self-image in early learning and childcare settings.
The toolkit provides research, a resource list, great ideas for activities, a fact sheet and interactive CDs, food guides and, of course, a beach ball.
You can order the toolkit (for a cost). However, you are able to download the content (in pdf) for free from this site. Great for parents, teachers and daycare providers!
The Healthy Active School Resource is packed with information and ways for teachers, administrators, parents and community leaders to promote healthy active lifestyles. You can download both the Winter and Summer Edition.
This resource is connected with the annual WinterActive, and SummerActive campaign.
The 2010 Active Healthy Kids Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.
This report highlights the importance of physical activity among our nations's youngest population, the outcomes associated with physical activity (in particular the psychosocial), and explores recently released data on the declining fitness of the nation. It evaluates 17 indicators across 5 broad areas of influence.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre Library: Population Groups-Children/Youth, Report ID #1322.
Parks and Recreation Ontario designed HIGH FIVE, a program committed to ensuring that children have positive sport and recreation experiences for healthy children development. HIGH FIVE provides parents and recreation workers with tools, training and resources. The HIGH FIVE Quality Assurance Process is an accreditation system for recreation and sport programs.
Kaler, S.N., Ralph-Campbell, K., Pohar, S., King, M., Laboucan, C.R., & Toth, E.L. (2006).High rates of the metabolic syndrome in a First Nations Community in western Canada: prevalence and determinants in adults and children. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 65, 389-402.
Describes what is meant by leisure time and why people should be more physically active. Lists strategies to help families increase their physical activity levels during their free time and provides suggestions for activities. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Jan 2013 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Low levels of physical activity among Canadian children and youth are a public health concern. This WellSpring article points to relevant physical activity research and offers suggestions to parents about how they may be able to increase their children’s participation in physical activity.
Bauer, K.W. (2004). How can we stay healthy when youre throwing all of this in front of us? Findings from focus groups and interviews in middle schools on environmental influences on nutrition and physical activity. Health Education & Behavior, 31, 34-46.
This Research Update article summarizes a research study that compared individual, family, and neighbourhood characteristics for children from birth up to age eight and related these characteristics to children's health outcomes.
Describes the status of physical education programs in schools, and discusses the benefits for children. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Sep 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Girls often become less physically active when they are teenagers. This Research Update highlights a study about what girls, ages 10 and 11, think and feel about being physically active.
Verstraete, S.J.M., Cardon, G.M., De Clercq, D.L.R., & De Bourdeaudhuij, I.M.M. (2006). Increasing children's physical activity levels during recess periods in elementary schools: The effects of providing game equipment. European Journal of Public Health, 16, 415-419.
9 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: International
Willenberg, L. J., Ashbolt, R.,Holland, D., Gibbs, L., MacDougall, C., Garrard, J., Green, J. B. & Waters, E. (2010).Increasing school playground physical activity: A mixed methods study combining environmental measures and children's perspectives. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 210-216. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.02.011
Atkin, J. A., Gorely, T., Biddle, S. J. H., Cavill, N., & Foster, C. (2010). Interventions to promote physical activity in young people conducted in the hours immediately after school: a systematic review. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 18, 176-187. doi: 10.1007/s12529-010-9111-z
Canada's Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth for 2008 is the fourth annual overview of key indicators in relation to the physical activity levels of Canada's young people. This is a summary document.
This resource is available in the Centre library: Populations -- Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #1154
JUMP is a nationwide program that encourages children and youth to be active and to stay active while raising money for an important cause.
The website allows you to register your school or child in this event. You will find resources and tools under the "Teacher" section.
Students can access the "Kids" section, which provides a variety of fun, interactive activities to help motivate them for this event.
KidSport is a national children's charitable program that helps disadvantaged kids overcome the barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport. KidSport identifies needs in the community and raises funds for programs (registration, equipment, and program development) that benefit children 18 years of age and younger.
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Jun 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The “Learning to Train” stage of the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) framework is a vital part of developing physical literacy in children. This WellSpring article outlines the importance of this stage, and offers insights and guidance to coaches, teachers, parents/guardians, recreation leaders, youth leaders and other adults responsible for children’s activities and sports programming, as they work to promote physical literacy in girls aged 8 – 11 and boys aged 9 – 12.
Dwyer, J.J.M., Hansen, B., Barrera, M., Allison, K., Ceolin-Celestini, S., Koenig, D., et al. (2003). Maximizing childrens physical activity: An evaluability assessment to plan a community-based, multi-strategy approach in an ethno-racially and socio-economically diverse city. Health Promotion International, 18, 199-208.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Aug 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Discusses the social, physical, and policy factors affecting the level of a child's activity. Stresses the importance of exercise to child development. Provides suggestions for parents, community recreation leaders, and local and provincial governments on how to increase the physical activity level of children in Canada. An audio version is also available.
