Bailey, D.A., McKay, H.A., Mirwald, R.L., Crocker, P.R., & Faulkner, R.A. (1999). A six-year longitudinal study of the relationship of physical activity to bone mineral accrual in growing children: The University of Saskatchewan bone mineral accrual study. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research, 14, 1672-1679.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Fibromyalgia includes muscle, ligament, and tendon pain and is a condition that mostly affects women over 50. This WellSpring article discusses the benefits of physical activity for people with fibromyalgia. The article also presents the story of a woman with fibromyalgia who discusses her experience with the illness.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
"The family that plays together stays together." On page 2 of this WellSpring issue, the article discusses the importance of intergenerational relationships in physical activity, sports, and recreation. The author also suggests that we need to rethink how we currently isolate people by generation in the various forms of activity, sport, and recreation in our communities.
psychologically, and offers suggestions for parents and teachers on how to help kids be active from a young age, at school and at home. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Pronk, N.P., Martinson, B., Kessler, R.C., Beck, A.L., Simon, G.E., & Wang, P. (2004). The association between work performance and physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and obesity. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 46, 19-25.
120 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This major UK report reviews evidence from around the world on the impact of physical activity on public health. Physical inactivity is as important to the burden of chronic disease as smoking cigarettes and an unhealthy diet.
This link will allow you to download the whole document or individual chapters.
120 pages Published: 2004 GeoOrigin: International
This report presents the evidence that shows that as well as contributing to well-being, physical activity is essential for good health. Physical inactivity is established as a major causal factor of chronic disease.
This resource is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Benefits, ID #1101
pdf file, 3 pages Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian women. Although treatment for women living with breast cancer is an arduous experience, physical activity may enhance the quality of life of cancer survivors. This WellSpring article presents the benefits of regular participation in physical activity using a narrative approach to study four members of the Breast Friends Society of Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Team.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: May 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Stresses the physical and emotional benefits of gardening in general. Provides clear steps on how to start and set up a community garden and outlines what their advantages are to individuals, communities, and the environment.
Swain, D.P. & Franklin, B.A. (2006). Comparison of cardioprotective benefits of vigorous versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise. American Journal of Cardiology, 97, 141-147.
Annesi, J.J. (2005). Correlations of depression and total mood disturbance with physical activity and self-concept in preadolescents enrolled in an after-school exercise program. Psychological Reports, 96, 891-898.
pdf file, 31 pages Published: Nov 2004 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This report provides statistics on chronic disease frequencies in British Columbia and reinforces the benefits of physical activity.
The report also estimates the frequency of inactiviy in the province and estimates the annual cost of inactivity as approxiately $211 million in direct costs (hospital, physician, drug, institution, and other costs).
Devos-Comby, L., Cronan, T., & Roesch, S. C. (2006). Do exercise and self-management interventions benefit patients with osteoarthritis of the knee? A meta analytic review. Journal of Rheumatology, 33, 744.
Proper, K.I., van den Heuvel, S.G., De Vroome, E.M., Hildebrandt, V.H., & Van der Beek, A.J. (2006). Dose-response relation between physical activity and sick leave. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 173-178.
Eating right and being active are key components for cancer prevention. This booklet is geared toward adults of all ages. It's a great tool for you to share with your clients, patients and members. This booklet is also available in French, Chinese and Punjabi.
Murtagh, E.M., Boreham, C.A.G., Nevill, A., Hare, L.G., & Murphy, M.H. (2005). The effects of 60 minutes of brisk walking per week, accumulated in two different patterns, on cardiovascular risk. Preventive Medicine, 41, 92-97.
McNeely, M.L., Campbell, K.L., Rowe, B.H., Klassen, T.P., Mackey, J.R., & Courneya, K.S. (2006). Effects of exercise on breast cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 175, 34-41.
Chavannes, N., Vollenberg, J.J., van Schayck, C.P., & Wouters, E.F. (2002). Effects of physical activity in mild to moderate COPD: A systematic review. British Journal of General Practice, 52, 574-578.
This report describes methods for evaluating non-motorized transport benefits and costs. This includes direct benefits to users from improved walking and cycling conditions, and various benefits to society.
