Knowledge Nuggets

Research indicates 70% of school-aged children and youth in Canada met recommendations for healthy sleep. This is important because a good night’s sleep can improve cognitive functions and moods, help maintain healthy body weight, and increase energy to help kids stay active throughout the day. In this infographic, discover tips to support healthy sleep behaviours...

Children acting out on the field or in the pool may lack the skills to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours; rather than the will to respond in prosocial ways. Trauma-sensitive play can help build children’s skills and resilience.

Today is World Health Day, a global initiative to create awareness around important health issues. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other health conditions. While physical distancing measures are necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, finding strategies to maintain and improve health –...

Children of families with low socio-economic status face often barriers to developing the motor skills needed to enjoy and engage in physical activity and sport throughout life (e.g., limited access to sport equipment at home, reduced parental support, and fewer financial resources). To address motor skill inequalities, targeted interventions should consider developmentally appropriate activities to...

According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children and youth (5–17 years) should limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day and efforts should be made to interrupt extended periods of sitting. Check out this infographic for tips on creating a family media plan that includes screen-free family meals and the use “device baskets.”

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for athletes recovering from a concussion, but many athletes struggle to get quality sleep following their injury. Improving sleep hygiene, including creating a regular pre-bed routine, avoiding technology before bed, and optimizing your sleep environment, can improve sleep patterns to help the brain recover and allow athletes to...

For busy youth sport parents, finding time for personal sport and physical activity can be difficult. However, engaging in “sideline” physical activity during your child’s practice or game may be one way to counteract the negative effects of sitting and other sedentary elements of the traditional parent–spectator role.

Today is International Women’s Day, a global initiative to celebrate the achievements of women and accelerate gender equity.  This year, SIRC is celebrating moms who are making efforts to play sports and be physically active, despite persisting public health restrictions. However, up to 75% of moms experience barriers to regular participation, including feelings of guilt, pressure, and...

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global physical inactivity costs an estimated US$54 billion in direct health care and another US$14 billion to lost productivity. The WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, which complement Canadian physical activity guidelines, emphasize that everyone, of all ages and abilities, can be physically active and that every type...

Participation in Masters sport provides a number of physical, psychological and social benefits for athletes, including strength and conditioning, positive perspectives on aging, and strong friendships. Learn more in the SIRCuit.