Helping kids “Be Active Every Day”: October 3rd-28th

A call to action – we need your support: I think we can all agree that many kids these days spend significant time watching TV or playing computer and video games than they do being physically active. And I think you will agree with me that they would be much healthier if they spent more time playing sports, riding bikes or being active outdoors. In fact, according to the Active Healthy Kids Canada report card, only 9% of Canadian kids aged 5-17 get the 60 minutes of heart-pumping activity they need each day.

Encouraging physical activity among children is the driving motivator behind Doctors of BC’s annual Be Active Every Day initiative which aims to help kids be more active and make healthy choices. In partnership with their local elementary school, doctors across BC coordinate a month-long challenge to kids: Be active for 60 minutes every day. This initiative is an opportunity for physicians to inform and support kids about the benefits of being active and leading healthy lifestyles – all the while bringing out our own inner child to make it fun for everyone. And it doesn’t take a lot of time at all. You simply commit to speaking to the kids in your community at the start and end of the month. Doctors of BC staff will support participating doctors and schools with materials, videos, and other materials. The teachers and school staff then work with the kids throughout October to keep them engaged and active. 

This year’s theme ‘How to Be a Dance Star’ is sure to get kids moving, and I’m excited to offer my own support and participate – I will be joining 45 of our colleagues who have already signed up. Last year more than 4,700 students throughout the province were challenged and motivated by 40 doctors and resident doctors with the help of nurse practitioners, divisions and athletes. We have the ability to make a difference – to make a lasting impact on children and help them turn healthy choices into healthy habits.  Please help boost these numbers and do your part in your community!

The deadline to register is Monday, September 26th. I encourage you all to sign up, set a huge example, and be a part of the event that gets kids moving!