Issue 1/January 2010
Move More!
Welcome to our latest E-Newsletter from: www.participACTION.com
Message from the President
Happy New Year everybody! We hope that you've enjoyed some fun-filled family holiday time, and are ready to take on whatever 2010 has to offer.
Whether you're an individual or an organization, January is a great time to take stock of your goals and expectations for the coming year. At ParticipACTION, we're looking ahead to another wave of great projects, all made possible by the hard work of our staff and partners.
If you have ideas, events or aspirations to share, we'd love to hear from you. Call, email or drop by to tell us how we can work together for a healthier, more active Canada. And, keep sending us your submissions for our monthly newsletter - your good news is our good news, too.
Best wishes for a productive, healthy and active 2010!
Warmly,
Kelly Murumets |
| ParticipACTION Update |
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Thrill of a Lifetime for Kelly and Elio!
ParticipACTION's Kelly Murumets, president and CEO, and Elio Antunes, COO and VP of Partnerships, both have memories to last a lifetime, thanks to Coca-Cola Canada. Click here to watch the video coverage:
Torch Reporter Chris Wheeler chases the Relay around Ottawa
Father and Son Talk about their Torch Moment
ParticipACTION Thematic Research Series in IJBNPA
We are pleased to draw your attention to a series of academic articles about our revitalized organization's genesis and impact in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
The thematic series is called "ParticipACTION: Baseline Research on the Resurgence of Canada's Physical Activity Social Marketing Leader," and is edited by Adrian Bauman and Mark Tremblay.
The six ParticipACTION papers in the series establish benchmarks and provide baseline and initial impact data for the ongoing evaluation and monitoring of the organization, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. As a set, they describe a comprehensive approach to setting up evaluations of national social marketing efforts to promote physical activity.
To view the papers, please visit the IJBNPA website here. |
| Monthly Highlight |
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Get Outside and Embrace Winter
When the temperatures go down, family physical activity levels drop, too. While pulling on snowsuits and boots may be the last thing you feel like doing on a wintery day, research shows that kids who spend more time playing outdoors tend to be more physically active, overall.
"Unfortunately, most Canadian kids are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives-but they're even less active in the winter than in the summer," says Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION.
According to the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, only 13 percent of our kids are active enough to meet physical activity guidelines of 90 minutes per day.
"It may sound like a lot, but your kids can get 90 minutes a day by adding up movement up in short bouts-whether it's walking to the bus stop, building a snowman or adding a few extra blocks to your holiday shopping trip," says Murumets.
While movies and board games may seem like a good option during the blustery months, this downtime should be balanced with active time. Unfortunately, there is evidence that today's kids are less likely to explore and play outside than they are to engage in sedentary, indoor activities.
If you want to fight cabin fever and get your kids moving, get outside! Outdoor play is good for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Plus, learning to have fun and be active outdoors will help your kids grow into more active adults.
To read more of this article, please click here. |
| Fun Family Tips |
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Winter Activities for Families
It may be cold, icy or snowy outside, but that doesn't mean you need to stay indoors! The winter months offer great opportunities for family fitness - so dress appropriately and head outdoors. Here are a few ideas for frosty fun with your loved ones:
Super sledding
When the snow falls, why not head outside to go sledding or tubing? Visit a local park, golf course or designated tubing hill for a thrill. Even if you don't have a sled, you can use a piece of cardboard or a sturdy piece of plastic. (Be sure children wear their helmets!)
Build a snow fort or snowman - or use your summer beach tools to create a snow maze! If you're looking for something a little more active, why not try snow soccer, Hide and Seek or Frisbee?
Exploring Nature
Try winter hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Call your local provincial, territorial or national park to find out about trails and equipment rentals. While you're out in the woods, see how many animal tracks you can find.
Local ice rinks
Why not visit a local outdoor ice rink for some fun family skating? Call ahead to check the public skate times and rental costs. If you run out of steam, you can always treat yourselves to a steamy hot chocolate to warm up.
For more tips on ways to stay active this winter, visit our website. |
| Research Update |
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Seasonal Variations in Physical Activity
When the wind starts blowing and the mercury drops, many people put their physical activity on ice. A recent literature review of 37 studies examined the impact of weather on physical activity behaviour. Regardless of age, adverse weather impacts the amount of physical activity we get on a particular day. On warmer days, and on days when it is not raining or snowing, adults and children are more active. So, it's not surprising that physical activity levels are highest in the summer and lowest in the winter; however, research has found that adolescent physical activity levels do not return to the previous year's activity levels after the winter decline. This results in a 7% overall decrease in adolescent physical activity levels, every year. Especially if you have teens, try to keep off the couch and stay active this winter.