The Be Fit For Life Network has created the Move & Play through Physical Literacy cards to assist activity leaders interested in integrating Physical Literacy into a variety of programs, activities and environments.
Over 75 cards are included in this set, focusing on Active Start, FUNdamentals, and Learn to Train stages of the Long Term Athlete Development Model.
When time and space are limited, Moving on the Spot helps parents, childcare workers, and teachers be physically active with children aged four to 12 years.
This website helps you search many resources about physical activity, leisure and exercise for people with mobility barriers to physical activity
The programs and resources include the following:
Books, journals, magazines, newsletters, pamphlets and reports.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Dec 2007 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article discusses how the built environment affects children and youth's opportunities to be informally or formally physically active.
Ellaway, A., Kirk, A., Macintyre, S., & Mutrie, N. (2006). Nowhere to play? The relationship between the location of outdoor play areas and deprivation in Glasgow [Electronic version]. Health & Place.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight and obese Canadian children has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, many significant health risks are associated with being overweight during the growing years. This WellSpring article discusses obesity among children and youth, why it is a problem, and what we can do. The article also offers ways for parents, schools, and communities to support active living, healthy eating, and positive body images.
The 2007 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, is the third annual overview of physical activity levels of Canada's young people. For the third straight year, Canada has received a failing D grade.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Populations -- Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #1151
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Oct 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
ParticipACTION is back, and researchers want to know what impact the "new generation" NG-ParticipACTION is having on Canadians. This WellSpring looks at what researchers have found out about the efficacy of the new ParticipACTION media campaign.
The Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program is a free online educational resource for grade 4-9 teachers and students. This program is designed to teach Canadian students about people with disabilities, sport for the physically disabled, and the Paralympics.
Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) is a national, charitable, voluntary-sector organization whose primary concern is to influence the healthy development of children and youth by advocating for quality, school-based physical and health education.
This paper examines the reasons for inactivity among low and moderate income children and youth and discusses what it might take to address this problem.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #1236
van Zandvoort, M., Tucker, P., Irwin, J. D., & Burke, S. M. (2010). Physical activity at daycare: issues, challenges and perspectives. Early Years, 30(2), 175-188. doi: 10.1080/09575141003667282
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created this website to help the general public understand the new physical activity guidelines released by the U.S. government.
Included in the guidelines are short video clips that help to explain the guidelines.
At this Physical Activity Forum, Dr. Mark Tremblay, an internationally known expert in childhood obesity, spoke about preventing childhood obesity using big picture strategies.
You can view the presentation and panel discussion. As well, Dr. Tremblay has provided a copy of his presentation for you to use.
The Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CANPLAY) study by the CFLRI collected pedometer data on a national sample of approximately 6,000 children and youth (ages 5-19).
This study measured the number of steps children take when participating in organized and unorganized physical activities both inside and outside school.
Key results are as follows:
Children who participate in organized physical activity or sport outside school take more steps than children who participate in organized activities at school.
Children who participate in sedentary activities (e.g., watching television, playing video or computer games) between the end of the school day until dinner time take fewer daily steps than those who do not participate in these sedentary activities.
Children who participate in general outdoor play, organized physical activity or unorganized physical activity between the end of school and dinner time take more steps per day than children who do not.
Children whose parents report being more active than other adults take more steps per day than children whose parents report being less active than other adults.
Statistics Canada.(2011). Physical activity of Canadian children and youth: Accelerometer results from the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey(Catalogue no. 82-003-XPE). Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2011001/article/11397-eng.pdf
Beets, M. W., Huberty, J., & Beighle, A. (2012). Physical activity of children attending afterschool programs. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(2), 180-184. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.10.007
Fees, B., Trost, S., Bopp, M., & Dzewaltowski, D. A. (2009). Physical activity programming in family child care homes: providers' perceptions of practices and barriers. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 41(4), 268-273. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2008.01.013
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Apr 2004 GeoOrigin: National
This position paper outlines the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine's concern with the alarming increase in inactivity and the decline in fitness among Canadian children.
The 2004 Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in Balance is a report on the initial assessment of the nature, extent and consequences of childhood obesity. The findings and recommendations are described in the report.
You will also find a follow-up study and specific reports addressing the roles of schools, communities, media and industry.
At the bottom of the screen, you will find a series of fact sheets on these topics as well!
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Aug 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Regular physical activity is a vital cornerstone in leading a healthy life, for children and adults. This WellSpring article addresses the importance of helping all children to achieve physical literacy at a young age and provides an update on steps being taken in Alberta by Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) and other key stakeholders to better promote physical literacy to all Albertans.
