LThe Bulletin notes that just 35 percent of youth ages 5 to 17 and 62 percent of children ages 3 and 4 meet recommended levels of physical activity for their age group.
Pediatrician Mark Tremblay specifies that physical activity, even in short periods, gives young people better cognitive functions and optimal mental health. He adds that those who are more active have better self-esteem and are generally more focused and less stressed than their less active peers.
He adds that young people with disorders such as autism spectrum or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could benefit from regular physical activity.
The 2018 edition of the ParticipACTION Newsletter includes an expert statement on physical activity and brain health in young people. This statement suggests that in order to achieve better cognitive processes, better brain function, and better mental health, all young people should be physically active on a regular basis.
Mark Tremblay is the director of the Institute for Healthy Lifestyles and Obesity at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He is also the Chief Scientific Advisor of the 2018 ParticipACTION Bulletin.
The organization says this Report Card is Canada’s most comprehensive assessment of physical activity among young people.
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