The Alberta Centre for Active Living invited Dr. Mark Tremblay, an internationally known expert in childhood obesity, to speak at the Centre's 2008 Physical Activity Forum.
You can view the presentation and panel discussion. As well, Dr. Tremblay has provided a copy of his presentation for you to use.
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.
Bailey, D.A., McKay, H.A., Mirwald, R.L., Crocker, P.R., & Faulkner, R.A. (1999). A six-year longitudinal study of the relationship of physical activity to bone mineral accrual in growing children: The University of Saskatchewan bone mineral accrual study. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research, 14, 1672-1679.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Oct 2007 GeoOrigin: International
This factsheet summarizes recent research examining the role that regular physical activity and physical education play in a child’s academic performance.
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).
html file, 2 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
"The family that plays together stays together." This WellSpring 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.
Let's send our kids the right messages! Here you will find a list of books which contain positive physical active messages. The books are categorized for children in preschool through to grade eight.
The 2006 version has "girl-friendly" books that portray active, positive, female role models.
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. Almost six million units of Wii sold in its first five months on the market. Other products such as DanceDanceRevolution have received lots of attention as well.
Many people are wondering if active video games are a good way to exercise, but academic research investigating this question has been slow. That being said, the research that has been done has yielded promising results about the physical and psychological outcomes of playing active video games.
This WellSpring covers the following topics:
Types of active video game products
The outcomes of active video games: what the research says so far
html file, 2 pages 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.
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.
This WellSpring article discusses the physical activity results of the Beyond an Apple a Day survey of the physical activity and eating patterns of Alberta youth in grades 7 and 8.
Bright Futures is an American health-promotion initiative to promote and improve the health and well being of infants, children, and adolescents. This guide presents physical activity guidelines and tools for health professionals in partnership with families, teachers, coaches, and community leaders. The guide can be used in many settings including childcare facilities, schools, recreational facilities, and health centres.
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
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.
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 incorporateing more screen-free activities into children's lives while reducing the time they spend watching TV, surfing the Internet and playing video games.
A copy of the toolkit can be downloaded (PDF) or free hard copies can be ordered.
html file, 2 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring 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.
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.
Keats, M.R., Culos-Reed, S.N., Courneya, K.S., & McBride, M. (2006). An examination of physical activity behaviors in a sample of adolescent cancer survivors. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 23, 135-142
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.
Recreation for children and youth raises self-esteem, increases skills, promotes team work, and provides positive role models. Recreation "opens up developmental pathways to enrich their life quality, not only in developmental years, but throughout life." But there are barriers for children: registration fees, cost of necessary equipment, transportation, possible racial and class discrimination, and lower skill levels than middle-class peers. Twenty agencies in Waterloo Region have produced a video discussing the "Ten Essentials Children Need" for healthy development.
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:
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights a study that assesses physical activity, fitness, body mass index and insulin sensitivity in youth aged 9 to 15 years. The Healthy Hearts research project is a school-based study conducted in seven rural communities in central Alberta.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Sep 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights the Saskatchewan Rural Youth Healthy Lifestyles and Risk Behaviours Project.
Little information is available about health issues facing rural youth in Western Canada. A team of researchers assessed the health needs of youth in rural Saskatchewan to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce risky behaviours in this population.
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.
Improving the Health of Young Canadians, 2005, explores the association between five positive “assets” (parental nurturing; parental monitoring; school engagement; volunteerism and peer connectedness) and the health behaviours and outcomes of Canadian teens.
In a nutshell, youth who have positive ties with family, school, peers, and community tend to be in better health and have higher self-worth. Teens with lower levels of parental nurturance or who do not feel engaged at school are less likely to report being healthy and are more likely to participate in behaviours that can put their health at risk.
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.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Feb 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The main article in this WellSpring issue summarizes evidence that physical activity can help smokers cope with some difficulties in quitting smoking, e.g., weight gain, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.
The commentary from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Commission discusses AADAC's Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy and Sport for Life program for young people.
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.
The Living School Initiative is an evidence-based Ontario program for comprehensive school health. Living School motivates, supports and assists school communities to address the risk factors for chronic disease and obesity - physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, tobacco and substance use and abuse.
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.
Klinck, J., Cardinal, C., Edwards, K., Gibson, N., Bisanz, J., & da Costa, J. (2005). Mentoring programs for Aboriginal youth. Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health, 3, 109-130.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges member states to celebrate "Move for Health" day each year to promote physical activity as essential for health and well-being. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic, noncommunicable diseases which cause 60% of global death and 47% of the burden of disease. This web site provides information sheets dealing with physical activity that relate to benefits, policy, youth, women, and older people. Links to other related WHO strategies are provided.
