Staying Active with Your Child

Physical activity is important in everyone’s life, especially a child’s. The rising rate of overweight and obese children in Canada is alarming. The number of children aged 2 to 17 who are obese or overweight has increased from 15% in 1978/1979 to 26% in 2004. [1] A combination of healthy eating and exercise can help to combat these increasing numbers.

Physical activity has many benefits. Exercise can help to promote growth and development, maintain a healthy body weight, reduce fatigue by increasing energy, and increase concentration at school, among many other benefits.

The Canadian Physical Activity Guideline suggest children aged 5-11 should participate in an accumulation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day. [2] Moderate intensity activities include bike riding, or activities that will cause them to breathe heavier and sweat a bit. Vigorous activity includes things such as swimming and running, or activities that cause them to be out of breath. [2]

Exercise is a great way for you to connect with your child, set a good example, and gain health benefits. Keeping active in the community will create opportunities for you and your child to meet new people in PoCo. Why not take advantage of some resources PoCo has to offer?!

Here are some great free or low cost ideas for you to stay active with your child in PoCo:

1. Enjoy the Trails! Make use of the 266 hectares of park land including 46 km of trails in PoCo. [3] Try participating in an activity with your child such as walking, rollerblading, or biking. Pick up your free Trail Guide at City facilities.
   


2. Walk Around! PoCo has a free stroller and dog friendly walking program. This volunteer run club encourages all ages to drop-in for free and take part on the 30-60 minute long walks.[4] This is a great way for both you and your child to meet new people!
   


3. Use the Facilities! PoCo has wonderful recreational facilities to take advantage of including Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex which has public skating and drop-in hockey. Hyde Creek Recreational Centre offers a pool, weight and fitness rooms, racquetball and squash courts, dance studio, and martial arts studio. For more information on times, prices, and programs refer to the leisure guide.
   


4. Free Active Cards! Grade 5 and 6 students can obtain a free get active card which allows them access to recreational facilities. Click here for more information.
   


5. Show Off Your Skills! PoCo has a free bike skills park open to all ages and skill levels. Get your child involved in this fun activity, maybe even learn a few tricks yourself! Find out where here.
   


6. Workout Outside! If you are looking to stay active with your child, try using the free outdoor gym at Gates Park. While it is designed for ages 12 and up, those under 12 can use the gym with parent supervision.

Money Saving TIPS:

• Tax Credit! Parents can apply for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. This tax credit is available to parents for a child under 16 in an eligible program of physical activity. Click here to find out how. [5]
  


• Subsidy! Individuals can apply for a subsidy for recreational programs and memberships, due to financial difficulties. Application forms can be picked up at city-owned recreational facilities. [6]

With the free facilities, clubs, and endless trails it is easy to stay active in PoCo without having to travel far or spend a lot of money! Spend time with your child while keeping active. Remember a combination of healthy eating and exercise can promote good health for both you and your child and prevent the rising rates of overweight and obese children in Canada.

Enjoy all that PoCo has to offer!

For more ideas on how to keep your family active check out this video!

References

[1] Stats Canada. (2006). Childhood obesity: A troubling situation. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from http://www41.statcan.ca/2006/2966/ceb2966_004-eng.htm

[2] Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. (2011). For children-5-11: Guidelines. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG.pdf

[3] Port Coquitlam. (2010). Parks, sports fields, and trails. Retrieved October 21, 2011 from
http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Citizen_Services/Parks_and__Recreation/Parks_and_Trails.htm

[4] Port Coquitlam. (2010). Walking programs. Retrieved October 21, 2011 from http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Citizen_Services/Parks_and__Recreation/Leisure_Guide/Walking_Program.htm

[5] Port Coquitlam. (2010). Child fitness tax credit. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from
http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Citizen_Services/Parks_and__Recreation/Leisure_Guide/Child_Fitness_Tax_Credit.htm

[6] Port Coquitlam. (2010). Financial assistance. Retrieved October 21, 2011 from
http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Dynamic/Page705.aspx

Photo courtesy of:
http://media.mercola.com/imageserver/public/2010/June/6.22kids-exercise.jpg

Author: Alicia