OUTDOORS
Health Happens Outdoors
The outdoor environment in South Georgian Bay creates connections through the many trail systems, parks and public spaces for all surrounding communities. These interconnections allow kids and families to explore, discover and build stronger and healthier relationships! To avoid living a sedentary lifestyle, get outside and learn how nature can improve your health and well-being!
Have you considered that you can move your body, experience a sense of connection and go for an adventure simply by stepping outside? Even better you can practice healthy behaviours by stepping further and going outside to engage in creative unstructured play, activities, or by getting exposure to the different nutritional foods the environment has to offer! There are so many opportunities in South Georgian Bay, take pride in your health today!
Click on the Tabs Below to Learn About Health Outdoors
10 HOURS OF SLEEP
Youth
Getting outside helps stimulate the brain and moves the body. These two things support both children and youth to have a good nights sleep!
Parent
Setting a routine and regular time for bedtime can be supported with the incorporation of lots of active play in the outdoors!
10 HOURS OF SLEEP
LEARN MORE
Make sleep a part of your everyday routine! Watch videos about why sleep is important and discover other useful resources to help achieve more restful shut eye!
5 SERVINGS FRUIT + VEGGIES
Youth
During the summer and autumn months see if you can find places around you where fruits and veggies are planted and growing. Sometimes, you can even find apple trees or even wild asparagus!
Parent
Have you ever had a picnic for lunch or dinner outside? It can be fun and engaging for the whole family. Consider packing lots of veggies and fruit and bring them with you to a local park. 5 SERVINGS FRUIT + VEGGIES LEARN MORE Choose to boost veggies and fruit! Learn why vegetables and fruit are the best to fuel your body. Watch videos and discover interactive apps to colour up your life!
2 or Less Hours Recreational Screen Time
Youth
Screen time can be okay as long as you’re also making time to get outdoors. Ask to go outside or even take a look at the Outdoor Children’s Charter for new ideas of what you can do outside!
Parent
Screen time is taking away from active outdoor play time. Make time for play outdoors! There are many areas in South Georgian Bay that allow for opportunities to explore. If you’re looking for ideas, you can check out the Outdoor Children’s Charter or your local community centre and sign out a physical literacy activity kit. 2 HOURS OR LESS RECREATIONAL SCREEN TIME LEARN MORE Take a break, turn it off. Unplug and play! Learn how screen time can affect your health and try new ways to set healthy screen time limits. Be sure not to stay too long!
1 Hour Physical Activity
Youth
Playing outside is fun! Check out a local park or find a space that looks a little wild and explore! Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to create your own game! Playing outside is one of the easiest ways to get in an hour of heart pumping activity!
Parent
Having the opportunity to play and move outside supports child development and allows children to learn how to take small risks. Children move more and for longer periods of time when they are outside. Consider active transportation and enjoy walk, run or bike to the park! 1 HOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEARN MORE Run • Jump • Play • Everyday • Watch cool videos to learn about new activities and sports you can enjoy with friends. Start a family competition and have everyone track their steps with one of the suggested apps!
0 Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Youth
Checkout which outdoor parks have water refill stations! Put your water bottle underneath the tap and automatically refill your bottle!
Parent
Choose Water First for Thirst when spending time outside. It’s free and refreshing! 0 SUGAR – SWEETENED BEVERAGES LEARN MORE Water does wonders! Why is water the best choice for thirst? You are what you drink! Click here to find out why to fuel your body with water.
Mental Health
Youth
Getting outside and playing with friends is a great way to feel a connection to nature. Grab a friend and explore the colours, flowers, water and even the bugs nature has to offer! You never know what you might find next!
Parent
Studies are showing time spent outdoors increases the sense of connection and feelings of wellbeing. What have you got to lose? Check it out and see if this is true for yourself! Enjoy time developing stronger relationships with your children, friends and families in an outdoor and inclusive space! MENTAL HEALTH LEARN MORE There is no health without mental health. Mental health matters. Click to learn where you can talk to someone and the importance of connecting with family and friends, as well as your doctor or counsellor.
Family Life
Youth
Encourage your parents to join you during play outside! There are many different games and activities you can enjoy as a family including tag, hide and seek, relay races, kite flying, scavenger hunts and much more!
Parent
Role modelling can have one of the greatest impacts on your child. Take the opportunity to get outside with your children often. They look to you for cues, so turn off your screens and make your own adventure. Explore a park you’ve never been to, go for a family walk or find a new trail and go geocaching! FAMILY LIFE LEARN MORE Life with kids is messy and that is ok! Fill your parenting tool box with humor, tips and more!
Money
Youth
Enjoy some time outdoors with your friends! Use the large spaces, trees, each other and your imagination to create your own games! Looking for a snack? Check for wild raspberries or blackberries for a yummy treat!
Parent
One of the greatest assets that the outdoors has is that it is largely free. As long as you have something to cover your feet, you can go walking, hiking, climbing and exploring. If you don’t have something to cover your feet or you need some assistance in getting other equipment like bikes or snowshoes phone 211 to see how they can help. MONEY LEARN MORE Your income can affect your health. Learn about South Georgian Bay’s many resources and tools to help you meet your most basic needs.
Health Happens Everywhere, Every Day in South Georgian Bay.
The Be Well Community Collective embodies collaboration, partnerships and improving health and happiness.