The Province supports new physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for the early years (children aged 0-4) released today by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and ParticipACTION.

The Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years recommends children aged four and under should move more and sit less every day.

These guidelines are Canada's first evidence-based physical activity guidelines and the world's first separate evidence-based sedentary behaviour guidelines for this age group.

The early years are the most critical for neurological development, as the most significant brain growth occurs in the first six years of life. The experiences of early childhood have a profound impact on the overall health and well-being of individuals throughout their lifetime, which is why getting children active, away from screens and minimizing other sedentary behaviour at an early age is so important.

In November 2011, the Province signed a statement of intent with ParticipACTION. Both are currently working together to become partners in promotion of physical activity in B.C.

This statement of intent supports Healthy Families BC, a public-health strategy that focuses on prevention and health improvement for British Columbian families and communities by building on B.C.'s reputation as a leader in transformative health-care reform.

Quotes:

Michael de Jong, Minister of Health -

"Everyone is so busy and it can be challenging to work physical activity into the lives of families. These new guidelines provide a good benchmark for families across the nation and the province on keeping their young children active and healthy.

British Columbia is recognized as a national leader in healthy living and physical fitness, and we are making the healthier choice the easier choice. By partnering with ParticipACTION, the Province hopes to continue to increase physical activity rates among British Columbians of all ages."

Marc Faktor, CSEP certified exercise physiologist, manager of Health Promotion & Resource Development: Physical Activity Line, and blogger Healthy Families BC -

"Research has clearly shown that individuals who are not active during their upbringing are at a disadvantage when it comes to executing movement patterns later on in life. These guidelines are very timely as they provide an important vehicle to promote the overwhelming importance of physical activity in relation to optimal growth and development.

It is essential that we recognize and continually promote physical activity as the best medicine to prevent and treat a vast range of chronic diseases, disorders, and conditions. It is absolutely essential for parents to set the stage for their children to develop optimally by integrating active transport, active play, and active family time into the lives of their children at a young age."

Quick Facts:

• The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is the principal body for physical activity, health and fitness research and personal training in Canada.
• ParticipACTION is the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada.
• B.C. has the highest physical activity rates for youth and adults compared to other provinces and territories throughout Canada.
• The direct and indirect cost of physical inactivity in B.C. is estimated to be $573 million annually.
• Physical activity helps to prevent and treat chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer and osteoporosis.
• Physical activity also helps to prevent and treat chronic disorders and conditions like obesity, arthritis, depression, anxiety and several other psychological disorders.

Learn More:

To view the new Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years, visit: www.csep.ca/guidelines or www.participACTION.com

To learn more about Healthy Families BC, visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)