Alberta Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Initiative What does it mean for you? Presented by Dr. David W. Chorney Faculty of Education University of Alberta

Strong evidence exists that physical activity contributes to the overall well-being of individuals. People of all ages can substantially improve their health and quality of life by including a moderate amount of physical activity into their daily routines. Participation in physical activity contributes to physical, mental, and social well-being providing benefits to the individual and the community. Alberta learning K-12 PE Program of Studies 2000, p.2

The World Health Organization (2002) reported that in 2001, 1.9 million global deaths were attributed directly to physical inactivity. Specifically, “physical inactivity caused 15% of some cancers, diabetes and heart disease.”

In 1998, Canadians 15 years and older spent an average of 15 hours per week watching television compared to only seven hours per week in active leisure pursuits. (The numbers are worse today!) Time spent playing video games by Canadian children is amongst the highest in the world. We are currently #1..Yay :( In 1998, less than 37% of 5-18 year-olds walked to school. (the numbers are worse today!)

29% = The proportion of adolescents who are overweight or obese in Canada. 14% = The portion of children between 9 and 12 years of age who eat 4 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. ( servings is the daily recommendation) 25% is the percentage of vegetables eaten by children that are French fries. 33% is the portion of Ontario students in Grades 4 to 8 who consume soft drinks daily. 25% is the portion of Grade 6,8, and 10 students who consume candy and chocolate bars daily. Sources: Statistics Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Call to Action: Creating a healthy school nutrition environment. Some numbers to chew on!!

Physical activity plays a vital role in reducing anxiety, depression and tension, and has positive effects on the emotional status of both young and old people.

Children and youth who participate in regular physical activity are less likely to smoke or consume alcohol or drugs.

Physical Education VS. Physical Activity Physical Education- what is it? A school subject designed to help children and youth develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for participating in active, healthy living. As such, Physical Education programs are an integral component of the total school experience for students. Physical Activity - What is it? Physical activity is a movement of the body that expends energy; such as participation in sports, dance, and exercise. Physical activity is used in physical education programs as a medium for teaching curriculum content and for providing fun opportunities through which to practice and improve on learned skills.

Daily Physical Activity (DPA) initiative: The goal of Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is to increase student’s physical activity levels. DPA is based on the belief that healthy students are better able to learn and that school communities provide supportive environments for students to develop positive habits needed for a healthy, active lifestyle. Policy: Starting in September 2005, school boards shall ensure that all students in grades 1 to 9 are physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes daily through activities that are organized by the school.

Alberta Education provided $1.2 million dollars to help implement DPA in September Boards have flexibility to spend this increase, based on the needs of their individual schools, to assist with implementation of DPA. In order to increase physical activity levels of senior high students, Alberta Education will be working on an overall health and wellness plan to address the unique needs of this group. It is for this reason that the implementation of DPA will not proceed at the high school level at this time. Mr. Premier? --Black gold-- How would you spend the money? Does the University have a role to play here?

In 2001, the economic burden of illnesses or injuries associated with physical inactivity was $5.3 billion dollars ($1.6 billion in direct costs, $3.7 billion in indirect costs). This represented 2.6% of all health care costs in Canada that year! Direct costs were defined as “the values of goods and services for which payment was made and resources were used in treatment, care, rehabilitation related to illness or injury” Indirect costs were defined as “the value of economic output lost because of illness, injury- related work disability, or premature death” There is evidence that physical activity during adolescence may protect women against later development of breast cancer. Reid, C., Dyck, L., McKay, H.; The Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Girls and Women; British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s health; Vancouver, 2000, p.9 Long term benefits for Albertans

How much activity is enough? Health Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Children and Youth recommends that inactive children and youth increase the amount of time they currently spend being physically active by at least 30 minutes per day and decrease the time they spend in sedentary activities by 30 minutes per day. Over several months, the Guide suggests that children and youth (aged 6-14) should accumulate at least 90 minutes of physical activity per day and reduce sedentary activities like playing video games and watching television by 90 minutes per day. For more information see

Resources for your benefit: 1. Go to curriculum and resources and then to Physical Education. 2. Alberta Education sent a draft copy of resources specifically related to the DPA initiative to all schools participating in the field review in the spring of A DVD and draft handbook can be viewed online at: 3. For more physical education information see: 4. Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Are there any questions?