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NEWS RELEASE (CNS730) -->> SPORT/RECREATION--JUMP TO
IT




SPORT/RECREATION--JUMP TO IT
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Eighteen thousand young girls in Nova Scotia are being asked to
"Jump to It". Sport and Recreation Minister Jay Abbass, and Dr.
Arthur Salmon, national director of ParticipACTION, today
launched a campaign that is designed to encourage girls, eight-10
years of age, to participate regularly in some physical
recreation and sport.

Studies have shown that teenage girls drop out of physical
activities which, in turn, can affect their physical and mental
well-being later in life.

The 1995 Nova Scotia Health Survey and the recent U.S. Surgeon
General's Report on Physical Activity and Health show that people
can improve their health and well-being by being moderately
active on a regular basis.

Studies show that only 10 per cent of Canadian children are
active enough to sustain good health and that girls are
substantially less active than boys. Sixty per cent of Canadian
youth do not meet average fitness standards and 40 per cent of
Canadian children have at least one risk factor for coronary
heart disease.

"Walking, cycling, dancing, skipping, swimming, any activity can
make a difference," said Mr. Abbass. "This initiative is aimed at
raising awareness about the importance and long-term value of
regular physical activity."

The "Jump to It" program is supported by ParticipACTION, the four
Atlantic Canada governments, Health Canada, the Heart and Stroke
Foundation, Health Alliance/Alliance Sante and Astra Pharma Inc.

The Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission is the lead
provincial government agency responsible for promoting the active
living concept through various programs and policies. The
commission also works closely with organizations throughout the
province that promote activity in all forms.

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Contact: Michael Arthur  902-424-7629

         Barbara Klass   902-424-7658

trp                   Oct. 30, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.