Issue 10/October 2009
Move More!
Welcome to our latest E-Newsletter from: www.participACTION.com
Message from the President
It's October, and the nip in the air reminds that it's definitely fall. But don't let that chilliness keep you indoors! Getting outside is a great way to get active, connect with your community and enjoy time with family and friends.
Research shows that being outdoors improves your sense of well-being, your stamina and your mood. Plus, kids who spend more time outdoors are more likely to be more physically active, overall.
To get going this month, try visiting a local fall fair, entering a charity walk, raking leaves or organizing a local game of flag football in the neighbourhood park - and remember that Thanksgiving offers a long weekend full of opportunities to explore and be active with family.
Let's get outside and get moving!
Kelly Murumets |
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| FEATURE ARTICLE |
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Active transportation can be a real trip
ParticipACTION says it's time for a trade-in. Time for us to consider leaving our vehicles in the driveway and donning cycling helmets or running shoes instead.
According to Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living, adults need 60 minutes of daily physical activity and kids need 90 minutes. Unfortunately, more than half of Canadians are considered inactive.
"Whether you're going to work, school or the corner store, active transportation is one of the easiest ways to get more activity into your life," says Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION, the national voice of physical activity and sport participation.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, each Canadian makes an average of 2,000 short car trips (less than 3 km) a year. Trips that could easily be replaced with an active choice like walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or in-line skating. Active transportation can be any form of human-powered transportation, so dust off that skateboard and get moving towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.
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| PARTICIPACTION INITIATIVES UPDATE |
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Sogo Active
Sogo Active is an online program for Canadians, aged 13-19, that helps them track what they're doing to get active in their own neighbourhoods. Sogo is presented by Coca-Cola Canada in collaboration with ParticipACTION.
- Search for facilities, like local rinks, leagues or climbing gyms
- Create a Sogo group and arrange activities with friends - or meet new ones
- Apply for micro-grants up to $500 to pay for things like helmets, soccer balls or coaching for a group activity
Local organizations, clubs and groups can sign up for FREE as Community Hosts at www.sogoactive.com to offer youth facilities, equipment or support. Sign up as a Community Host today and you could help youth in your area access $500 micro-grants for youth-led activities.
Plus, youth who get active with Sogo Active could win 1 of 17 Active Gaming Systems with Fitness Accessories! Together, we can get youth moving. |
| PARTNER INFORMATION |
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Tips from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
 Take Action at Work
It's no secret that physical inactivity can lead to serious health issues in Canada. And considering that 16 million adult Canadians spend half their waking hours at work, we have a tremendous opportunity to make active living part of the workday. Here are five ways to integrate active living during your time at work:
- Participate in Healthy Workplace Month from October 5 to November 1. For a list of activities that you can do on your own or in groups, visit their website. Plus, register and keep track of the activities completed by your workplace, and your team could win!
- Get up and do some proper workstation stretching every day. Aim for five minutes of stretching for every hour of sitting at a workstation.
- Go for lunchtime walks. Regular walks can bring a host of physical and mental health benefits. You can even track your steps as a team to see how 'far' you can go.
- Visit a co-worker at his or her workstation, instead of calling or e-mailing.
- Post a sign-up board where staff can find others to participate in activities of interest, such as swimming at a pool, playing basketball or working out at a nearby fitness centre.
Remember that active living is not the same as an exercise program. Active living means making physical activity part of everyday life, whether you are taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening, walking the dog or doing any of the activities suggested above.
When workers are encouraged to be active, both employers and employees benefit through reduced absenteeism, turnovers and stress, as well as boosts in productivity, morale and job satisfaction. It's definitely a win-win! For more tips and resources, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Healthy and Safety's Healthy Workplaces website at http://www.ccohs.ca/healthyworkplaces |
| OCTOBER NATIONAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS |
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International Walk to School Month!
In 2007, millions of children, parents and community leaders from 42 countries around the world joined together in celebration of International Walk to School Month.
The goal of the month varies from community to community. Some rally for safer and improved streets, some to promote healthier habits and some to conserve the environment. Whatever the reason, International Walk to School events encourage a more walkable world - one community at a time.
In Canada, the Active & Safe Routes to School program is managed at the provincial level by autonomous organizations. To see how organizations have come together to form the Canadian Safe Routes to School partnership, please click here. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Join the Canadian Cancer Society Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer - a leisurely 5 to 10 kilometre non-competitive, pledge-based walk, taking place during the fall in communities across Ontario. This family-friendly, fun-filled event raises money to fund important breast cancer research, and is a wonderful way to celebrate survivors in your community and remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.
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| RESEARCH UPDATE |
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Public Transit and Physical Activity - October 2009
Those who bus, also walk! Everyone knows that the bus does not take passengers quite from front door to front door, so it makes sense that people who use public transit are also getting some physical activity while they're at it. Recent research examined the relationship between transit use and physical activity, and found that transit users walked greater distances than non-users. Transit use was influenced by three key factors, including car access, income and neighbourhood. The research found that transit users generally have less access to a car, and that those with higher household incomes take fewer trips by transit and more by car than those with lower incomes. Transit users living between 450 and 1000 metres of transit were more likely to be moderate walkers than those living closer to, and farther away from, transit. Further research exploring public transit and the people who use it could help us understand how to use public transit to promote physical activity.
