Being physically active and reducing the time we spend sitting every day is important – it helps keep our bodies and our minds healthy and strong. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases, like heart disease, type two diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. It can also help us reach and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, physical activity refreshes the mind and can relieve tension and stress, making us feel better.

The health unit works with its partners to promote physical activity in our communities.

We:

• Promote and support walking and cycling as a healthy option to get to the places we need to go.
• Work with others in the community to create policies and supportive environments that encourage everyone to be physically active as part of their daily routine.
• Support our municipalities to develop healthy public policy and environments that support physical activity. This can include the design and building of healthy communities with safe and inviting networks of sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails that connect people to one another and to the places they need to go.

What matters to your health

Daily physical activity for children

Children need time to play. Give your children lots of opportunity for daily physical activity and reduce the time they spend sitting or involved in screen time. It’s important for them to be involved in deciding what activities to do, and to play outdoors and in nature often. Keep things simple and fun. Be a role model by being active yourself, and help your children create a lifetime of healthy habits.

Physical activity for you

Find ways to build physical activity into your daily routine. Instead of driving try walking, cycling or wheeling to places you need to go whenever you can. Combine this with public transit if you need to travel longer distances.

Talk with the people who make decisions in your community, such as your mayor or ward councillor, about the importance of having well-connected, accessible and maintained sidewalks, trails, pathways and bike lanes so you can use them to safely get around in all seasons of the year. 

For more information:

Call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

External links

• The Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years – children aged 0-4 years
• The Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth - aged 5-17 years
• The Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults - aged 18–64 years
• The Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for Older Adults – aged 65 years and older
• ParticipACTION