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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health

Physical Activity for Children and Youth (5 to 17 years)

Daily Movement Guidelines

It can be difficult to know what level of activity, rest, and sleep is best for kids and teens. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (5 to 17 years) shows us what a healthy 24-hour period looks like – including physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep recommendations. Sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour are connected! Children who sleep better move more and those who move more sleep better!

Unfortunately, the majority of Canadian children and youth are not meeting the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Children who meet the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines are more likely to:

  • Improve their health
  • Do better in school
  • Improve their fitness
  • Grow stronger
  • Have fun playing with friends
  • Feel happier
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Improve their self-confidence
  • Learn new skills
  • Decrease their chance of developing many chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes

For more information:

Active Outdoor Play

Active outdoor play is beneficial for the healthy growth and development of children. When children play outside, they move more, sit less and play longer. It provides children with different opportunities to explore, experiment and develop new skills and abilities. Unfortunately, today’s children play outside far less than their parents did

We invite you to review the following resources to support outdoor play for children:

Other Resources:

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COVID-19 VACCINES IN HPE

All individuals ≥ 5 yrs of age are eligible to receive a COVID-19 bivalent booster dose 6 months after previous COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments can be booked through the provincial vaccine booking site, or by calling 1-833-943-3900 from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.  

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

For the most up to date information on current provincial guidelines and advice in case of exposure, visit Ontario.ca/page/public-health-measures-and-advice.

The Ministry of Health has launched a toll-free line as an additional resource to help answer questions from the public regarding evolving COVID-19 testing and isolation guidance. The line can be reached at 1-888-777-0730, and is available from 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. Beginning April 3, hours for this line will change to Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.