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Join the HealthyFamiliesBC Walking Challenge

August 09, 2011: Want to win great prizes for you and your community by being more active with your family and friends?? Then take the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge! For six weeks, from Monday, Aug. 8 until Monday, Sept. 19, you can map your favourite BC walks and share your stories, photos and videos online for a chance to win. read more

Fitness targets to be lowered for Canadians

January 03, 2011: Canada’s new physical activity guidelines are set to lower the daily target to 60 minutes a day for kids, and 150 minutes a week for adults. The new targets are consistent with World Health Organization, U.S., and U.K standards. Results of a CBC poll indicate that only 12% of Canadian children currently get the recommended 90 minutes of daily physical activity. read more

Global Recommendations on Physical Activity

December 09, 2010: World Health Organisation (WHO) publication outlines type, frequency, and duration of physical activity levels recommended to help avoid health problems. The WHO considers physical inactivity to be among the four leading risk factors for global mortality (along with high blood pressure, tobacco use, and high blood glucose). read more

Fat and fit? Think Again. Extra Pounds Can Cost You Big Time

December 02, 2010: Study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looks at the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and health risks. The research team analyzed 19 long-term studies, involving 1.5 million participants, and concluded that the healthiest BMI is between 20 and 24.9. read more

Regular Exercise Reduces Large Number of Health Risks Including Dementia and Some Cancers, Study Finds

November 16, 2010: A research study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice says that regular physical activity is second to not smoking in lifestyle choices contributing to better health. The study summarises key findings from 40 papers published from 2006-2010, and lists two dozen physical and mental conditions with reduced risks resulting from regular exercise. read more

Healthy Lifestyle Has Bigger Impact on Cardiovascular Health Than Genetics, Studies Show

November 15, 2010: One of two recent studies from Northwestern Medicine concludes that cardiovascular health is primarily a result of lifestyle, and not heredity. Also discussed is the finding that people who adopted healthy lifestyle behaviours as young adults maintained a low risk profile in middle age. read more

Exercise May Reduce Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Women

November 12, 2010: Study examining incidence of endometrial cancer among women suggests link between physical activity and lowered risk of the cancer. While BMI also showed to have a strong association with endometrial cancer even overweight, but still active, participants had a 52 % lower risk. read more

Activity Level Seems to Decline Throughout College Years

November 12, 2010: Study from the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation finds that college students become less active through their college years. From freshman to senior years changes were found in average minutes walked, moderate and vigorous physical activity levels, body mass index, and time spent sitting. read more

Exercise Wards off Colds: Study

November 01, 2010: U.S. study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explores the link between keeping physically fit and reduced likelihood of catching a cold. The study found that people who were active at least five days a week had more than a 40% reduction in illness days compared with those who were active on one or less days per week. read more

Too Much TV, Video And Computer Can Make Teens Fatter

September 21, 2010: Five year study from the University of Montreal reveals that even teens with consistently low patterns of screen time exceed two hours per day on average. Lead author Dr. Tracie A. Barnett adds that teenagers would benefit from some form of monitoring to prevent excessive screen time. read more

Researchers Find Association Between Physical Fitness and Children’s Brain Development

September 16, 2010: Study suggests that physical activity leads to a larger brain among 9 and 10 year old children, resulting in better relational memory. read more

Walk, Cycle to Fight Obesity: Study

August 20, 2010: Study of 15 countries explores the relationship between obesity, and active forms of travel, such as walking or bicycling. Of the countries studied Canadians demonstrated a higher rate of active transportation than the USA, but had significantly lower rates than several European nations, where about half of the trips reported were on foot or bike. read more