Be Active in April: How much physical activity does your child get each day?

It’s not just common sense that being active is good for children (and adults!), there is also good evidence that shows that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better health across the whole body:
Heart, Muscles, Bones, Weight, Mental health and General fitness

The research tells us that children and young people (from 5- 17 years) should all ideally be at least moderately active for 60 minutes, 3-5 times a week, but there is also evidence that smaller amounts (20-40 minutes) are also useful.

If you want to read the science behind this, the Australian Government Department of Health reviewed all the literature and published the evidence and guidelines at:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines

Children (0-5 years): “Move and Play Every Day”
Children (aged 5-12 years): “Make your move – Sit less – Be active for life!”

This can be really difficult to fit in amongst all the demands of life – juggling school, work, household tasks, family commitments etc but the rewards are worth it.

PREMIER’S ACTIVE APRIL 2016

Participate in PREMIER’S ACTIVE APRIL and enjoy the benefits that come from increased physical activity

Sometimes committing to a challenge can give the extra motivation to find time to be more active. Every year in Victoria, the Premier’s Active April challenge is a fun way to engage your whole family in being more active – there’s an app to track progress, lots of free offers (including 10 passes to YMCA centres and free tennis court hire for everyone who registers, and chances to win great prizes!).

Premier’s Active April encourages all Victorians to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day during April. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to get more people active and healthy.

Use the online Activity Tracker to log your daily activity and track your progress throughout the month. Plus, you can create and join teams, compare the progress of team members, discover events near you and win awesome prizes!

Just by registering every participant gets*:

• 10 free passes to a participating YMCA or local government facility
• 15% off at Sportsmart in store and online
• one hour free tennis court hire at Melbourne Park or Albert Reserve
• one free Get into Cardio Tennis session
• a 2 for 1 ticket offer to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
• a chance to win some great prizes including four tickets to the 2017 Australian Tennis Open Finals*, a $1,500 bike voucher or a GoPro Camera

Register today at activeapril.vic.gov.au

*Terms and conditions for all prizes and offers apply. Visit activeapril.vic.gov.au for details.