Program Description Physical activity doesn't have to be all work and no play. In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous workouts that are painful and boring. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities that you enjoy and look forward to. Get active your way, everyday, and watch the health benefits follow! According to the most recent edition of the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institutes Physical Activity Monitor, 56% of Canadian adults over the age of 18 are not active enough for optimal health benefits. We are striving to. - increase awareness about the benefits of physical activity;
- motivate people in Northwestern Ontario to become more active;
- work with partners in the community to offer a broad range of local activities to make it easier for people to get active.
Physical activity reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain and achieve a healthy body weight - and it improves your outlook on life. There are three types of activities you need to do to keep your body healthy and fit: - Endurance activities help your heart; lungs and circulatory system stay healthy and give you more energy. These include walking, gardening, golfing, dancing and in-line skating.
- Flexibility activities help you to move easily by keeping your muscles relaxed and your joints mobile. Flexibility activities include gentle reaching, bending, and stretching of all your muscle groups. This is found in yard work or house work, curling and Tai Chi.
- Strength activities help your muscles and bones stay strong. They also improve your posture and help to prevent injuries or osteoporosis. Carrying groceries or children, lifting weights, hiking with a backpack or climbing stairs are effective ways of building your strength.
Major Initiatives: - 10,000 Steps Campaign: How many steps do you take in a day? Research now suggests that we should be taking 10,000 or more steps per day to improve health. The 10,000 Steps to better health is a campaign to promote the health benefits of walking.
- Active Schools:
› OPHEA Master Trainers Program: working with Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) to provide teachers with on-going education opportunities to assist them with the delivery of the Health and Phys. Ed. curriculum.
› The Busy Box: Every school now has at least one. This resource kit includes equipment, props and activity ideas to assist teachers with Daily Vigorous Physical Activity within and outside the gym.
› Active Schools Resource Box: Over 25 resources for teachers and community leaders to assist with planning fun days, phys. ed classes, physical activity days, and intramurals.
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