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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

Eligible individuals can receive their vaccination at many participating local pharmacies by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.

Vaccine ordering for health care providers

Vaccine orders for routine immunizations and STI medications continue to be available through HPEPH by using our vaccine order forms; however, please note that our vaccine delivery/pickup procedure has changed. For the most up to date pick up schedule please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-orders-info-healthcare-providers/.