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Issue 5 / May 2010
Move More!
Welcome to our latest E-Newsletter from: www.participACTION.com
Message from the President
The Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card came early this year - which is fitting, because the Report Card focus for 2010 is the importance of physical activity in the early years.
The early years are a critical period for growth and development. Unfortunately, less than half of Canadian children under five are getting regular physical activity as part of daily routines.
Research shows that lifestyle habits set before five predict health and obesity outcomes later in childhood, and even into adulthood. Yet in Canada, we do not have physical activity guidelines for children five and under. We all need to work together to build the foundation required for a healthy, active life.
To read about a Day in the Life of an Active Child, and access ParticipACTION tips on how to get your young children moving more, visit www.participACTION.com/inspiringkids. For more information on the Report Card, please visit www.activehealthykids.ca. Warmly,
Kelly Murumets
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| ParticipACTION Update | |
2010 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card launched April 27. Active Healthy Kids Canada launched its 2010 Report Card on April 27, with strategic partners ParticipACTION and the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO-HALO). The Report Card shines a national spotlight on physical activity opportunities for kids all across Canada. Visit the website to download the Report Card, access free presentations and articles, and find out how things played out. |
| Monthly Highlight | |
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) - Annual Bike Week
HRM's Annual Bike Week will be held from May 28 to June 6, 2010. Bike Week is a community-driven event that is designed to celebrate, educate and increase participation in all types of cycling throughout the region. There are many ways to get involved throughout the HRM:
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Set up a booth at one of the many event locations
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Organize a bike ride
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Donate some prizes
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Launch an initiative at your workplace
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Organize a guest speaker to talk about benefits, tips of the trade or ways to engage your community (school/work/neighbourhood) in safe, enjoyable cycling.
For more information, please visit their website.
Safe Kids Week 2010 - Got Wheels? Get a Helmet! Every year during Safe Kids Week, hundreds of community organizations across the country join Safe Kids Canada to focus attention on preventing injuries to children. Safe Kids Week is Safe Kids Canada's largest annual public awareness program, designed to help reduce the frequency and severity of preventable childhood injuries - the leading cause of death and disability in Canadian children.
Register as a Safe Kids Week partner to receive more information about helmet use for wheeled activities, and to access a special discount program with Bell Helmets. These helmets can be purchased for use in your community as prizes, or as donations. To register as a partner, and to find out more about Safe Kids Week and helmet safety, visit their website. |
| Note from a Personal Trainer | | |
By Tony D'Assisi, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Certified Personal Trainer and creator of The Life Wellness Approach.
The weather is getting warmer, and many of us are just itching to get outdoors. For those of us who enjoy milder temperatures, it's time to take advantage of the sunshine and get the kinks out. Get up and get outdoors for a brisk walk, jog, bike ride, rollerblade or sport of your choice. All you have to do is find something that you can have fun doing - and maybe even include a few family members, too.
Remember these Top Five Fitness Tips:
- Always go at your own pace - it's going to save you from getting overtired, overworked and possibly injured.
- Make sure you stay hydrated while participating in any physical exercise program - or even a walk around the neighborhood on a nice sunny day. Our bodies need water to function optimally.
- Choose activities you enjoy. This will ensure you are active more often. Always think of physical activity as a long-term lifestyle commitment.
- Warm up and warm down after exercise, as this will allow your body to get into a rhythm and possibly stay clear of undue stress on your muscles and joints. Proper footwear and clothing are also important.
- If at all possible, choose a workout partner who has similar goals as you do. This is one of the best ways to increase enjoyment of the activity, and stick with it. If you have a friend or family member who is very fit, it's tempting to think: "I can never be as fit as them!" So, find someone at your level and work at pushing each other to get healthier together.
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| Research Update | |
Physical Activity at Childcare among Preschool-aged Children
Many preschool-aged children spend hours a day in childcare. The preschool-age period is important for establishing a foundation of healthy lifestyle patterns for childhood and into adulthood. Few physical activity guidelines for preschool-aged children exist and there are no recommendations for physical activity specific to the childcare setting. A recent US study developed and tested a set of best practice physical activity guidelines for childcare settings. The guidelines were based on eight characteristics of the childcare setting: active opportunities, fixed play environment, portable play environment, sedentary opportunities, sedentary environment, staff behaviour, physical activity training/education and physical activity policies. The researchers found that only a few childcare centres met the best practice guidelines. The childcare setting represents an opportunity to promote physical activity and early development of healthy behaviours.
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| Q&A | |
Q - I often hear the expression "no pain, no gain." Do I really need pain to get in shape? Jane A - While breathing harder and some minor discomfort are a normal part of becoming more active, sharp pain is not. In fact, it's important to note that pain can be a warning sign of an exhausted muscle or torn ligament. Remember to start slowly and progress gradually. By avoiding pain, you are more likely to stick to your physical activity routine in the long run. |
| Professional Development | |
2010 Physical Activity Forum
Join the active crowd and spread the word about the Alberta Centre for Active Living's 4th annual Physical Activity Forum. This year's forum will feature Dr. Tish Doyle-Baker, an engaging and energetic speaker from the University of Calgary, discussing: Does the Built Environment Influence Health? Challenging the influence of the built environment on sedentary living.
