ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
by David Gilks
As many of you may have read in last week’s News Bulletin, it is our intent to become part of the solution in dealing with obesity, primarily among children. I thought I would clarify the full purpose of this project. The objective of the foundation is to provide ongoing fitness programming for deserving youth in the community. The issue of childhood obesity is becoming more and more prevalent as our society becomes increasingly high tech and fast food orientated. As well, many children cannot afford to involve themselves in sports as much as they would perhaps like, so we will offer ongoing health and fitness camps designed to assist these children to develop better motor skills, general physical strength, increased cardiovascular capacity and thereby developing greater physical health and self-esteem.
We will do this by:
- Tithing a percentage of all monies received by our fitness camps to the fund.
- Involve corporate sponsors to meet our dollar contribution.
- Hiring students currently involved in either the Physical Education Program or the Recreation and Leisure Program at Malaspina College to run and develop the kids' fitness programs. This can serve as a practicum for students engaged in these programs every year.
- Working with Nanaimo Parks and Recreation to ensure camps are run properly and that a safe and controlled environment is provided for the participants.
- Working with local, provincial and federal agencies to ensure the further development of fitness programming for all children across the country.
- Providing leadership and action for health and fitness related issues impacting the children in our community.
- Involving community nutritionists to help educate the families on the fundamentals of healthy eating.
Why is this so important? In an article produced by the Active Healthy Kids Society, several key issues were pointed out. For example, for every 30 minutes spent in a car, there is a percent greater chance of becoming obese. The same study found that those who lived in neighbourhoods with a mixture of shops and businesses within easy walking distance were seven percent less likely to become obese, lowering their risk of obesity by 35 percent. Also, because it is difficult for children to be active indoors, time spent outdoors is highly correlated with increased physical activity levels. This means time away from the TV and computer games. As well, many parents are concerned about the safety of their neighbourhoods and are nervous about letting their children going outside to play.
Unfortunately, the more parental rules that limit children’s play, the less physically active young children are. The more places the child can play that are within walking distance from home, the more active the child is. Since this is a barrier, it is more crucial now than ever to reinstate fitness back into schools and encourage children to embrace fitness as a part of their life. This can only be done by providing positive role modeling and ongoing fitness programming, which will ensure our children have a chance to become successful. Why am I doing this? Because nobody has gotten to where they are in life without help and support from others. The many wonderful mentors, clients, former employers and family members that have their indelible mark on my life, so it is my duty to give back what was so unselfishly given to me during my time of need. The cost of a child's health is priceless so please take the time now to decide to improve the health and the life of a child. We are the stewards of this generation and they deserve the chance to thrive and survive.
