The efforts of local physicians to help District 69 elementary students be more active appears to be a success, said Dr. Satish Desai.
Five doctors from the new Physicians Advocating Wellness for Oceanside Residents group, part of the Oceanside Division of Family Practice, worked on the Be Active Every Day program in the five elementary schools as part of the province-wide, month long challenge.
The April 10 to May 10 program was promoted by The British Columbia Medical Association and encouraged students to follow a 5-2-1-0 program, referring to a daily routine of eating five servings of fruit and vegetables, limiting screen time to two hours, doing an hour of physical activity and not drinking any drinks containing sugar.
Aside from the doctor’s support, the students watched weekly video messages from NASA astronaut and B.C. doctor Robert Thirsk.
The intention was to highlight the life long health benefits of a fun filled and safe, active lifestyle combined with healthy food and fluid choices.
Students logged various activities, accumulated points and received completion certificates.
All the participating students did very well and congratulations go to them, their teachers and principals and the local physician/ambassadors that presented the programs.