The forum will be take place in three locations:
Edmonton
June 4, 2010 University of Alberta, Lister Conference Centre Register by clicking here. Launch of New Physical Activity WebsiteNational
In March, the Alberta Centre for Active Living launched a new website that promotes the inclusion of all people in physical activity and active living. It is designed to support practitioners and individuals to work towards real, positive change. The website:
- Is a great resource for practitioners, decision-makers, community leaders and advocates
- Addresses barriers to physical activity that you may encounter in your work or community
- Outlines how policies, physical and social environments, and individual factors promote or discourage physical activity participation
- Offers strategies to address many of the top barriers to participation in physical activities
For more information, please visit their website. Ophea - Asthma & Physical Activity Training Sessions
Webinar & Toronto, ONDo you work with children and youth in a physical activity setting? Did you know that asthma affects as many as 1 in 8 Canadian children and is a leading cause of missed school, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for children and youth? Physical activity provides many positive health and learning benefits for those with asthma. Although it can be one of the most common asthma triggers, children and youth with asthma should still be encouraged to participate in physical activity. Learn more about how to support children and youth with asthma to lead full, active and healthy lives by participating in Ophea's FREE asthma and physical activity training sessions for community leaders across Canada. In-person training sessionOphea, 1 Concorde Gate, Toronto, ON May 10, 10am - 2pm EST Webinar training sessionsMay 27 - 10am - 11:30am EST May 31 - 1pm - 2:30pm EST June 9 - 2pm - 3:30pm EST For more information and to register, please visit their website. |
| Partner Highlights and Events | |
Take 5! 'Motivate Me' Media Challenge
National
Deadline May 31Got something to say about the importance of physical activity in reducing tobacco use? We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts about how your teachers, coaches and parents can motivate you to get active and stay smoke free with the Take 5! "Motivate Me!" Media Challenge. For more information, please visit their website. Travel and Outdoor Festival
Montreal & Quebec City, QC
May 14 - 16, 28 - 30This festival is Quebec's biggest outdoor activity and tourism event, and includes sports activities, equipment trials, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and special training courses. Be sure to check out the exciting attractions like the mountain bike trail, bouldering sites, climbing walls and much more. The event will take place in two locations: Montreal - May 14-16 Quebec City - May 28-30 For more information, please visit their website. Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada - WALK OF LIFE
Toronto, ON
May 15The WALK OF LIFE is a family event highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle to the prevention of heart disease. The event generates awareness for walking and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation as an important tool for recovery from a cardiac event as well as a preventative measure for heart disease. For more information, or to register, please visit their website. 2nd Annual Tri-Cities Wheel to Heal Ride
Coquitlam, BC
May 16Presented by Cap's Westwood Cycle and benefiting the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, the 2nd Annual Wheel to Heal Ride is a great way to get active and have fun with family, friends, or as an individual. There are three courses to choose from (10km, 40km, 80km) so there is something for every level of cyclist. There are tons of awesome prizes to be won, including a $2000 bike from Cannondale and a $500 team gift certificate. All participants receive a t-shirt, water bottle and swag bag, and it is all for a great cause. Join the ride today! For more information, visit their website. Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
Halifax, NS
May 21 - 23The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is a three-day event that offers a variety of races and activities for all fitness levels. For more information, please visit their website. Peoples of the North Saskatchewan Heritage Festival
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
May 28 - 29The North Saskatchewan Heritage Festival celebrates the people of northern Saskatchewan. Enjoy Pioneer, Métis and Aboriginal games, food and activities. Some activities include: making ice cream, butter and bannock, spinning and weaving, tipi building, picnic races and much more. For more information, please visit their website. Cache the March IV
Oak Hammock Marsh, MB
May 30
Learn all about geocaching and meet fellow geocaching enthusiasts during this fun-filled day of GPS activities. Get acquainted with GPS technology and find the caches hidden at the marsh. An introduction to GPS and geocaching is offered from 10:30am - 12pm. For more information, please visit their website, or call 204-467-3300. Bike 4 Betty
Port Credit, ON
May 30Go the extra mile to protect women from cancer. Bring your family, friends and bicycles for a 2k, 15k, 30k, 75k or 100k ride or yoga in the park to benefit patients at Trillium Health Centre's cancer care services. This family ride and festival serves up exercise, barbecue, live entertainment, clowns and much more! To learn more about the event, visit www.bike4betty.com.
Pin It for the Planet
National
May 31- June 6Join the fight against climate change by shaking up your daily routine. Choose creative, active, sustainable car-free ways to get to work, school, shopping and play for one week. And pin your car key to your shirt to show support. There will also be events held in selected markets nationally. To learn more, please visit their website after May 19, 2010. Open Streets Hamilton
Hamilton, ON
June 6 - September 26Open Streets Hamilton will allow people of all ages to take to the streets to walk, cycle and take part in free physical activity opportunities such as dance aerobics. The event will also offer live music and a host of other free activities. Hamilton joins a growing number of cities around the world that have run successful Open Streets events, including Bogotá, Ottawa, New York, Portland and Miami. For more information, please visit their website. |
| Success Stories | | |
Not being a very athletic person, I don't participate in sports or even an exercise program. However, when the motivation is there, I can get going. In my case, my passion is nature photography, and when I found a fox den up at the summit of Mount Royal in Montreal, I was drawn there every chance I could get.
The trip to the fox den involves a long uphill walk from the Côte-des-Neiges metro station to the Mount Royal cemetery and then several hours of climbing up to the highest point and back down, several times, as I wait for a possible glimpse (and photo!) of a fox.
These foxes have made me more fit than I have been in many years. It just proves that getting active is all a matter of motivation. I am lucky to have found mine.
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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