Get Active.

It is no secret. Childhood obesity is a serious concern here in Canada. According to Steven Stamis of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada is one of the top five countries in the world when it comes to Childhood Obesity. According to a report in the Ottawa Citizen 20% of our Canada's adolescents are at risk of coronary woes http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Study+finds+teens+risk+coronary+woes/2150337/story.html

It doesn't end there. According to Stats Can 26 per cent of Canadian children aged 5 to 12 are classified as obese. 46% of Canadian Children are not getting the required activity levels for healthy growth and development. And yet despite the epidemic we face no one seems to be doing anything about it.....from government to families.

Physical Education programs across Canada have been slashed in response to reduced government funding for education. In the 1960's over 40% of kids biked to school. That figure is now reduced to less than 5%. True kids are placed in organized activity in greater numbers today, but unorganized activity seems to be an afterthought for most.

Parks across the country are empty as parents worry about the safety of their children. Schools are afraid to engage in new and interesting activities for fear of litigation. In what was once a normal mode of transportation has almost been lost. In the 1960's over 40% of kids biked to school - today that figure is below 5%. As for kids walking to school. Why walk when you can drive.

Isn't it time we said enough. Lets forget about the excuses as it isn't too cold, too dangerous, too late, too early too whatever. Let's start building our communities once again by getting outside and knowing our neighbors. Let's start using the parks that are there for us and force government to better maintain the ones we do have.

This is a national cause but we can all do our bit. I know that I am going to start today!