Move More!

We are constantly in forward motion here at ParticipACTION, but in December, I always like to take a glance back over my shoulder as the year is drawing to a close - and I can say, without hesitation, that it's been quite a year.

Early this year, we helped announce Canada's new Physical Activity Guidelines, and then, a few months later, we communicated the launch of the world's first-ever Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines.

We worked diligently, through our national marketing campaign, to encourage parents to take a closer look at how much physical activity their children are really getting and to let them know that kids need 60 minutes a day. Every day.

We reached out and connected with our partners in the physical activity and health promotion sector, in every province and territory, to collaboratively build the foundation for a national physical activity strategy.

We brought the nation together to celebrate the power of sport with Sports Day in Canada, and saw both new and seasoned athletes get out and show their passion for sport in communities across the land.

With all this momentum behind us, ParticipACTION is looking forward to an action-packed 2012 and to continuing to work towards our vision of making Canada the most physically active nation on earth.

On behalf of all of us here at ParticipACTION, I wish every Canadian a heart-felt, happy, healthy and, of course, an active holiday season.

Warmly,

Kelly

The ParticipACTION Tool Kit offers FREE communication and promotional materials

To help inspire and inform Canadians, we've developed the ParticipACTION Tool Kit, which contains free communications materials that organizations can use to promote physical activity and sport participation.

Many of the materials are available to all. And if you are a ParticipACTION Partner Network (PPN) member, you can also access customizable materials.

Tool of the Month: Download the Benefits of Physical Activity sheet, which gives key information about why physical activity can have a positive effect on anyone's life. This sheet is ready for you to reprint for your newsletter, website, classroom, or family purposes.

Feel free to view and download additional articles on physical activity and sport participation or other great resources online at the ParticipACTION Tool Kit webpage. 

Holiday Gift Giving? Think Active Toys and Games

The holiday season is here and toy drives are starting up. When purchasing toys for your children or donating to a toy drive this season, please consider purchasing toys that promote active fun and physical activity. Need a few ideas? Look no further; check out our blog for some great

active toy/game thought starters!

For more get-active ideas and tips, visit ParticipACTION's website at www.participACTION.com,

or check out our blog at www.participACTION.com/blog 

Get outdoors and enjoy!

Catherine Cameron

Active Living Ambassador

For more tips and articles written by Catherine Cameron, Ambassador, Active Living, or to chat with her, visit the ParticipACTION Blog. Keep up to date with the latest ParticipACTION news and join in on the discussion; become a fan of our FACEBOOK group, follow us on TWITTER or check out our BLOG.

ParticipACTION Holiday Stress Busters

December can put a chill into any parent's heart - and it's not the cold weather we're talking about here. Even those with the most organized lives can find the holidays overwhelming and see their stress levels flying off the charts.

But, there is an antidote to seasonal stress, and pharmaceuticals are (thankfully) not required. Physical activity has been clinically proven to increase your body's own production of endorphins; those naturally-occurring, feel-good chemicals in the brain. So if you are finding yourself feeling a bit bah-humbug about the holidays, remind yourself that regular exercise can lift both your mood and sense of well-being and ward off symptoms of mild anxiety and depression.

Can't fit physical activity in with all the demands of the season? Mark it in your calendar, and make it a must-attend activity, along with all your other social events. Even 10 minutes here and there can add up over the course of a week.

Need help in sticking to your plan? Find a like-minded friend, choose something you enjoy doing, and commit to each other, Social, fun and stress-relieving - it's a great combination. Make sure that each activity you choose is something that you look forward to doing and not seen as a chore to check off your holiday to-do list.

Don't forget, what we're talking about could be as simple as a nightly stroll around the neighbourhood to see the holiday lights, or a quick shovel or sweep of the driveway. Meet another family for a skate at the local outdoor rink. Turn the music up and dance. Get outside with the kids for a quick burst of road-hockey action. You'll find that all of a sudden, the endorphins kick in and pulling off the perfect holiday won't seem that important, or over-whelming.

Q- Is it possible to stay active if I have a disability?

    - Mary

A- A simple and straightforward answer is - absolutely, yes! A disability can sometimes make it harder to do certain activities, but it shouldn't stop you from being active altogether. In most cases, people with disabilities are able to improve their flexibility, mobility, and coordination by becoming physically active.

Getting regular physical activity can also help you stay independent by increasing your ability move, lift, and function on your own. Furthermore, studies have shown that being active plays a huge role in preventing illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, just to name a few.

Overall, staying active - whether or not you have a disability - can help you in the long run when caring for yourself and others.

For information on physical activity options for individuals with a disability, visit the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability website.

Got a question about getting more active? Visit our website to learn more about Moving More! Still can't find your answer? Connect with our Active Living Ambassador on our Blog, Facebook, and through Twitter, or send your questions to the editor at info@participACTION.com.   

Jump in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan in motion

Pledges accepted until December 30

If you live in Saskatchewan, you can help your community win $10,000 so kids can move more!

Saskatchewan in motion is challenging families to jump in and be part of a solution to get our kids moving! Visit the Jump In website and make your pledge to do just one thing to help kids move more every day. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Families, it's time to jump in, make your pledge, and be part of the Saskatchewan solution to get our kids moving.

For more information on the program, or to begin your families' pledge, visit theSaskatchewan in Motion Jump In website.

Annual Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk

National (various cities across the country)

December 3

The annual Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk brings families and friends together and is held in many locations across Canada - check the city closest to you and sign up! Do the five-kilometre walk/run or the one kilometre Elf Walk. This event helps the Salvation Army assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

For more information, or to register for the event, visit the Running Room website.