New legislation banning smoking in vehicles with children under 16 came into effect in Ontario on January 21, 2009. By giving their children a smoke-free ride, parents are protecting their children's health, and taking a step towards improving their own health as well.

Over the past 6 months the Ontario Lung Association’s has implemented the Smoke Free Ride campaign, a province-wide education campaign supported by the Government of Ontario, to urge parents not to smoke in their cars when children are passengers. Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, middle ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are all very serious childhood conditions associated with exposure to second-hand smoke. Yet, many parents who smoke don’t always make the connection between their behavior and serious health consequences for their children. To learn more about the Smoke Free Ride campaign and to help spread the message in your school community, visit www.smokefreeride.ca for more information.

The Ontario Lung Association has many resources of interest to child care providers and parents on issues such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. To learn more, please visit: www.on.lung.ca or call 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) to speak to a Certified Respiratory Educator.

Don’t miss this chance to see some of the world's best athletes compete in Toronto!

Run Like Lightning is inviting your school or track club to participate is a six week activity program which allows students and runners to get fit, raise funds and earn outstanding prize incentives.

A select number of participants in the program will have a chance to meet Usain Bolt during his stay!

The top 5 pledging schools or clubs will be able to select two members who will be invited to Jamaica on an all expense paid trip to meet the world's fastest man.

The first 200 schools or clubs to register in the Gold Medal Program will receive 5 complimentary tickets to the Festival of Excellence on June 11.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL OR CLUB TODAY AT www.festivalofexcellence.ca

1. Visit www.festivalofexcellence.ca and click on “Run Like Lightning”
2. You will be contacted by a Run For Life representative who will guide you through the next steps!
3. Register your school or club, and indicate which program you would like to participate in.

Can-Fit-Pro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
August 19-23, 2009

Can-Fit-Pro announces its 16th annual International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show where some of the world’s top presenters will showcase innovative workshops, activities, and lectures for fitness professionals.

Fitness enthusiasts will discover the latest in exercise and nutrition at the Consumer Fitness & Wellness Show on August 22, 2009.

Media is welcome and may request their passes at media@canfitpro.com.

For more info, visit www.canfitpro.com/default_eng.htm

Toronto, May 1, 2009 – Eleven communities across Ontario are recipientsof the “Youth Friendly” designation as part of the 2008 “Play Works Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program.”  A Youth Friendly community is one that actively supports and provides opportunities for the growth and development of youth (ages 13 to 19) through play. 

This year’s recipients, the Cities of Brampton, Hamilton, Pickering, and Sault Ste. Marie, the County of Brant, the Municipalities of Brooke-Alvinston and Port Hope, the Towns of Ajax and Hanover, the Township of Rideau Lakes, and the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa have all been recognized for their outstanding commitment to providing adolescent youth with opportunities to play, and to participate in and contribute to their communities. 
 
The Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program celebrates communities that are taking steps to open their doors to youth by reinvesting in youth play. The rigorous selection process required communities to meet at least ten of sixteen youth friendly criteria including providing opportunities for play, youth engagement, accessible programs and opportunities for youth activism.  Since 2005, 32 Ontario communities have been recognized as Youth Friendly. 

New in 2008, communities worked towards different levels of recognition: communities that met 10 or 11 criteria are recognized as a Bronze Youth Friendly Community Builder, those that met 12 or 13 criteria are recognized as a Silver Youth Friendly Community Builder, those that met 14 or 15 criteria are recognized as a Gold Youth Friendly Community Builder and finally, those that met all 16 criteria are recognized as a Platinum Youth Friendly Community Builder. 

Many communities have applied in successive years in order to achieve “Platinum Status.”   The 16 criteria resonate with communities on many levels. 

The Town of Caledon, a Youth Friendly Community (2007), used the criteria as a basis for planning.  Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison said, “Being recognized as a Youth Friendly Community is important to the Town of Caledon. During the process of creating the Town’s Recreation Master Plan, youth were identified as a key priority, and we used the criteria set out by Play Works as guidelines on how to better serve Caledon’s youth." She added, "We formed a Mayor’s Youth Council to empower youth by creating a forum for them to give input on matters that affect them directly."

Providing opportunities for youth to play is essential to the Youth Friendly Community principles.  "Play isn’t just playing," states Jennifer Cowie Bonne, the Play Works Chair, “it’s an essential and necessary aspect of development for youth. When communities make youth play a priority, they help youth reach their full potential. Youth Friendly Communities help to build a skilled and employable workforce, a creative cultural community, and healthier individuals - lessening the burden on our healthcare and social justice systems.  

