“We have heard and seen enough to know that teens are in trouble,” says Dr. Claire LeBlanc, a member of the Canadian Pediatric Society. “Research shows that only 36 per cent of Canadians under age 19 are active enough to maintain cardiovascular health. The disease process leading to osteoporosis (brittle-bone disease), hypertension and cardiovascular disease begins in childhood if physical activity levels are insufficient.”

Adds LeBlanc: “We can help prevent these diseases through an active lifestyle.”

Kids can best benefit from getting at least 40 minutes of physical education daily at school. However, only 10 per cent of 15,800 Canadian schools have quality daily physical education programs.

Exercise increases blood flow and nutrient and oxygen use in the brain so it increases alertness, working memory capacity, optimism and in many cases, exam performance too!

Physical education classes are the most powerful factors in school which influence student activity behaviours, but there are others, including recess periods, intramural sports, proper facilities and school officials.

The institute recommends that schools get students involved in planning, organizing and administering intramural programs, and that they increase access to safe play places and equipment before, during and after the school day, on weekends and during summer and other vacations.

If you’re not excited by the prospect of regular opportunities to learn life-time skills such as baseball, skiing, soccer, martial arts, dance, skating, swimming, basketball and gymnastics, try these other ideas: -Try a wide choice of activities beyond organized sports, such as planting a garden, washing the car, playing tag, vacuuming, walking the dog, shovelling snow, building a snowman,  mopping the floors or sweeping the garage.

-Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a brisk walk, try a new activity, or leave the car at home for short trips.

-Be active. Plan activities like hiking, cycling, walking or skating with your buddies and significant others.