For more information, see our Research File. |
| Q&A |
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Q - Is it safe to exercise when you have a cold or the flu? Daniel
A - As long as you don't have a fever and your symptoms are above your neck (e.g., runny nose, sniffles) it is safe to exercise, although you will be more comfortable if you avoid anything too intense. If you have a fever, a deep chest cough, extreme tiredness or muscle aches, you should skip the workout and get lots of rest until you are feeling better. |
| Professional Development |
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Shaping the Future - a Health Promoting School Conference
January 14-16
Edmonton, AB
This innovative and engaging conference will bring together those who have a vested interest in the assessment, planning and implementation of the Health Promoting Schools approach. Each day will include promising practices from around the province and provide opportunities to network, learn, share and revitalize! Featured keynote speakers include David Irvine and Silken Laumann.
For registration and details, visit their website.
PARC Workshop - Social Determinants of Health and Physical Activity
January 14 & February 3
Online - available in Ontario only
This workshop will present information and considerations on ways to address the social determinants of health when developing physical activity programs and services. Discussion will include an overview of existing programs and provide networking opportunities. The presentation will cover information from the Heart Health Resource, Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition (OHCC) and Health Nexus, as well as research from Dr. Gina Browne, a professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. OHCC will be assisting in the facilitation of the workshop.
To register, please visit their website.
FCM 2010 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show
February 10-12
Ottawa, ON
The FCM Conference will provide a national forum for leading thinkers and planners on sustainable community development through the use of knowledge, tools and experts. The keynote speakers include Toronto Mayor David Miller, Avi Friedman, Steven Guibeault and Bob Willard.
For more information, visit their website.
ParticipACTION Partner Forum - Webinar
February 24 (1:00-2:30 pm EST)
National
The ParticipACTION Partner Forums are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing between partners. The theme of our February 24 forum is Canadian Sport for Life (Long-Term Athlete Development, Physical Literacy) and will allow participants to connect, share insights and potentially collaborate on future initiatives. If you are interested in participating in our forum, or would like to receive information on our all of our 2010 Partner Forum dates and themes, please email forum@participACTION.com.
Sport and Society Conference 2010
March 8-10
Vancouver, BC
The 2010 Sport and Society Conference will address a range of critical issues and themes relating to sport and our society. The submission deadline for the current call for papers is January 14, 2010.
For more information, and to register for the conference, please visit their website.
Rainbow Health Ontario 2010 Conference
March 24-26
Toronto, ON
The conference is dedicated to advancing the discussion on improving access and equity in health for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT) in Ontario and Canada. The conference objectives are to:
For more information, please visit their website.
ICPAPH Pre-Congress Workshop
Active Healthy Kids Canada
May 5
Toronto, ON
Active Healthy Kids Canada encourages all International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH) delegates to check out its Pre-Congress Workshop, titled "The Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth as a Model for Knowledge Exchange to Policy Action." Find out more about how the Report Card model can drive change in your jurisdiction.
For more information, or to register, please visit their website.
11th International Congress on Obesity (ICO)
July 11-15
Sweden
The International Congress on Obesity (ICO) will provide a quadrennial forum for the dissemination of information about state-of-the-art research in the field of obesity, for the identification of innovative preventative and treatment strategies, and for the development of global alliances in the effort to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its associated burden of diseases.
Abstract submissions deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.
For more information, please visit their website. |
| Partner Highlights and Events |
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Harbourfront Centre Skating
Month of January
Toronto, ON
Come out and see Toronto's winter gem. The Natrel winter rink is open the entire month of January (weather permitting), with open ice times, skating lessons for children and DJ skate nights.
For more information, please visit their website.
Winter Frolic at Ross Farm Museum
January 16 - 17
New Ross, NS
Make winter fun at the Ross Farm Museum, 60 minutes NW of Halifax, and take part in a sleigh ride pulled by Canadian horses. Stop along the trail to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate made over an open fire. After the ride, you can visit the farm workshop and help turn the crank on the ice cream freezer. And don't forget to bring a toboggan to enjoy the fabulous coasting hill. Borrow or bring along snowshoes or skis to explore the nature trails and experience the beauty of Nova Scotia's forests in winter.
