Physical Activity through the Lifespan
Did you know that physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development? Being active and including physical activity into your daily life offers so many great benefits to people of all ages.
- Physical Activity During Pregnancy
- Active Infants and Toddlers
- Active Preschoolers
- Children and Youth
- Adult
- Older Adult
- Funding and Grants for Physical Activity
Children and Youth
A child who is active on a regular basis will develop cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility and bone density. Physical activity also helps build positive self-esteem and will help improve academic and cognitive performance. Another great piece of news... setting positive habits early can help reduce some of the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Research has also shown that young people who are physically active are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
- PlaySport
- Physical Activity Guide for Children and Youth (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Pause to Play
- Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance
- Games Kids Play - This site contains a list of almost 300 games and over 60 rhymes for children to enjoy! Descriptions of the games and words to the rhymes are included.
- Girls at Play
- Did you know that you can receive a tax credit from the Government for up to $500 for enrolling your children in physical activity programs? To find out more, visit Health Canada
- Healthy Schools
Adults
Adults who are physically active tend to have the ability to complete daily tasks with more comfort and will feel less tired. Research has also shown that people who are physically active enjoy their job more and will take less sick days from work throughout the year.
Health Canada recommends 30-60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy or to improve your health. Build physical activity into your daily life-it's easier than you think.
- Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Adults
Additional copies of the guide can be obtained by contacting Public Health at 905-688-8248 ext.7344. For fifty or more copies, call 1-888-334-9769 - Physical Activity and Women (World Health Organization)
- Mothers in Motion
- Fitness Videos from HealthyOntario.com
Older Adults
Seniors who participate in weight-bearing activities can reduce their rate of bone loss. Regular physical activity also maintains strength and flexibility, balance and coordination, and can help reduce the risk of falls. Physical activity will also help prolong good health and independence.
Age is no barrier to living an active lifestyle. Evidence shows that maintaining a physically active lifestyle into your older adult years will prolong your independence. Make sure to consult with a health care professional before starting any new physical activity programs.
- Active Living Coalition for Older Adults
The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults strives to promote a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being. - Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults
Additional copies of the guide can be obtained by contacting the Public Health Department at 905-688-8248 ext.7344. For fifty or more copies, call 1-888-334-9769 - Community Programs
Niagara Region provides a wide range of community programs, quality care and housing for our senior population. Help is also available to those caring for family members. - Women Age 55 to 70
Funding and Grants for Physical Activity
Being active can sometimes come at a cost. To help support and encourage people who have limited finances to become more active, the following grants may be available to help:
- Niagara Falls A.L.I.V.E. program: An Activity Subsidy Program to help physically, mentally, and socially challenged individuals participate in sport. Learn more about this program
- "Can I Play Too" - City of Welland programs for children 3-18. Contact Sarah Doherty 905-735-1700 x 2333
- Bob Gale Recreation Fund
- ProKids
- Canadian Tire Jump Start
- City of St. Catharines F.A.I.R. Subsidy Program - Program to help cover registration fees for local recreation opportunities. Contact 905-688-5601 ext. 1915
- True Sport Community Grant for community organizations, teams or clubs
