On Friday and Saturday the annual Alberta Recreation and Parks Association conference was held in Lake Louise. The conference highlighted some important issues for communities. One particular issue that was of importance to me was the ongoing fight to make communities more active. Childhood obesity has received lots of attention in the past few years. Because of this, there has been a push to get kids more active. There is no silver bullet to this problem but there are a few things that I think need to be considered to address this issue.

1) Demonstrate through the school system that we value physical activity. Far to often, gym class and recess are with held from students as a punishment. If we value physical activity like we value science or math we would never hold this as a threat.

2) Healthy eating. Isn't it strange that it is far more expensive to eat healthy then it is to eat junk?

3) Make recreation opportunities available to all. we need to assure that recreation is not priced in a way that most can not participate.

4) Live a healthy life style. Walk when possible!