The winter season has long had a bad reputation. “Oh, the weather outside is frightful” may be the start to a classic Christmas song, but the words can describe the rest of the winter season. For the past week we have been treated to some wonderfully mild temperatures, however, freezing rain, snow and wind chill can make it tempting to hibernate in front of a warm fire and dream of Florida rather than bundle up and head out into the fresh air for exercise. But there are ways to beat the elements such as dressing appropriately for the weather, drinking enough water to prevent dehydration and participating in physical activity in the community.

Kipling Parks and Recreation is hosting a Family Fun Spiel on Saturday, December 30, 2006. Avid curlers of all ages are encouraged to attend - the cost is a mere $20/rink! Call Susan at the Rec Office to register your rink 736-8440. This event is sponsored by Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation Association and Sask Lotteries.

Rising rates of obesity illustrate good reason why physical activity is essential throughout the long winter months. In Canada, recent reports indicated that 57% of adult men and 35% of adult women are overweight or obese. The statistics are not much better for youth. Levels of obesity among Canadian children aged seven to 13 have nearly tripled over the past 20 years. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke, as well as type two diabetes, gall bladder disease and some cancers. Adding more physical activity to daily life is one way to combat obesity and other growing threats to health.

According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute in Ottawa, over half of 5 to 17 year olds in Canada are not active enough for optimal growth and development. The majority of adolescents in Canada are not meeting the current recommendations for physical activity. In addition, approximately half of teens are not vigorously active on a regular basis. In the same study, schoolchildren in grades 7-9 were 35% less active than schoolchildren in grades 4-6. An identical decline was observed in grade 10-12 students compared to the previous grade category.

Physical activity decreases with increasing age or school grade. Physical inactivity contributes to an increased risk of high blood pressure - in 2000/01, more than 3 million males and females aged 12 years and older had high blood pressure.
What if the prescription to counter many of our health problems were as simple as regular physical activity???? (Something to consider for 2007.)

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with happiness and prosperity!

SUSAN HENGEN
Recreation / Facilities Co-ordinator