Asikainen, T.M., Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Miilunpalo, S. (2004). Exercise for health for early postmenopausal women: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Sports Medicine, 34, 753-758.
Looking for other ideas to include in your active living lifestyle? Are you an older adult interested in starting an exercise program? The American National Institute on Aging has developed a user-friendly web site that includes guidelines and support resources to help older adults initiate an exercise program. Web site topics include
the benefits of exercise;
safety considerations;
exercise guidelines;
ways to chart your progress;
FAQs.
Print and video resources are also available from this site.
Activity helps keep joints healthy, increases flexibility, and make us feel better. Making exercise part of your life is featured on the Arthritis Society's web site. You can also find exercises for specific joints.
This 20-page booklet will encourage parents and caregivers to make physical activity a good habit from the earliest years. The booklet illustrates exercises that adults can do with very young children.
Getting a Grip on Arthritis is the Arthritis Society’s first ever Canada-wide arthritis training program for health care providers.
It provided training workshops for primary health care providers so they could enhance their skills, improve their ability to diagnose arthritis and provide helpful advice to patients.
On this site you will access educational materials for both health care providers and people with arthritis.
Midtgaard, J., Rorth, M., Stelter, R., & Adamsen, L. (2006). The group matters: An explorative study of group cohesion and quality of life in cancer patients participating in physical exercise intervention during treatment. European Journal of Cancer Care, 15, 25-33.
Warburton, D.E.R., Nicol, C.W., & Bredin, S.D.S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: The evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174, 801-809.
Healthy U is a public information and education website to support and encourage Albertans to lead healthier lifestyles by providing them with access to information on healthy eating and active living.
The website has three sections where you can find general information and tips on:
Active Living.
Healthy Eating.
Healthy Places (Workplace, Schools, Communities).
You will also find access to various resources and tools, Alberta's nutrition guidelines and information about funding for community activities.
Great website for your clients, patients, family and even yourself.
Thorstensson, C.A., Roos, E.M., Petersson, I.F., & Arvidsson, B. (2006). How do middle-aged patients conceive exercise as a form of treatment for knee osteoarthritis?. Disability & Rehabilitation, 28, 51-59.
Identifies the short-term and long-term health benefits of regular physical activity. Includes both physical and psychological benefits. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This Health and Age article discusses an academic article in Health Psychology (Hansen et al. (2001). "Exercise duration and mood state: How much is enough to feel better?").
This article discusses physical activity's positive impact on physical and mental health. Exercising for 10 minutes is enough to improve energy levels that promote a positive quality of life.
Lists factors that may indicate initial success after following a physical exercise program for a short time. Discusses tools to measure progress, and goal adjustment. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Carmeli, E., Barchad, S., Masharawi, Y., & Coleman, R. (2004). Impact of a walking program in people with Down syndrome. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 18, 180-184.
Lists factors that may indicate initial success after following a physical exercise program for a short time. Discusses tools to measure progress, and goal adjustment. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Tardon, A., Lee, W.J., Delgado-Rodriguez, M., Dosemeci, M., Albanes, D., Hoover, R., et al. (2005). Leisure-time physical activity and lung cancer: A meta-analysis. Cancer Causes Control, 16, 389397.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2007 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Souligne les bienfaits du jardinage pour la santé physique et mentale. Présente des étapes simples pour mettre sur pied un jardin communautaire et signale les avantages qu'il procure aux personnes, aux collectivités et à l'environnement. Créée pour le Réseau canadien de la santé par Alberta Centre for Active Living.
Korpelainen, R., Korpelainen, J., Heikkinen, J., VŠŠnŠnen, K., & KeinŠnen-Kiukaanniemi, S. (2003). Lifestyle factors are associated with osteoporosis in lean women but not in normal and overweight women: A population-based cohort study of 1222 women. Osteoporosis International, 14, 34-43
pdf file, 2 pages Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Studies have shown that being physically active over a lifetime reduces the risk of breast cancer. This WellSpring article presents the results of a study that focused on people who had participated in physical activity for a long time and their risk factors for breast cancer. The study found a significant relationship between physical activity and a reduced risk for breast cancer.
