Today marks the first day of spring and as we start to get ready for warner weather, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding the public that springtime is a great time to consider physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting ready for the new season may include pulling out spring jackets and rubber boots, and ensuring equipment like bicycles and helmets are still a good fit, and in good working order.
Did you know each year the average Canadian makes 2,000 car trips of less than three kilometers, which can often be made on foot or by bicycle? One of the easiest ways to fit physical activity into your day is to make it part of your routine by walking or cycling to the places you need to go, like visiting friends, to run errands, or get to school or work. Not only is cycling good for you but it’s also good for our communities. More bicycle riding means fewer cars which can lead to calmer traffic and less noise and air pollution.
Everyone can benefit from participating in daily physical activity. Regular physical activity improves quality of life and helps to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. However, in Canada, only 28 percent of kidsand 49 percent of adults are getting the minimum recommended amount of physical activity to be healthy. Kids aged five to 17 years need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, while adults should get at least 150 minutes per week.
Being physically active in nature benefits one’s physical and mental health and promotes wellbeing for all ages. Play in nature helps children to be active for longer periods of time and fosters healthy development. The health unit offers information and resources with ideas on how you and your family can build physical activity into your day, including the following:
- Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity
- Trails in Simcoe Muskoka
- Pedestrian Safety
- Teaching Children Pedestrian Safety
- Cycling Skills – Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling
- Young Cyclist’s Guide
- Simcoe Muskoka On the Move
For more information visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.