Physical and Mental Health Literacy

Physical health and mental well-being are crucial for students and young athletes. According to Canadian statistics, approximately 31% of Canadian children aged 5-17 are overweight or obese, and around 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem each year. Proper physical health and mental well-being can positively impact children and young adults in various ways with physical activity being linked to improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, and better sleep quality. Meanwhile, good mental health can lead to better social skills, increased resilience, and improved academic performance. In short, investing in physical health and mental well-being can set young athletes and students up for success in all aspects of their lives.

The Facts: 

• According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and mental illness is the second leading cause of disability in Canada.
• In terms of physical health, a 2018 study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that nearly one-third of Canadian adults were obese, and over half were either overweight or obese.
• The same study found that physical inactivity was a significant issue, with only 1 in 5 Canadian adults meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week.

Why it's important:

• Maintaining good physical health and mental well-being can improve the overall quality of life, including better sleep, more energy, and improved mood.
• Good physical health can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and can be an effective way to manage symptoms of depression.
• Taking care of mental health can also improve relationships and social connections, and increase resilience in the face of life's challenges.
• Finally, maintaining good physical health and mental well-being can also reduce healthcare costs and improve productivity, as individuals are better able to manage their health and participate fully in work and other activities.

In summary, maintaining good physical health and mental well-being is important for overall health and quality of life. It can reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve mental health and relationships, and increase productivity and resilience.