170 pages Published: 1996 GeoOrigin: International
This manual is for executive directors and program managers in a broad range of services that include: intervention and remediation programs for individuals and families experiencing difficulties; prevention and development programs that protect and enhance well-being. It relates to direct-service providers and programs engaged in advocacy, public education, capacity building, and related activites.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Administration/Management--Evaluation [file cabinet], ID #719
Samad, A.K., Taylor, R.S., Marshall, T., & Chapman, M.A. (2005). A meta-analysis of the association of physical activity with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal Disease, 7, 204-213
This resource will be useful for people looking for general information about mental health and physical activity.
The resource explains the benefits of physical activity, what counts as physical activity, how to judge your own level of activity and how to get started.
You can view a non-printable PDF version and can order hard copies of the document from the website.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges member states to celebrate "Move for Health" day each year to promote physical activity as essential for health and well-being. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic, noncommunicable diseases which cause 60% of global death and 47% of the burden of disease. This web site provides information sheets dealing with physical activity that relate to benefits, policy, youth, women, and older people. Links to other related WHO strategies are provided.
The American National Institute on Aging has developed a user-friendly web site to help older adults begin an exercise program. Web site topics include
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2005 GeoOrigin: International
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States have prepared fact sheets on benefits of physical activity and American statistics on overweight and physical activity participation rates.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Oct 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring article presents a list of the benefits of physical activity, how much physical activity is needed to improve health, and information on how to get started.
Briffa, T.G., Maiorana, A., Sheerin, N.J., Stubbs, A.G., Oldenburg, B.F., Sammel, N.L., et al. (2006). Physical activity for people with cardiovascular disease: Recommendations of the National Heart Foundation of Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 184, 71-75.
9 pages Published: Jun 2010 GeoOrigin: International
Benzo, R.P., Chang, C.C., Farrell, M.H., Kaplan, R., Ries, A., Martinez, F.J., Wise, R., et al. (2010). Physical activity, health status and risk of hospitalization in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration,80,10-18.doi:10.1159/000296504
Ram, F.S.F., Robinson, S.M., Black, P.N., & Picot, J. (2005). Physical training for asthma. Cochrane Database System Review, 4. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Cochrane Database.
This review examines the effectiveness and the efficacy of physical training in people with asthma. These results suggest that cardiopulmonary fitness may improve wihout changes in lung function. Asthma patients should be encouraged to participate in regular physical activity.
pdf file, 3 pages Published: Apr 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring article focuses on some of the health benefits of physical activity, including lowering the risk for many chronic diseases. The article also looks at the physical activity goals of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Fitness and Recreation. Finally, the article discusses the role of SummerActive in promoting physical activity across Canada.
Warburton, D.E.R., Nicol, C.W., & Bredin, S.S.D. (2006). Prescribing exercise as preventive therapy. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174, 961-974.
Saskatchewan In Motion is a province-wide movement aimed at increasing physical activity for health benefits. Communities, workplaces, schools, and physicians are involved. This is a great source of ideas on how to use the web to promote active living in your community. The website provides benefits and fit facts for all population groups, as well as a media section. The walking workout has self-assessments, walking tips, a place to log your walking, and a place to submit your own success stories.
Bulwer, B.E. (2004). Sedentary lifestyles, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease: From research to practice. Critical Pathways in Cardiology, 3, 184-193.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2007 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Suggests ways to help make walking a positive experience and how to overcome any personal impediments to the exercise. Offers advice on setting motivating goals. Discusses the use of pedometers and other methods of monitoring a walking program. Includes links to related resources.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: May 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Explores the reasons that make physical activity so important for adolescent girls. Lists factors that contribute to the successful participation of girls in sport and physical activity. Suggests a variety of activity ideas for female teens.
DeBolt, L.S., & McCubbin, J.A. (2004). The effects of home-based resistance exercise on balance, power, and mobility in adults with multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85, 290-297.
This resource talks about MS and the demonstrated benefits of exercise on the people living with MS.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population/Groups -- Persons with a Disability [file cabinet], ID #1189
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Most older adults are still not active enough for health benefits. This WellSpring article presents the risks of a sedentary lifestyle (including chronic diseases) as well as the benefits of physical activity in advanced age.
