On behalf of: Population & Public Health
Spring is here! Spring is a great time for some self care and walking is a perfect way to start. It's time to be outdoors and to get moving.
To help support you, the Wellness Page has been updated with a Physical Activity and Walking Resources list.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity refers to all movement including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person's work or domestic activities. Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health. Popular ways to be active include walking, cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation and play, and can be done at any level of skill and for enjoyment by everybody. (source)
In adults, physical activity contributes to prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances brain health, and can improve overall well-being (WHO)
B.C. Physical Activity Strategy (Physical activity - Province of BC)
Active People, Active Places: BC Physical Activity Strategy was released in 2015 as a ten-year physical activity strategy for BC. Embedded in the strategy is a Framework for Action that guides collective efforts across the sport, physical activity, and recreation sectors to increase opportunities for physical activity. An initial three-year action plan (2015/16 – 2017/18) mobilized key initiatives within the Framework for Action that aimed at increasing physical activity rates within the key focus areas of Early Years, Children and Youth, Indigenous Peoples, Older Adults and Active Communities. Its development was guided by key leaders and organizations across the province who worked collectively to determine the best approach to increasing physical activity rates. The provincial initiatives that were supported within the initial three-year action plan were evaluated to assess reach and impact.
Walking is free, accessible and effective! Start out by adding steps into each day. Energy expenditure is a combination of frequency (how often), duration (how much time) and intensity. Start by working on frequency, then progress to duration and finally increase intensity over the next year. A recent study in The Lancet showed that “although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some." (source)
While 7,000 steps may sound like a lot, you can break it down throughout the day and gradually work up to it. Create a strategy for yourself and then start moving – You are worth it!