Sask Parks and Rec Blog December 2014

When more than 13% of our daily calorie intake is from added sugars, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation is rightfully concerned about our love of the “sweet stuff.”  

Our sugar-high diet has serious health consequences, as excess sugar consumption is linked to heart disease,stroke,obesity,diabetes,high blood cholesterol, cancer and cavities. 

How can your community encourage healthy choices?

Here are 4 recommendations based on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s new position statement on sugar consumption:

1. Consider using healthy foods and beverages or non-food alternatives for fundraising efforts and events.

2. Limit the consumption of sugar-loaded beverages through a variety of policies including restricting the portion size to 16 ounces (500 mL) in food service outlets and banning sugar-loaded beverages in public facilities such as recreation centres, hospitals, and schools.

3. Ensure potable drinking water (in fountains and/or coolers) are accessible to children and adults in commonly used places including parks, public facilities, schools, recreation centres, and workplaces as an alternative to sugary beverages.

4. Support community programs and initiatives that can potentially improve access to healthy food including community gardens, community kitchens, local food distribution networks, community supported agriculture, school meal programs, etc.

You can also visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation's website for more tips on how to eat well.

OR

If you really want to know the full effects of excessive sugar consumption on your health and wellbeing, watch Fed Up (2014). This powerful documentary about sugar's connection to the obesity epidemic will rock your world and your waistline. 

We're always inspired by the creativity and impact our grants have on Saskatchewan communities!  In 2013-2014, our First Nation and Métis grants supported 20 diverse recreation programs and initiatives across the province.

Here is just one example of how these funds made a difference.

Community: Muskoday First Nation

Grant received: SPRA First Nation Member's Recreation Grant

Program overview
One generally wouldn’t associate Saskatchewan with snorkeling but recreation has no boundaries for youth at the Muskoday First Nation. Through this funding they were able to explore a whole new world below the water line during their summer camps. They enjoyed canoeing and snorkeling in local lakes with their new equipment. They even incorporated rock hounding as part of their program which involved collecting 100s of rocks from the riverbed. 

What's next for the program?
With the success of the program during the summer months, the program will move to the pool during the winter where the youth will learn to hone their skills and prepare for next year’s adventures.

Benefits to the Community
It encourages youth to be more physically active, exposes them to different outdoor recreation opportunities and enhances their appreciation of nature. 

To learn more about available grants and funding for 2014-2015, visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding or contact us directly for helping connecting you to the grants and funding that can benefit your community.

The effects of bullying can last a lifetime.

New research shows that the impact of bullying isn’t something you grow out of or can simply shake off. The lingering effects of bullying can last long in to adulthood and can significantly impact overall health.

The study showed, even at the age of 50, victims of childhood bullying:

-Reported higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders than those who were not bullied

-Had poor perceived quality of life

-Struggled to develop social relationships

As a recreation leader, we have a responsibility to ensure our programs and events are safe environments for the participants. And how can we do that?

Quality Assurance – Programs like HIGH FIVE® are designed for front line recreation, sport and after school leaders and focus on the social, emotional and cognitive needs of children. The training helps leaders engage, build relationships and resolve conflict.

Education – The Red Cross has a variety of resources and training like RespectED to help coaches, parents, spectators, officials and teachers ensure positive sport, culture and recreation experiences for children and youth.

Raise Awareness –Get your community, workplace or school involved through events such as Pink Shirt Day which shows your commitment towards a bully-free lifestyle.

Another great initiative is the Canadian Red Cross Day of Pink in Saskatchewan is April 1, 2015!  This is a day to raise awareness about bullying and educate every K-12 student in the province. For more on the Canadian Red Cross Day of Pink visit their website.

Additional resources on bullying are available to borrow free of charge through SPRA’s online Resource Centre.