Fun and Fitness – the Name of the Game

With childhood obesity rates increasing, experts agree it is more important than ever to get our children physically active. Consider this:

• Over half of children and youth aged 5 to 17 are not active enough for optimal growth and development.
• Rates of childhood obesity in Canada have almost tripled over the past 25 years.
• Leading causes of climbing obesity rates include a combination of physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and genetic factors.
• Health Canada recommends that children and adolescents should increase the time currently spent on physical activity, starting with at least 30 minutes more per day in periods of at least 5 to 10 minutes. Children need 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day, most days of the week.

Traditional recess games, whether played at school or at home, combine fun and fitness – two key factors in keeping kids active every day. In addition to providing them with an opportunity to be physically active, these games also act as a stress reliever and help children develop social skills, problem solving abilities, imagination and conflict resolution. What’s more, research shows children who are physically active are more likely to be active, fit adults. So join in the fun and try these games with your children.

Last reviewed January 2007.