Canada's report card on physical activity for children & youth 2008 : Bulletin canadien de l'activité physique chez les jeunes 2008

We are thankful to the Lawson Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Kellogg Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for their financial support of the Report Card effort in 2008. [...] Trend analyses over time, along with ongoing refinement and accuracy in data-gathering methods, provide further indication that we need to build on and enhance the good work that is currently underway in order to address the issue of physical inactivity and the related health and development issues emerging among children and youth as a result. [...] However, particularly given rising concerns of increases in chronic diseases and the subsequent demands on our health care system, a proactive and preventative approach to the health and wellness of our children and youth must remain top of mind and on the country’s agenda. [...] Active Play home, at school, and in the community INC The objective of the Report Card is to examine the current state of child and youth health in Canada as it relates to physical activity and overweight and obesity. [...] The purpose of the Physical Activity and Inactivity category is to set the stage for the remainder of the Report Card by providing a current snapshot of the overall physical activity patterns of Canadian children and youth.