Welcome to the Healthy Kids Community Challenge for De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre

The Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC) is Ontario’s new program to support the health of our children and De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC) has been selected to be a part of it.

What is the HKCC?

The HKCC focuses on bringing parents and community partners together to create long-lasting changes for healthier children.

The overall goal of the HKCC is to improve the health of children by promoting: healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.

DAHC services a wide area and together with community partners we will focus on what works best for our community.

The HKCC offers many benefits for children and families, including:
• Skills for staying active and eating well
• Support with making healthy choices
• Close links to supports within the community
• More chances to be involved and included

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Power off and Play!

The fourth theme for the HKCC is Power off and Play!

This theme encourages kids and families to build a balanced day by replacing recreational screen time with other fun activities.

Not all screen time is unhealthy. Screens can offer an important way to learn and communicate at school and at work. However, many kids use screens for recreational purposes and may sit, recline or lay down the whole time they are using the device. This kind of screen time could take time away other fun activities.

Why does screen time matter?

  • Early development – Higher screen time is linked to poor brain development, language development and attention skills in the early years.
  • Physical health – Higher screen time is linked to lower levels of physical fitness and unhealthy weights.
  • Psychosocial health – Higher screen time is linked to behavioural issues, lower self esteem and lower psychological wellbeing.

Three ways to address screen time:

  • Stay within recommended screen time limits:
Age Recommended hours of screen time
Under 2 years None
2 – 4 years Less than 1 hour a day
5 – 17 years No more than 2 hours of recreational screen time a day

 

  • Put screens away during important times of the day:
    • Sleep time
    • Meal and snack time
  • Replace screen time with other activities:
    • Please view our calendar of events to take part in many of our fun activities for kids and families!
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Choose to boost veggies and fruit.

The third theme for the HKCC is Choose to boost veggies and fruit.

This theme encourages kids and families to make vegetables and fruit a part of every meal and snack.
Why do we want kids and families to choose veggies and fruit?

  • Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and dietary fibre
  • Vegetables and fruits give overall energy for kids and families to be physically active!
Recommended Number of Servings Per Day:

 
Age in Years Number of Vegetable and Fruit Servings
2-3 4
4-8 5
9-13 6

“We can think of our child as a flower. A flower needs nourishment, love and care. Think of our children as a garden. They need a place to show their beauty and pride.” Cowichan Tribes Elder, 2009

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Water Does Wonders

The second theme for the HKCC is Water Does Wonders.

This theme encourages kids and families to reach for water first when thirsty instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.

Why do we want kids and families to choose water?
• Children need lots of water to stay hydrated and healthy
• Water is essential for good health
• Water contains no sugar, calories, additives, or caffeine
• Water is a simple, convenient, and low-cost option for quenching thirst

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Run. Jump. Play. Every Day.

The first Theme for the HKCC is Run. Jump. Play. Every Day.

This theme encourages physical activity through free play, organized sports or structured activities.

Being active every day is essential for growing children. Lots of good things happen when our kids move more:
• Stronger muscles and bones.
• Greater focus and attention.
• Self-confidence.
• Better coordination.
• Active kids are happier, they sleep better and they do better in school.

How do I get involved?

Our goal for the HKCC is to help make our community a place where it’s easy for kids to be healthy and active and you can be a part of making it happen. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events and share events with family and friends.

If you are interested in taking part in the HKCC or becoming a community partner please contact:

Christina Vlahopoulos, HKCC Project Lead
healthykids@dahac.ca
519-752-4340 ext 328 (Brantford)
905-544-4320 ext 328 (Hamilton)

We look forward to working with you to help keep our kids active and healthy!

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