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.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 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.
pdf file, 26 pages Published: Jul 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The focus of Active Edmonton for 2004/2005 was children and youth.
This report summarizes key insights from the On Your Mark Symposium. The reports suggests collaborative action to help Edmonton youth, ages nine to 13, become more physically active outside school.
A great report to learn more about policies, programs and initiatives.
Statistics show that a growing number of American children and adolescents are overweight or obese. The primary causes are a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns. This fact sheet suggests how to be a positive influence in helping your child acquire healthy physical activity and eating habits.
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.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2005 GeoOrigin: International
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States have prepared fact sheets on benefits of physical activity and American statistics on overweight and physical activity participation rates.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Fewer than 40% of adolescents are active enough to enjoy the health benefits of physical activity. This WellSpring article discusses the relationship between physical activity during adolescence and the physical environment . The article also presents research studies showing that physical environment elements, such as the type of facilities, affect Alberta adolescents' decision to be physically active.
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.
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.
htm file, 1 page Published: Mar 1999 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article describes a study of the characteristics of Alberta teenagers who take physical education in secondary schools. The study found a significant drop in the number of students (especially females) who take physical education after Grade 10.
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.
This short fact sheet highlights results from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey which estimated that 17% of American children and adolescents are overweight. This demonstrates a steady increase in the number of children and adolescents who are overweight from previous surveys.
At the bottom, you find a link to additional fact sheets on this particular topic.
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!
Dodd, K.J., Taylor, N.F., & Graham, H.K. (2003). Randomized clinical trial of strength training in young people with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 45, 652-657.
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.
Rushovich, B.R., Voorhees, C.V., Davis, C.E. Neumark-Sztainer, D. Pfeiffer, K.A. Elder, J.P. et al. (2006). The relationship between unsupervised time after school and physical activity in adolescent girls. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3, 20-29.
SHAPE wants children to be more active and live healthier lifestyles.
This website is full of ideas and resources for school staff, parents and the community to help get students walking, biking, skipping and scooting to school.
Notable programs/resources include:
The Walking School Bus.
International Walk to School Week.
Tools For Teachers.
Manuals and publications to help kick start your school.
Krizek, K.J., Birnbaum, A.S., & Levinson, D.M. (2004). A schematic for focusing on youth in investigations of community design and physical activity. American Journal of Health Promotion, 19, 33-38.
Silken's Active Kids Movement encourages us to ensure that our schools, neighbourhoods and communities are places where kids can play and be physically active.
This is a very user-friendly site. Parents, teachers and recreation leaders will find some great resources, tools and ideas.
pdf file, 16 pages Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: National
Teachers can use this resource guide to lead discussions about the importance of physical activity in achieving health benefits and feeling good about themselves. The guide includes tips for behaviour change techniques, class project ideas, and case studies of how other educators specializing in a variety of subjects built physical activity into their lesson plans.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: May 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Explores the reasons that make physical activity so important for adolescent girls. Lists factors that contribute to the successful participation of girls in sport and physical activity. Suggests a variety of activity ideas for female teens.
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.
"VERB It's what you do" is a social marketing campaign coordinated by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The campaign encourages youth aged 9-13 (tweens) to get moving and have fun. This web site provides resources and information. Links to a cool web site for tweens, [link], and for parents, [link], are also given.
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.
Discusses whether age is a cause for concern, presents safety guidelines, explores the advisability of avoiding near maximal lifts, and lists the benefits of resistance training. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This WellSpring article suggests policy changes in schools to combat childhood obesity. These suggestions arise from the Beyond an Apple a Day (BAAAD) survey of grade 7 and 8 Alberta students.
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, 8 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: National
The Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study has been conducted in Canada every four years since 1990. The 2001-2002 survey examines patterns in the determinants of health and trends in health behaviours and attitudes. The healthy living section reports that boys are more active than girls and that a high proportion of students watch several hours of television and play computer games at least one hour each weekday.
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.
DeBar, L.L., Ritenbaugh, C., Vuckovic N., Stevens, V.J., Aickin, M., Elliot, D., et al. (2004). Youth: Decisions and challenges in designing an osteoporosis prevention intervention for teen girls. Preventive Medicine, 39(5), 1047-1055.
