Physical Activity

Health Canada reports that 63% of Canadians are not active enough to achieve the health benefits they need from physical activity. Our bodies are made to move and it's surprising how little time it takes to stay healthy and reduce the risk of disease if you are physically active, regularly.

Active living means finding opportunities for activity in all parts of life: at school, at work, at play, at home, and everywhere in between.

Benefits of Physical Activity

The health benefits of physical activity are clear. Being active can help to prevent diseases that have been linked to activity levels:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Obesity

The other benefits of physical activity are:

• Reduced stress, anxiety, depression.
• Improved well-being and self-esteem.
• Healthy weight.
• Stronger bones and muscles.
• Reduced risk of developing joint pain.
• Prevention and control of risky behaviours (i.e. tobacco, alcohol and other substance use).
• Greater fitness.

As part of our active living program we encourage people in our community to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

The programs we offer in partnership include: TV Turn Off, Walk to School, Active and Safe Routes to School, and Playground Activity Leaders (PALS).

Links and Resources

Eat Healthy. Live Active (Healthy Waterloo Region)

LIN (Lifestyle Information Network)

Physical Activity Guide (Public Health Agency of Canada)

WHO (World Health Organization)

For more information on how to include physical activity into your daily life regardless of age or occupation, contact a Public Health Nurse at 519-883-2008