Research over the past couple of years have shed light on the fact our kids are becoming more and more unhealthy. A recently completed Manitoba report titled Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures lists a number of "made in Manitoba" recommendations. The following article lists highlights of the report, which can be found on the Government of Manitoba website www.gov.mb.ca

The task force received 153 presentations at 12 separate public meetings (one meeting was held in Dauphin). An additional 48 presentations were received through email, and 154 questionnaires were completed on the government web-site.

The following is a summary of the recommendations made by the all government task force:

Educational Health Promotion Activities – the government should undertake a variety of initiatives to promote healthy living and provide educational resources for families and schools.

Nutrition in Schools – increased access to nutritious foods in schools.

Physical Activity in Schools – the government should mandate physical education/health education From K to Sr. 4.

Recreation Facilities and Access – increased access to recreation facilities through the community use of schools, and innovative design of new facilities – and promoting activities that are less dependent upon facilities.

Recreation Leadership – increased use of recreation directors across the province and encourage youth leadership in recreation.

Low Income – improved access to good nutrition and opportunities for physical activity for low income families.

Check out the complete document at www.gov.mb.ca and follow the links to the Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures web-site.