The healthy choice needs to be the easy choice, according to a children’s health initiative.
Officials with the Healthy Kids Community Challenge told City Council recently they’ve been successful in getting the message out about healthy eating and exercising.
However, Spokesperson Marianne Stewart says it’ll take more than awareness to make healthy living the “new normal”.
“Shift municipal norms to create environments that promote active transportation and play,” Stewart says, “And increase the access and availability of water, veggies, and fruits to families.”
Stewart notes school boards could also adopt active transportation policies, among other supports.
Program officials say their plans also include a campaign to get kids to put down their phones and other devices.
In 2016, the survey found, half of local 3-to-5 year olds ate while watching TV, while two-thirds of local pre-schoolers spend two or more hours a day in front of a screen. (File Photo)