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Active Living - In a Nutshell

Active Living is a people-friendly term used to describe a way of life in which physical activity in all forms is valued and integrated into daily living.

What is the Goal?

Recommended “Dose” 11:
  Duration: 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity (can be accumulated in 10 minute blocks of time)
  Frequency: 4-7 days per week
  Intensity: activities should make you feel warmer and breathe faster
    start slowly and gradually build up

Benefits of regular activity: 12 Health risks of inactivity: 13
  • better health
  • improved fitness
  • better posture and balance
  • better self-esteem
  • weight control
  • stronger muscles and bones
  • feeling more energetic
  • relaxation and reduced stress
  • premature death
  • heart disease
  • obesity
  • high blood pressure
  • type 2 diabetes
  • osteoporosis
  • stroke
  • depression
  • colon cancer

Statistics

  • only 22% of Simcoe County’s population 12 years of age and older report exercising moderately14 (therefore 78% of Simcoe County residents are at risk for chronic diseases because of inactivity)
  • 55% Canadians say they should do something to improve their health - #1 action identified was to increase level of physical activity15
  • walking was the most popular activity named16
  • 52% of children meet the 90 minutes per day national guideline for total physical activity when in school and outside of school activity is combined30

Click here for resources (posters)

 “Believe It” – It’s True!”

Research now shows that as much as half the decline between ages 30 and 70 is due to inactivity, not the aging process. 17

Physical inactivity is as dangerous to health as smoking! 18

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