"Many communities large and small, urban and rural, are well on their way to being a youth friendly community." And she adds, "The time for putting Ontario’s youth first is now: I urge all communities to participate in the 2009 Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program." 

Background   Play Works is an independent group of organizations committed to helping youth by encouraging and promoting a greater investment in play.  To learn more about Play Works, the Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program, The Cost of Excluding Ontario’s Youth From Play report, and the 'Do It Yourself' program, a one-time initiative to help fund youth organized activities, please visit: www.playworkspartnership.ca.   

The Play Works Partners are: 4-H Ontario, Arts Network for Children and Youth, Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario, Educational Research Representatives, Laidlaw Foundation, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association, Ontario Young People’s Alliance, Parks and Recreation, Sport Alliance of Ontario Ontario, YMCA Ontario and Youth.  

Play Works acknowledges and appreciates the support from The Laidlaw Foundation, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.  

Media Contact: Diane English, Communications, Parks and Recreation Ontario phone : 416-426-7306 cell : 416-779-8670 denglish@prontario.org

The OHF is asking secondary school teachers and H&PE specialist teachers to inform their graduating students who play hockey inside or outside of school, who are also attending post secondary in the Fall, about the OHF Bursary Program.

The OHF Bursary Program will be fiving out $26,000 in financial assistance to OHF registered participants including placers, coaches, trainers and officials who are currently attending, or will be attending a post secondary institution. Applicants must be high school graduates; enrolled in a post secondary institution, or will be in the Fall of 2009; display commitment at the arena and in the classroom; and are members of the OHF, to be elegible to receive bursary funds. The bursary recipients are determined on the basis of academic acheivements, hockey involvement and community involvement.

More information on the OHF Bursary Program, including eligibility requirements adn applications, is available on the OHF website at www.ohf.on.ca or click here for the Bursary Program Guide.

Contact Melissa Wolk, Ontario Hockey Federation (416) 426-7258

From the Canada NewsWire (March 16, 2009)

Canadian Physiotherapy Association advises parents on protecting children from head injuries during active holiday period

TORONTO, March 16 /CNW/ - Many Canadian children are enjoying time off from school this week and that means a lot of them are skiing, snowboarding, skating, and participating in other outdoor activities. It also means they maybe at higher risk for injury, including a concussion or a more serious brain injury.

Every year about 45,000 Canadians get a concussion. In the past, medical experts expected people suffering a single concussion to recover fairly quickly without serious long term problems. But recent studies are shedding new light on the long term effects of concussions. A Canadian study indicates that even one major concussion can result in poorer memory,decreased reaction times, and a decline in motor skills later in life.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) wants families to enjoy the outdoors this spring break but is reminding them to exercise caution when taking part in activities where they may be at risk for a head injury. CPA recommends the use of properly fitted, approved helmets for sports like tobogganing, snowboarding, skiing, cycling, and skateboarding. If every kid starts wearing a helmet on the slopes or on the ice during the holiday break, it'll be pretty un-cool for their friends to go without!

"We treat kids with brain injuries that, unfortunately, could have been prevented or been less serious if the children had been wearing helmets," says Ellie Wannamaker, a Physiotherapist at Bloorview Kids Rehab in Toronto,Canada's largest children's rehabilitation hospital. "While helmets do not prevent all head injuries, they offer effective protection that can minimize the effects of a blow to the head. Any time a child is doing an activity where they are going faster than their own speed, they should be wearing a helmet. Your child many not think it looks cool, but it could save him or her from a serious injury or even death."

If you think your child has a concussion, here are some of the signs to watch for:

- Physical symptoms including headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, ringing in ears, or vision loss
- Behavioral changes including irritability and anxiety
- Cognitive changes including memory loss, slowed thinking, or lack of concentration

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention and make sure he/she does not take part in any activity that could cause a second blow to the head. If your child is diagnosed with a more serious brain injury consider consulting a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists, whether they work in hospitals, rehab settings, or private clinics, are a vital part of the team in the recovery and rehabilitation process for children who have sustained serious brain injury. A physiotherapist will assess the physical skills and abilities of the child and provide a treatment plan to ensure maximal recovery and a safe return to regular activities.

