Developing strategies to support workplace wellness can be rewarding for both employees and employers. However, it can be difficult to reach and engage all employees. This WellSpring article provides an overview of the City of Grande Prairie’s Wellness Committee and highlights their program and strategies utilized to reach all City employees with wellness activities. Authors: Lana Sieben, Rick Demaray. (WellSpring | June 2018, Volume 29, Number 06)
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When school is out, child and youth opportunities to be active may be reduced. Summer camps can provide an opportunity for children and youth to maintain their daily activity levels. This WellSpring highlights study findings from the KiSS UC study that examined daily step counts of camp attendees and achievement of recommendations through informal and formal physical activities. Author: Patricia Doyle-Baker. (WellSpring | May 2018, Volume 29, Number 05)
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Primary care is an optimal setting for most prevention and screening services in the healthcare system. This issue highlights MOVE, a physician-led, interdisciplinary exercise program that encourages physical activity among patients while in the great outdoors. Author: Doug Klein. (WellSpring | April 2018, Volume 29, Number 04)
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With recent interest in supporting physical literacy, Be Fit For Life Centres and many partners supported the creation of PLAY Groups — a forum for professionals and volunteers with an interest in physical activity to work together to support physical literacy development in their communities. This article provides an overview of PLAY Groups in Alberta and how to get involved. Author: Megan McKinlay. (WellSpring | March 2018, Volume 29, Number 03)
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There is evidence to suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on brain health. To support patients experiencing memory changes and decline, the Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network began a pilot project called the Moving for Memory Program. This article provides an overview of the benefits of physical activity on brain health, as well as their 12-week Moving for Memory Program. Authors: Lisa Workman, Stephanie Schlaak. (WellSpring | February 2018, Volume 29, Number 02)
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Active Living Research is an inter-disciplinary team with internationally-recognized expertise and strong connections in public health, transportation, planning, parks & recreation, school activity programs, behavioural science, and obesity prevention. Their goal is to support, share, and put into practice research that can promote daily physical activity for children and families across the world. Authors: Carmen Cutter, Amanda Walker. (WellSpring | January 2018, Volume 29, Number 01)
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Smoking tobacco is a public health threat globally, and finding successful ways and programs to help people quit smoking is vital. Run to Quit is a national program that combines smoking cessation and physical activity to support adults on their journey to quit smoking. This edition of WellSpring provides an overview of the program, how it is being evaluated, and the initial evaluation results. Authors: Krista Glowacki, Carly Priebe, Guy Faulkner (WellSpring | December 2017, Volume 28, Number 12)
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The new Get Active Questionnaire tool, which can be found on the CSEP website, can be used in a variety of different settings to support pre-participation screening in physical activities. The tool helps individuals and practitioners identify risk factors that should be considered before engaging in physical activities. Authors: Kirstin Lane, Jennifer Copeland. (WellSpring | November 2017, Volume 28, Number 11)
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The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) – Terminology Consensus Project Process and Outcome was a collaborative project authored by 84 researchers from 20 countries. The project aimed to develop consensus definitions to reduce confusion and inconsistency in the field of health research related to sedentary behaviour. Authors: Salomé Aubert, Joel Barnes, Mark Tremblay. (WellSpring | October 2017, Volume 28, Number 10)
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Walking is a popular activity among Albertans and can provide many health benefits. However, the environments in which we live may not always be easy to walk in. This article highlights the benefits of walkability and provides an overview of the WalkABle Alberta project with community examples and the international Walk21 Calgary conference. Author: S. Graham Matsalla. (WellSpring | September 2017, Volume 28, Number 9)
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