Free access to outdoor fitness equipment in urban parks is one strategy that can support increases in public access to places to be physically active. Such parks have been shown to be successful in larger cities around the world, but how effective are active parks in the Alberta context? This article highlights the use and the perceptions of park users in two active parks in Lethbridge, Alberta. Authors: Jennifer L Copeland, Cheryl Currie, Ali Walker. (WellSpring | June 2017, Volume 28, Number 6)
Category: WellSpring
Shepherd’s Care Foundation is working to identify and develop opportunities to support and enable its aging residents to live healthy and independent lives. This includes engaging residents in the process of research and program development to provide simple and safe activities to promote wellness, as well as fit the needs and interests of residents. This article highlights the research, program process, and changes in residents’ perceptions of personal and physical health after participation in physical activities. Author: Kelly Deis. (WellSpring | May 2017, Volume 28, Number 5)
Category: WellSpring
We live in a time where our modern environments have become increasingly automated, requiring less physical exertion for daily living and resulting in more sedentary behaviour time. So how sedentary are Canadians? Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, this article highlights how sedentary behaviours vary across Canada and across specific characteristics among the Canadian adult population. Author: Katya Herman. (WellSpring | April 2017, Volume 28, Number 4)
Category: WellSpring
In the world of physical activity and exercise, the messages delivered to the public can often be complex and compete among each other. Within this, the physical activity promoter’s message may be limited. This article provides insight for practitioners on aspects to consider to increase impact of promotion efforts. Author: Tanya Berry. (WellSpring | March 2017, Volume 28, Number 3)
Category: WellSpring
Walking groups provide an opportunity for all to be physically active. As such, the Edmonton West Primary Care Network began their first mall walking group three years ago. Experiences from the perspective of the facilitator are shared, including benefits, challenges and lessons learned on the delivery of the mall walking program. Authors: Kevin Thomson, Joe Hoffman. (WellSpring | February 2017, Volume 28, Number 2)
Category: WellSpring
To combat sedentary behaviour and support physical activity opportunities in the workplace, ParticipACTION developed UPnGO with ParticipACTION — a workplace physical activity program that aims to make physical activity acceptable and the norm in the workplace. Currently in its piloting phase, this article provides an overview of the program and successes in pilot worksites. Authors: Rachel Shantz, Guy Faulkner, Erica Lau. (WellSpring | January 2017, Volume 28, Number 1)
Category: WellSpring
Sport and community are often interconnected, yet little is understood about community within the context of sport for Indigenous youth. Understanding community is important to be able to enhance sport opportunities for Indigenous youth. A study was undertaken with Edmonton-based Indigenous youth and adults to examine the meaning of community within the context of sport. Key findings and implications for practice are provided. Authors: Tara-Leigh McHugh, Nora Johnston. (WellSpring | December 2016, Volume 27, Number 12)
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Engaging community stakeholders while developing and implementing programs/interventions can have implications for meaningful impact in terms of ownership and sustainability. Research has shown that without community engagement and ownership, programs have a lesser chance of achieving traction. Key strategies for effective engagement of community stakeholders are provided. Authors: Jon Salsberg, Soultana Macridis. (WellSpring | November 2016, Volume 27, Number 11)
Category: WellSpring
Understanding the economic burden of behavioural risk factors, such as physical inactivity in relation to other risk factors, is essential for prioritization of health efforts. This article highlights an approach to understanding the economic burden of behavioural risk factors; shares new data about the global health and economic burden of physical inactivity and chronic disease; and provides a new insight for physical activity practitioners to explore and advocate for increased attention on physical inactivity as a major risk factor for chronic disease. Author: Peter T. Katzmarzyk. (WellSpring | October 2016, Volume 27, Number 10)
Category: WellSpring
The new Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep was developed through a robust and transparent process, and it is the first developed anywhere in the world. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy balance of movement behaviours and recommends that children “Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit” in the right amounts to be healthy. Authors: Mark S. Tremblay, Veronica J. Poitras. (WellSpring | September 2016, Volume 27, Number 9)
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