The experiences and perceptions of children’s active free play has changed over the generations. This article describes finds from inter-generational interviews and provides some suggestions on how to facilitate active free play today. Authors: Kacey C. Neely, Meghan Ingstrup, Shannon Pynn, Nicholas L. Holt (WellSpring | December 2015, Volume 26, Number 9)
Category: WellSpring
Sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are two separate public health issues. Practitioners should speak with their clients about both negative health behaviours. This article includes strategies for facilitating conversations with clients and decision-makers. Author: Andrew McCloskey (WellSpring | November 2015, Volume 26, Number 8)
Category: WellSpring
People experiencing disability or mobility impairments often encounter unique barriers in community fitness centres. The AIMFREE audit tool helps recreational facilities identify space, design and usage barriers, in order to improve the accessibility of their centre. Authors: Bobbi-Jo Atchison, Nora Johnston (WellSpring | October 2015, Volume 26, Number 7)
Category: WellSpring
All family members benefit from engaging in a physically active lifestyle. Practitioners can encourage clients to be physically active regularly with their family. Being creative, planning ahead and participating in enjoyable activities are some of the ideas for supporting families to adopt and maintain of an active way of life. Author: Rhiannon Jacek (WellSpring | September 2015, Volume 26, Number 6)
Category: WellSpring
This article identifies that physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviour time are two independent cardiovascular risk factors for women during pregnancy. Possible mechanisms for hypertensive disorders are explained. Authors: Charlotte W. Usselman, Bridget J. Hooper, Craig D. Steinback, Margie H. Davenport (WellSpring | August 2015, Volume 26, Number 5)
Category: WellSpring
This WellSpring article summarizes the findings from a scoping review examining family physicians’ approach to different forms of exercise/physical activity counselling and referral in their practice. Authors: Lisa Campkin, Patricia K. Doyle-Baker (July 2015, Volume 26, Number 4)
Category: WellSpring
This WellSpring offers insight into creating welcoming and inclusive group exercise classes, drawing from the author’s hands-on experiences in working with people who experience disability within a group exercise setting. The author offers several recommendations on how to start and maintain a culture of inclusion in group exercise classes. Author: Joanna Auger (June 2015, Volume 26, Number 3)
Category: WellSpring
This article outlines the nature-based, experiential and immersive model followed by the Educating Children Outside preschool program on Vancouver Island. The author offers tips and inspiration for practitioners to promote outdoor physical activity, while discussing lessons learned by educators in the program. Author: Chris Filler (WellSpring | March 2015, Volume 26, Number 2)
Category: WellSpring
This article features the Québec-based WIXX campaign which is modeled on the successful American VERB™ campaign to promote physical activity among tweens. Authors: Marilie Laferté, Frédéric Therrien, Ariane Bélanger-Gravel, François Lagarde, Lise Gauvin. (WellSpring | January 2015, Volume 26, Number 1)
Category: WellSpring
This WellSpring article outlines the benefits and challenges of using active transportation for travel to and from school. The authors offer practical suggestions for students, parents, practitioners, and the extended community to become involved in walking, wheeling or cycling to and from school. The article also provides several ideas on promoting or using active transportation beyond school communities. Authors: Raelene Steckly, Lesley McEwan. (October 2014, Volume 25, Number 6)
Category: WellSpring