Today, schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are enjoying the third annual Living Healthy Commotions. Living Healthy Commotions are school-based events celebrating achievements in creating healthy school environments. With $50,000 in support from the Provincial Government, students are taking part in activities such as a scavenger hunt, competing against teachers in a softball game, and participating in boot camp � just some of the interesting and entertaining ideas schools have devised to celebrate Commotions this year.

"Our government is committed to a comprehensive health and physical education program in our schools, as evidenced by the funding allocated to promote healthy living," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "We are extremely proud of what we have done to try to make our schools healthy and our students physically active. These Commotions are student-driven, and with nearly every school in the province participating, it is clear our students are embracing a new attitude toward living healthy."

Minister Burke said the Provincial Government has a comprehensive plan to make schools a place where healthy eating and active living are commonplace. Over the past several years, $3.2 million in physical education equipment has been provided to all schools. Students are now using everything from rowing machines and spinner bikes to snowshoes. There is new physical education curriculum throughout the K-12 system and two new high school nutrition courses. Over the past two years, $1.3 million has been allocated to upgrade and purchase cafeteria equipment that supports schools in offering healthy eating choices. These initiatives complement the Provincial Wellness Plan and contribute to improved health and physical activity among the province�s youth.

"Our government has placed a significant focus on the promotion of healthy living as a means to improve the health status of our residents � especially our children," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "The lifestyle choices that youth learn and act on now can have long-lasting effects throughout their lives. Commotions are a great way to put healthy living into action and the overwhelming support we have witnessed for Commotions shows us that we are really making an impact among youth throughout the province."

Living Healthy Commotions is just one of many strategic initiatives which the Provincial Government has initiated through the Provincial Wellness Plan with an investment of $3.7 million annually; others include the Provincial Wellness Grants Program and the Provincial Food and Nutrition Plan.

Schools can share their Commotions ideas on the Healthy Students Healthy Schools (www.livinghealthyschools.com) and Go Healthy (www.gohealthy.ca) websites.

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2008 09 26                                                     9:30 a.m.