COVID-19 Takes a Toll on the Physical Health of our Youth.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, around the world we have seen movement levels plunge due to COVID-19 restrictions. With many students returning to school this fall, we are seeing the results of this lack of movement. Students' fitness levels are lower, they are quicker to become out of breath and many are carrying extra weight. This is a direct result of the increase in sedentary time during the pandemic.

Movement is imperative for children. It helps keep them healthy, it is necessary for development and it helps them learn. Children should have high levels of physical activity, low levels of sedentary behaviours and adequate sleep every day. This includes:

• Engaging in at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity - their heart rate should increase and their breathing should become heavier.

• 8-11 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night with consistent bedtimes and wake up times (children under 13 should be at the higher end of the range with ages 14-17 on the lower end.)

• No more that 2 hours per day of recreational screen time.

The pandemic isn't entirely to blame but it has made an already problematic situation worse. Schools cannot bear all of the responsibility for children achieving these health guidelines and it has been show that there are 3 major factors that increase the likelihood of healthy movement behaviours outside of school:

1. Parental encouragement & support.

2. Parents playing actively with their children.

3. Dog ownership.

This is a difficult time for all of us - this includes our children. Taking 1 hour out of your day to play with your children or encourage them to do something active may not only improve their physical and mental health but it may help yours too.

As always, if you are stuck for ways to be active with your kids, visit our activities page or feel free to reach out.

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