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Youth

The hearts@school initiative encourages the health, education and recreation sectors to work together to help students and their families achieve healthy living goals.

Why target youth?

Research shows that both good and bad habits start young.

Canadian statistics and research highlight the need for health promotion initiatives targeting youth:

More than 33% of Canadian children are overweight and 15% are obese (2003, BC Ministry of Health Planning)
In 2003, less than 50% of 12-14 year olds consumed fruit and vegetables more than five times per day (2003, Statistics Canada)
18% of teens still smoke and 23% are exposed to second-hand smoke at home (2003, Statistics Canada)
Over half of Canadian children and youth aged 5-17 are not active enough for optimal growth and development (2000 Physical Activity Monitor, Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute)
The cost of inactivity alone has been estimated at $573 million per year (for the population aged 12 and over) (2004, BC Ministry of Health Planning)

Lack of knowledge about healthy lifestyle choices among children and youth contributes to increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.