This report provides recommendations to the Government of Canada on how to improve the health and wellness of our children. It is a summary of cross country consultations and document review.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1233
Flynn, M.A., McNeil, D.A., Maloff, B., Mutasingwa, D., Wu, M., Ford, C., et al. (2006). Reducing obesity and related chronic disease risk in children and youth: A synthesis of evidence with "best practice" recommendations. Obesity Reviews, 7(Suppl 1), 7-66.
pdf file, 53 pages Published: Jan 2005 GeoOrigin: Ontario
The impact of the built environment on health is an emerging field of study. This report discusses how the low walkability of sprawling neighbourhoods and the resulting increase in car use contribute to the growing obesity epidemic, especially in children.
This document focuses on the enhancement of regional coordination and the establishment of regional priorities for action to prevent pediatric obesity.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity [file cabinet], ID #1240
This is an evaluation of the "Safe Routes for Kids" workshops that were given in 5 California communities to increase the number of children walking or biking to school.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth [file cabinet], ID #1228
Haug, E.,Torsheim, T., Sallis, J.F.,& Samdal, O. (2010). The characteristics of the outdoor school environment associated with physical activity. Health Education Research, 25, 248-256. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/her/cyn050
Bower, J. K., Hales, D. P., Tate, D. F., Rubin, D. A., Benjamin, S. E., & Ward, D. S. (2008). The childcare environment and children's physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(1), 23-29. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2007.09.022
Boreham, C. & Riddoch, C. (2001). The physical activity, fitness and health of children. Journal of Sports Sciences. 19, 915-929. doi:10.1080/026404101317108426
This report describes the findings of a literature review about how screen time affects children's health and well-being. It focuses particularly on screen time and how it may influence physical activity, dietary intake and body weight.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth[file cabinet], ID#1307
This resource is designed as a storybook for children to read and complete the activities to increase their diabetes awareness. It combines various traditional teachings in the story.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1283
The Health Council of Canada highlights the inequalities that continue to threaten child and youth health. It challenges governments and communities to put that knowledge into action.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1292
PDF file, 1 page Published: Dec 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The long-term health risks for children with overweight or obesity have been well-established. Typically one thinks of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes, but one of the other significant risks is developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It’s estimated that 10-25% of children with overweight or obesity have NAFLD.
Currently, there are no evidenced-based guidelines for how to treat NAFLD in children. This Research Update article explores recent research in establishing healthy eating and physical activity guidelines for treating NAFLD in children.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Mar 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This [http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/research.html,Research Update} article highlights a study of five-year-old children in Saskatoon that compared children's outcomes with the resources available in their communities and with their community's characteristics. This article was written by the Saskatchewan Population Health Evaluation and Research Unit (SPHERU).
McMillan, T.E. (2005). Urban form and a child's trip to school: The current literature and a framework for future research. Journal of Planning Literature 19, 440-456.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This fact sheet is written for teachers and those who work with children and youth. You will find information and practical tips on how to use pedometers to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Sep 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article discusses a study that examines the potential for active living in all 60 of Saskatoon’s residential neighbourhoods, as well as how active school-age children are in each of these neighbourhoods. The objective is to determine the links between how urban built environments are developed and how they encourage or discourage children to be active.
The program was created through a public- private partnership to reach out to youth by involving schools, families, and communities to help them build skills that empower our students to make smarter activity choices for a healthier future.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Programs [file cabinet], ID #1026
Hind, K. & Burrows, M. (2007). Weight-bearing exercise and bone mineral accrual in children and adolescents: A review of controlled trials. Bone, 40, 14-27.
pdf/html file, 16 pages Published: Sep 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The purpose of this project was to learn about physical activity participation, physical activity opportunities, sedentary behaviour and caregiver role modeling in after-school programs across Alberta. Two infographics are included with this report: a) physical activity in after-school programs, and b) sedentary time in after-school programs.
Shepherd, J., Harden, A., Rees, R., Brunton, G., Garcia, J., Oliver, S., et al. (2006). Young people and healthy eating: A systematic review of research on barriers and facilitators. Health Education Research, 21, 239-257.
pdf file, 39 pages Published: 2008 GeoOrigin: Ontario
This report, put together by Play Works, discusses the benefits of and how to create communities that are youth friendly.
The report reviews eight common good practices for communities. Using these good practices, a community can take concrete steps to develop a youth friendly community.
The report also provides success stories and suggestions on ways to take action.
These are the results from a focus group of Canadian youth who shared their views on physical activity. The data was then used in the development of the 1991 document "Because They're Young - Blueprint for Action."
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #39