For more information, see http://www.participaction.com/ecms.ashx/InactivityCrisis/ENGOctResearchFile.pdf |
| PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENTS |
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Let's Right the Future
Atlantic Canada The Council of Atlantic Premiers has launched a new Atlantic wellness social marketing campaign called "Let's Right the Future." The objectives of the campaign are to help children live active and healthier lives, inspire an Atlantic wellness movement and make wellness everyone's business. Atlantic Canadian families, community leaders and groups are encouraged to visit the website and make a "right the future" wellness pledge that will be displayed on a map showing where participants are located. In addition, the website provides healthy eating and physical activity tips, as well as links to programs, information and resources on the four provincial government websites. To learn more about the campaign and to view the English and French TV ads, please visit www.rightthefuture.ca
Have a ball together!
Month of October
Ontario
 Childhood obesity has become a serious concern in Canada and has heightened attention to the significance of physical activity in the early years. Physical activity is important for a child's physical, mental and emotional development and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Best Start Resource Centre implemented the Have a ball together! campaign to promote physical activity in two-to five-year-old children. The campaign launched on October 1st. It will encourage parents and caregivers to spend more time being physically active with children through fun, active unstructured play. Visit us at www.haveaballtogether.ca
Run for the Cure
October (various dates)
NationalThe Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada's largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. Each year, thousands of Canadians of all ages and walks of life unite to participate in the Run. The reasons for participating vary, but we all have the same goal in mind: to create a future without breast cancer. For more information or to register, please visit www.cbcf.org
PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience
September 28 - October 12 (weekends only)
Whistler, BCWhistler Blackcomb's world record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is transforming the high alpine experience with new, awe-inspiring vistas as it bridges the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola travels a span of 4.4 kilometres/ 2.73 miles, giving sightseers and hikers a one-of-a-kind adventure, offering breathtaking views and access to more hiking trails than ever before. From easy to epic, there's something for all levels of hiking ability. To learn more, visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/p2pg/
Dusty Sneakers for Peace and Nonviolence (and fitness)
October 2, 2009 - January 2, 2010
National Inspired by the "Dusty Sneakers" activities of a rural public elementary school in British Columbia, the World March for Peace and Nonviolence in Canada has launched a program to encourage students and others to accumulate running distances in support of the March's global message. The March is a call for global nuclear disarmament, the end of wars and all forms of violence. Many schools already participate in Dusty Sneakers running programs, where the students are encouraged to run measured laps, document those laps, and track them on a map to represent how far we travel together. It makes fitness fun, while demonstrating the strength of community and sending a powerful message. For more information, email DustySneakers@worldmarch.ca or visit http://www.worldmarch.ca/new/dustysneakers.cfm
Running Maniacs
October 3
Newcastle, ONRegister for the annual Maniac Fall Festival Run at the Newcastle Community Centre. There are three distances and start times to choose from: the 5 km and 10 km start at 8:15 am, and the NEW 15 km run begins at 8:00 am. All proceeds go towards the Lion's Guide Walk for Dogs. Register today at www.runningmaniacs.com
Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart
October 16
Toronto, ON Please join The Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada at the Ontario Science Centre from 7-9pm as they present an exclusive showing of Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart and a lecture by U of T exercise specialist, Dr. Jack Goodman, on "Exercise and the Heart - How Much is TOO Much?" This event is part of a public awareness initiative to highlight that exercise is an important part of the continuum of cardiac rehabilitation and care. Special entrance fee includes parking, refreshments, partial tax receipt, lecture and private showing. Please RSVP at 416-730-8299 or info@cardiachealth.ca. Or, for more information visit www.cardiachealth.ca
MASRC Aboriginal Sport Leadership Conference
October 16 - 18
Winnipeg, MB Please join the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council at Place Louis Riel Hotel for a weekend of learning and sharing, as they discuss topics relevant to Aboriginal participation and excellence in sport. Some of the workshops that will be presented will cover grant/proposal writing, event planning, volunteer recruitment and emergency first aid with CPR level C. To register or learn more please email nitanisleary@sport.mb.ca or visit http://www.masrc.com/news_details.php?id=182
Ben's Smart 5K Run & Walk
October 17
Charlottetown, PEI Join special guests Canadian Olympic Sprinter Jared Connaughton and Adrienne Power, the fastest female in Canada, at the Ben's Smart 5K Run & Walk at UPEI Canada Games Alumni Place Track. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.princeedwardislandmarathon.com/
Building Great Kids After School Workshops with Michael Brandwein
October 20 - 21
Ottawa & Toronto, ON Parks and Recreation Ontario is offering two workshops for staff and volunteers working in an after-school or children's recreation setting. Both workshops, entitled "Fast & Effective Techniques to Teach Terrific Life Skills and Develop Self-Esteem and Resiliency in Young People," and "Large Group Leadership and Purposeful Play," will run on October 20th in Ottawa and October 21st in Toronto. The workshops will benefit supervisors, volunteers and program staff in Parks and Recreation, after school [programs, daycares, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other service providers. These workshops have been designed to allow participants to attend either half-day session or both sessions for the full day (lunch included). For a more detailed description of the workshops, and to download the registration form, please follow these links: Ottawa, October 20th - www.prontario.org/pdf/MichaelBrandwein-Ottawa.pdf
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| SUCCESS STORY |
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I am writing about my 73-year-old mom. She walks every day for an hour, no matter what the weather - and it can get pretty cold up here in Labrador! She loves to get outside, and I know that it makes her feel wonderful. She can get a little down sometimes, and every time she walks, she gets more upbeat. I think she looks pretty good for someone in her 70s!! I think her story could inspire other seniors (and juniors!!) to exercise and understand the benefits of getting out there and exercising!
Story featured on our Wall of Inspiration - Newfoundland and Labrador
If you would like to submit articles, events/programs or news to our e-newsletter or for more information on ParticipACTION, please feel free to contact us by email at info@participACTION.com or visit our website at www.participACTION.com
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