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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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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From Bogota, Columbia, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Open Streets provides communities with the opportunity to be active on the streets. Open Streets are free recreation programs that temporarily closes the streets to traffic and open them to people to walk, bike, and just be physically. People can engage with their local community and businesses, as well as learn more about community amenities and programs. Author: Alyssa Bird (WellSpring | August 2016, Volume 27, Number 8)

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The 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth introduces the important inter-relationships among physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep, and for the first time, assigns a grade to sleep. As part of a whole-day approach, the new Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines recommend that children and youth need to “Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit” in the right amounts. Key recommendations for parents/families, schools, and governments/policy-makers are provided to help kids sit less, move more, and sleep better. Authors: Mark S. Tremblay, Joel Barnes, Allana LeBlanc, Katherine Janson (WellSpring | July 2016, Volume 27, Number 7)

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Physical activity in the early years (0–5 years) is an important factor for children's development, both physically and mentally. Developing physical literacy in the early years should be child-centered and most importantly, fun. This article highlights the importance of physical literacy and introduces the Calgary Be Fit For Life resources to support parents and childcare workers develop physical literacy in young children. Author: Leah Yardley (WellSpring | June 2016, Volume 27, Number 6)

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Overall, transitioning to Canadian life influenced participation in physical activity through family, social relationships, costs of being active and the cold Canadian climate. Implications for practice and policy are suggested, including enhanced community engagement and organizational modifications. Authors: Kimberley Curtin, Christina Loitz, Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere, Ernest Khalema (WellSpring | May 2016, Volume 27, Number 5)

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