CHNET-Works! and the Lifestyle Information Network are pleased to announce a Fireside Chat (Pan-Canadian discussions for professionals from community health and sectors related to promoting physical activity for youth)  

Skateboards and Youth #2
Date/time: Friday February 27th, 2009 1:00 - 2:30 PM Eastern Time
For more info/register: www.chnet-works.ca
animateur@chnet-works.ca  

This is the second Fireside Chat in this series on Skateboarding and Youth. As a result of discussions and follow up requests from participants per the Sept 2008 Fireside chat, this 'chat' will look at trends, training and community stories. Across Canada many community leaders want to support physical activity programs for youth. Skateboarding is a favourite with the youth - but not necessarily with the adults/decision makers.
In this Fireside Chat we'll look at some of the 'struggles and successes' and how to garner support for skateboarding in communities per schoolboards and insurance companies, what kind of training is needed and what is available. Co-host, Agnes Croxford will 'set the stage' by providing an overview of what is happening in the 'field' with a sample of questions and comments from health and recreation professionals dealing with the issue of skateboarding in their communities. Agnes will also share some LIN online resources and continuing networking opportunities to support leaders in education, municipal governments, health and recreation as they work to develop Skateboarding opportunities in their communities.
Jen Kelday will share how a Skateboarding program (Skate Pass) was piloted last year in Annapolis Valley schools, the work required with school facilities manager and the school insurance program to be able to teach skateboarding in phys ed class. Jen Kelday will also overview the current implementation at the elementary level in physical education class. The students are loving it!  
An essential element to include in any Skateboarding program: Training for Skateboard Instructors. Janis Luttrell will speak to why this is so important as well as what is available in Canada  and how to get more information. Training is crucial to garnering support from decision makers in municipalities, schoolboards and insurance companies.
 Participants are encouraged to share their experiences re: barriers and success factors, trends and topics to include in future fireside chats re: Skateboarding and Youth  

Who should join in?
Community health and recreation professionals involved in addressing the issue of physical activity for youth in communities.  

Advisors on Tap

Co-host/partner organization for this fireside Chat
Agnes Croxford
Manager, National Recreation Database
Lifestyle Information Network LIN
www.lin.ca

Janis Luttrell
Programmer, Newmarket Youth & Recreation Centre
& Kinsmen Sk8Park
Coordinator, National Skateboard Certification Program  

Jen Kelday
Sport Animator Regional Manager
Annapolis Valley Regional School Board

Use Ophea's Programs and Services and get Recognized by the Ontario Government for Being a Healthy School

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health Promotion have challenged Ontario schools to create healthier learning environments by participating in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program - schools are encouraged to apply by April 16, 2009.

To determine how your school can be recognized, the government has developed Foundations for a Healthy School, which outlines a broad framework to address a variety of health-related topics.

Bye using an Ophea program or service you are well on your way to being recognized. To see how the Active Schools program and other Ophea programs and services fit into the government's Recognition Program, please go to the link below and go to the Ophea Healthy Schools Chart for more information.

http://www.ophea.net/healthyschools.cfm

For more information on the Health Schools Recognition Program and to submit an acceptance form visit:
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/challenge.html

Toronto, Ontario    May 11 - 12, 2009.

NEDIC's 2009 Shades of Grey Conference is all about embracing the nuances of beauty and exploring the complexities of health and well-being. Leading-edge practitioners, educators and activists offer opportunites to share experiences, learn new approaches, and change perceptions about body image issues. Register now for two days of provacative presentations, energizing insights and invaluable network.
www.nedic.ca

For more information visit:
http://www.nedic.ca/NEDIC2009ShadesofGreyConference.shtml

The OHF is asking secondary school teachers and H&PE specialist teachers to inform their graduating students who play hockey inside or outside of school, who are also attending post secondary in the Fall, about the OHF Bursary Program.

The OHF Bursary Program will be fiving out $26,000 in financial assistance to OHF registered participants including placers, coaches, trainers and officials who are currently attending, or will be attending a post secondary institution. Applicants must be high school graduates; enrolled in a post secondary institution, or will be in the Fall of 2009; display commitment at the arena and in the classroom; and are members of the OHF, to be elegible to receive bursary funds. The bursary recipients are determined on the basis of academic acheivements, hockey involvement and community involvement.

More information on the OHF Bursary Program, including eligibility requirements adn applications, is available on the OHF website at www.ohf.on.ca or click here for the Bursary Program Guide.

Contact Melissa Wolk, Ontario Hockey Federation (416) 426-7258