The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is getting hands on with its approach to ensure students across the region are getting their daily exercise. Members of the health unit and bylaw staff were seen in Springwater, Ont. on Wednesday, handing out what appeared to be stickers, to students who were walking to school. The new initiative, dubbed Simcoe Muskoka On The Move, is a partnership between the health unit and local school bards and municipalities to encourage students to participate in what the health unit calls “active school travel.” “Many kids don’t get the 60 minutes of daily physical activity they need,” the SMHDU says on its website. “Walking and wheeling to and from school is one of the easiest ways to add some activity to everyday,” the health unit says. Be it walking, biking, scooting, skateboarding or rollerblading the health unit says active travel can helps kids feel awake and alert, improve physical and mental health, encourage friendships and positive social connections and build confidence and independence. According to the SMDHU, active school travel teaches road and traffic safety skills, reduces traffic and pollution near schools, creates cleaner air and a healthier environment and helps families stay active together.
