Through their Foundations for a Healthy School document, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health Promotion have provided a philosophy and framework for Healthy Schools in Ontario that follows a comprehensive approach.
In addition to supporting a comprehensive Healthy Schools approach, participation in DPA is associated with a variety of positive outcomes. Below are some of the latest research findings on the many benefits of physical activity.
Academic Performance
- Time allocated for physical education does not negatively affect academic achievement, even when the time is taken away for other subjects.
- Physical fitness and active living have positive effects on academic performance, including achievement in math tests and reading, academic grades, perceptual skills, intelligence quotient and academic readiness.
- In animal models, physical activity has been found to enhance memory and learning, cause new brain cell growth and release chemicals involved in learning.
- Physical activity may help academic achievement by improving self-esteem, attention span, and classroom behaviour.
Healthy Body Weight
- Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy body weight.
- Compared to 40 other developed countries, Canada ranks 5th highest in the prevalence of overweight and obese youth.
- 26% of Canadian children and adolescents are overweight or obese.
Physical Health
- The likelihood of developing hypertension in children decreases with increasing amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
- Small increases in daily moderate intensity physical activity can lower the risk of metabolic syndrome (the combination of health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes).
- In children and youth, physical activity plays a role in the prevention and risk management for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Mental Health
- Mental fitness is higher in students engaged in physical activity at school.
- Physical activity is associated with decreased susceptibility to smoking among youth.
- Active living is positively associated with self-esteem, whereas sedentary behaviour is negatively associated with self-esteem.
- Physical inactivity is associated with emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents.
For more information about Healthy Schools and a comprehensive approach, visit www.ophea.net/healthyschools and read Ophea’s Healthy Schools Article
Series.
The above information is from the Active Healthy Kids Canada 2009 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
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