As Minister of Health, I am proud to draw attention to Canada’s first-ever National Health and Fitness Day. Last year, thanks to the work of Senator Nancy Greene Raine and Member of Parliament John Weston, the first Saturday of June was officially established as a national day to promote health and fitness for all Canadians. This year is our first opportunity to celebrate – and what a great opportunity it is!
This year, National Health and Fitness Day falls during Healthy Me Week, an awareness week with activities taking place across the country to encourage Canadians to make small but important lifestyle choices to be more active, eat well and lead healthier lives. In Canada, 2015 is also the Year of Sport. The FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off today, is just one of the many international sporting events taking place across the country throughout the year.
With all these opportunities before us, there is no better time to get active and think about the important role physical activity plays in our health, well-being and overall quality of life.
It’s surprising to know that only four percent of Canadian children and youth are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Children who are not active enough or are not maintaining a healthy weight are at a much higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. These health risks are an important reminder for making regular physical activity and healthy eating part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Government of Canada invests approximately $20 million each year in projects that focus on addressing common risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy eating and tobacco use, to prevent chronic disease. The Play Exchange, Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) and RBC’s Learn to Play Project are just some examples of innovative partnerships involving all sectors of society, including the private sector, that are helping kids and youth get and stay active, prevent injuries and reduce their risk of chronic disease in adulthood.
Let’s build on the momentum of these initiatives. In this Year of Sport, and on this National Day of Health and Fitness, let’s get Canadians up on their feet and into play.
I encourage you to commit to making physical activity or sport a daily part of your life. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference!
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
