List of « Nuvel » columns   Children and Physical Activity Are you aware that 3 out of 5 Canadian children - between ages of 5 to 17 - are so physically inactive that it impedes their optimal growth and development? As Canadians, we should be alarmed by the fact that 1 out of 4 children is considered obese. Unfortunately, statistics for adults are not that encouraging. In fact, 61 % of adults - over 18 years of age - are not considered sufficiently active for optimal health benefits. Highly Meaningful Statistics According to the «Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (2000)», there is a relation between the level of physical activity, age and sex. Girls are generally less active than boys. Only 38% of girls and 48% of boys are sufficiently active to gain optimal health benefits. Children are more active than adolescent. In fact, 44 % of girls and 53 % of boys are physically active compared to 30 % of adolescent girls and 40 % of adolescent boys. A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body Physical activity provides important mental and physical benefits to children and adolescents. In fact, those physically active have a higher muscular and aerobic strength, bone mass density, self-esteem, etc., when compared to those who do not exercise. Risks of obesity are reduced as well as cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, insomnia, etc. Such problems are affecting more and more children and adolescents. Understanding Physical Inactivity among Youth Taking into consideration the above benefits, one should understand the factors influencing young people to be - or rather not to be - physically active. For example, a family that is active has a positive impact on its children. The opposite is true. Factors that encourage children and adolescents to maintain an inactive life style are as follows: spending long hours viewing television, playing video games on the computer, parents stressing academic achievements, etc. Opposing the forces of inactivity is something possible. Research has shown that children and adolescents are good actors at imitating their parent's life style. Thus, inactive parents are more likely to have inactive children and adolescents. As parent, it is of the utmost importance that physical activity becomes something important in the early childhood of their children. One thing remains: the sooner children are initiated to an active life style, greater are their chances of remaining active throughout their adult life. References: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. 2000 Physical Activity Monitor. Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. The research file. Understanding Youth Physical inactivity. 00-05.