Survey findings to guide Government investment in physical activity and nutrition

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, today released a survey providing a snapshot on physical activity levels, nutrition and health in our school children.

The Report on the 2009 ACT Year 6 Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (ACTPANS) is the second of its kind, the first of which was conducted in 2006.

"Physical activity and nutrition are essential for young people's physical, social and mental development and wellbeing, bringing benefits such as strong bones, cardio-vascular fitness and brain development," the Chief Minister said.

"The aim of these surveys is to provide information on a range of health indicators such as participation in physical activity, eating patterns and environments, attitudes, weight and psychosocial outcomes.

"The information also helps inform Government programs and policies through our Health Promotion Branch and assists us in targeting our programs.

"This Government is investing in preventative health and funds a range of programs to try to influence the health and wellbeing of children and young people," the Chief Minister said.

Examples of programs include the Healthy Schools, Healthy Children Funding Round; Active Travel to School; the Unplug and Play program; and Healthy Food @School.

The ACTPANS survey was conducted throughout 34 ACT public and private primary schools. 1,374

Year 6 children responded to the survey.

"It was pleasing to see that since the last survey in 2006, children have increased their intake of fruit and water, and are eating less fast food and energy dense foods such as energy bars, potato chips and icecreams," the Chief Minister said.

"Overall, children's physical activity levels increased, however, more children are spending time on sedentary activities such as computer games, internet and television viewing, and many children are still drinking high sugar soft drinks as part of their regular diet."

Other Key findings:

• Almost 60% of children eat 2-3 serves of fruit a day but only 31% reported eating four or more serves of vegetables each day;
• One quarter of all children were overweight or obese in 2009;
• 23 per cent of Year 6 children met the Australian Government Physical Activity Recommendations of being moderately to vigorously physically active for at least 60 minutes every day;
• Three-quarters of all children reported being sufficiently active for a minimum of 4 days a week with the same proportion participating in an organised sport outside of school hours;
• Fewer children walk or cycle to school in 2009 compared to 2006;
• Two-thirds of all children met the national guidelines of using electronic media for no more than two hours a day during weekdays, but less than half (46%) met these guidelines on weekends.

The Report is available on the ACT Health Directorate website http://health.act.gov.au/health-services/public-health/epidemiology-branch/epidemiology-publications-health-series/act-year-6-physical-activity-and-nutrition-survey-2009