Doctors of BC launches pedestrian safety campaign for kids as part of Be Active Every Day

It’s October, and that means Doctors of BC’s annual children’s health challenge Be Active Every Day is back. The challenge, which seeks to get kids aged 5-11 active and playing for at least 60 minutes every day, is coordinated by local physicians around the province who talk to students in their neighborhood elementary schools and encourage them to turn healthy choices into healthy habits.

This year, doctors will be emphasizing the importance of staying safe on BC roads. On average, 2300 pedestrians are injured in car crashes every year. Physicians can play an important role in championing wellness and also teaching youth simple steps they can take to stay safe on our roads. As part of the campaign, Doctors of BC will send a pedestrian safety poster for physician’s offices featuring tips on staying safe when out and about, as well as branded, reflective armbands for patients to wear. These are both designed with pedestrians in mind – to help them stay safe and be seen while navigating our roads. If you would like to take part, please use our online order form found HERE to request armbands and posters. We'll ship everything to you.

Be Active Every Day

Between October 7 and November 1, 2019, the Be Active Every Day theme of “Let’s Play” will encourage 6,000 kids to play games as a fun way to be more active. To help them succeed, kids receive booklets to help them track their activity and discover fun ways to keep active and healthy.

The number of children participating in BAED has reached a record high this year. 

“When the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice put the call out to local doctors, they answered with enthusiasm,” says Dr Ron Wilson. “The opportunity to promote health and wellness to the children in the Comox Valley led to 12 doctors signing up to visit 12 schools to challenge more than 1,400 kids across our community!”

“Be Active Every Day is a fun way to get involved in the community and speak to my children’s classmates about the importance of physical activity” says Victoria palliative care physician Dr Leah MacDonald, “It’s important to learn these habits early and set our children up for healthy, fun lifestyles”

"As a physician, I know the importance of physical activity, and as a father I enjoy finding ways to teach my kids about health, nutrition and fitness,” says emergency and critical care physician Dr Omar Ahmad. “Be Active Every Day combines these with an interactive month long challenge.”

“Anytime we have an opportunity to bring a health initiative to the children of Campus View—we jump on board! It is great for our students and staff to make both curricular and personal connections with  the community – this benefits all of us." Dr MacDonald, Dr Ahmad and Island Health staffer Tara Holmes presented to seven classes over two mornings.

"It was terrific seeing how the kids were interacting. Some of our classes have been studying the human anatomy. Seeing their school work coincide with the presentation was terrific, and a great reminder how important living a healthy lifestyle is! We look forward to watching the kids participate throughout the month!” Mr. Doug Smith, Principal Campus View Elementary Victoria BC.

Be Active Every Day is funded by Doctors of BC through the Council on Health Promotion. For more information visit the Be Active Every Day website at be-active.ca. 

Doctors, please download a pedestrian safety poster for your office.