Did you know that finding just 10 minutes in your busy day to get active can make a difference in your health?  Getting active might be easier than you think if you find a way to sneak it in!

We are so excited to celebrate ParticipACTION's first-ever Sneak It In Week, happening April 9 to 13. We'll be wearing our sneakers to work all week long so we can sneak in short amounts of physical activity during the day.  Why don't you join us?  Consider parking a 10-minute walk from the office, booking a conference room for a quick yoga session or "power shopping" while you run errands.  You'll be rewarded with a longer, happier, more fulfilling life. 

Warmly,

Kelly

New Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years)

Children four and under should move more, sit less and avoid screens according to Canada's first-ever Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years. The Guidelines were released on March 27 by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and ParticipACTION, with support from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (CHEO-HALO).

To learn more about how to encourage movement and discourage sitting still in our youngest Canadians, please take a look at our Information Sheets and press release:

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years)

Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years)

National Press Release

Find and Upload Events Quickly and Easily

We have recently upgraded our website so that you can now upload your own events and programs that promote physical activity, recreation, sport participation and healthy living. Plus, you can search for events quickly and easily.

Visit the Events Calendar and Professional Events Calendar on our website to upload your community events. While you're there, check out other events and conferences going on in your area.

Back in 10 - We're Taking Part in Sneak It In!

Visit the Sneak It In webpage today to download free posters, door hangers, desk signs and logos, and to get tips and information on how to sneak it in. If you're active through social media, tweet with us at #sneakitin or connect with us on Facebook or our blog to share how you'll be sneaking it in the week of April 9-13!

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in the Early Years

Little kids seem to have plenty of energy (just ask anyone who has a young child to keep up with!) But that doesn't mean they're getting enough physical activity. In order to get a healthy start in life, children four and under need to move more and sit less. Unfortunately, research shows that many kids are on the path to inactivity before they even begin school. Kids need the time and opportunity to learn how to move so they can grow and develop to their fullest.

For more information on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the early years, please visit our Lifestyle Tips.

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

April-May

National

Did you know that parents and guardians can save up to $75 per child on their taxes with the Children's Fitness Tax Credit?

For more information on eligibility, how to claim, or to view the 2012 Fitness Tax Credit video, visit the Canadian Revenue Agency website.

Walk in Her Shoes - 2012 Campaign Extended by Popular Demand

Deadline: May 31

National

Walk In Her Shoes, the CARE Canada campaign that challenges Canadians to walk 8000 steps for 8 days to raise funds to fight poverty, has been extended! There's still time to join thousands of Canadians and empower women and girls around the world. Funds raised for Walk In Her Shoes will support water and sanitation, education, health, economic development programs and more around the world.  

Want more incentive? How about a chance to win CARE's Grand Prize - a trip of a lifetime! Participants have until May 31st to qualify for the draw.

For more information, visit the CARE Canada website.