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Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday, March 25, 2014
www.nanaimobulletin.com
Getting up and active with PAL Spring is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and start getting active. Introducing regular physical activity into your life is an important first step towards better health, a happier mindset, and more. The whole family will benefit from increased activity and getting on the road to a healthier lifestyle. There are so many known benefits to physical activity and an active lifestyle. Among them are a reduced risk of heart disease, premature death and stroke. Being active has also been proven to help improve self-esteem and confidence, help you sleep better, increase your energy and reduce depression, among many other things. Furthermore, it helps maintain functional independence, mobility, and bone health. For many of us, it can be quite daunting to take that first step towards an active lifestyle. And it can be more challenging to start something new without any help. The good news is residents of BC have access to a free physical activity counselling service called the Physical Activity Line (PAL). Through a phone call or online, qualified exercise professionals are available to provide exercise and physical activity advice and help you develop a customized physical activity plan for every member of the family, from children to older adults. When it comes to physical activity, more is better. To achieve the health benefits, it is important to try and progress towards the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children and youth and 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity each week for adults. Adults and older adults should also add muscle- and bone-
strengthening activities that work the major muscle groups at least twice a week to help with balance and prevent falls for those with mobility impairments. Physical activity doesn’t have to mean playing a sport or going to the gym. Playing a family game of tag, going for a swim or taking a walk outside with the family pet or to the store to get groceries count towards the physical activity recommendations. Try out something new; you may find your new favourite activity! In any case, you’re bound to have some fun and feel like a happier and healthier you. The Physical Activity Line is available Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m in the Lower Mainland, toll-free at 1-877-725-1149. For more information, visit www.physicalactivityline.com or email info@physicalactivity.com.
Other physical activity resources include ParticipACTION (www.participACTION.com) and Healthy Families BC (www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca).
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