To learn more, visit their website.
Rosebud Run Sleddog Classic
January 17 - 18
Didsbury, AB
Rosebud Run Sleddog Classic is a series of sled dog sprint races held annually in Alberta. This is a very unique event held at a venue that offers excellent spectator viewing. You can walk in, talk to the mushers, see the dogs and see how the harnesses are set up, or you can hike to one of the several advantage points along the trail to see the race unfold.
To learn more, please visit their website.
La Fête des Neiges
January 23 - February 7 (weekends only)
Montreal, QC
Montreal's great winter festival is back for three weekends, from January 23 to February 7. Everyone is invited to visit the magical setting of Parc Jean-Drapeau to enjoy a wide range of activities, get their legs moving, play winter sports and have fun with friends and family.
Whether it's a leisurely walk along the trails, tube sliding, ice or boot hockey, kick sledding, or skating along the Saint Lawrence River, memorable moments are guaranteed at La fête des Neiges. Our host, the friendly Boule de Neige, will be welcoming visitors and will be joined by an array of entertaining friends in the different on-site activities. Yan England, charming actor and event spokesperson, is very enthusiastic about participating in La fête again this year. His recipe for staying healthy is to keep moving and get some exercise, and he invites everyone to come to La fête and enjoy what winter has to offer!
To learn more, please visit their website.
Return of the Sun Festival
Mid - January
Igloolik, NU
After several weeks of darkness, the people of Igloolik celebrate the return of the sun in mid-January with the highly-anticipated Return of the Sun Festival. The community gathers at the gymnasium for traditional performances, games, music and costumes.
For more information, click here.
Snowboard Jamboree - Kinky Rail Jam
January 23
Stoneham Mountain Resort, QC
Come and practice, or learn new tricks. There will be clinics for riders of all skill levels, and a special rails section for girls only. Part of the Snowboard Jamboree, running from January 20-24.
To learn more, visit their website.
All Seniors Care 2010 Senior Games
January 25 - 29
Multiple Cities
Seniors are invited to participate in the first annual All Seniors Care Seniors Games, taking place at 13 All Seniors Care residences across Canada. Participants have the opportunity to meet new friends and try new healthy and active activities such as walking, Wii bowling, card games, Wii golf, billiards and bocce. Each day features a new competition, awards ceremony and a keynote speaker. Events start at 10:30 each day. Transportation to and from venues is available.
For more information, please contact Ronna Goldberg at 204-256-8877 or rgoldberg@allseniorscare.com |
| Success Story |
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Last summer, on a balmy Saturday afternoon, my 16-year-old daughter suggested we hike along the Thames River in London, ON. London has a terrific network of trails along the river - some through the woods, and others multipurpose paths that wind all along the riverbank.
Now, there was nothing unusual in her request to hike, as she likes to run and walk regularly. I, however, had to seriously consider my fitness level before going with her. So, I asked our dog Cinnamon, a youthful Golden Retriever, how she felt about it. Needless to say, I was going hiking!
Our first hike was supposed to be about 30 minutes, but being unfamiliar with the trails, my daughter Katie easily confused me and led me off on a much longer loop than I had expected. Ninety minutes later, we arrived back home. Wow, I did that! A 90 minute hike and I felt great.
The next weekend we set off again. This time, my husband Mark, my 11-year-old daughter Laura Cinnamon, Katie and I set off on a predetermined hiking plan. This time I got smarter and Googled the river area behind our house, as it's very easy to see the trails this way. We packed our lunch and ate beside the river, spotted ducks, geese and some very big fish in the water. Cinnamon cooled off in the river, and we had a great time. Our distance travelled was 8 km that day. We named the route the 8k Gigantor Loop.
The next weekend, we added the 3k Merlamae Loop to the 8k Gigantor Loop to total 11k (and a MerlaMae ice cream as a reward).
Over the course of last summer, my family hiked together approx eight times, for a total of about 70 kms walked together. With everyone having such busy work schedules, one competitive gymnast in the family, one super student and two working parents, times spent together are few and far between. This outdoor activity proved to be a bonding activity for our family - we stay in touch and keep walking and talking!
Story submitted from our Wall of Inspiration.
London, ON
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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