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)
Category: WellSpring
Although research evidence has shown strong benefits from exercise for cancer survivors, exercise programming has not been part of the care provided to survivors in Alberta until recently. This article highlights the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study, which aims to build a clinic-to-community model that ensures exercise becomes part of cancer survivorship care. Authors: S. Nicole Culos-Reed, Tanya Williamson, Christopher Sellar, Margaret McNeely. (WellSpring | August 2017, Volume 28, Number 8)
Category: WellSpring
Wearable physical activity monitors, such as the Fitbit or Jawbone, are the latest tools in physical activity technology. These devices allow individuals to track various physical activities throughout the day. However, little is understood as to how individuals interpret and use the data, or how the data shapes behaviours and everyday life. This study explored these topics among mothers who use these devices. Author: Marianne Clark. (WellSpring | July 2017, Volume 28, Number 7)
Category: WellSpring
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)
Category: WellSpring
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