Canada's Public Health Guide

[Guest guest]

I have found this guide to be very informative: -

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/older/index.html

A few samples from the guide are given below this mail.

Put it to use please.

Rajinder Sandhir, Mumbai

 

The body is made to move. Without daily physical activity, everything slows down – metabolism, vigour for life, digestive and circulatory systems, even the mind. According to Can-Fit-Pro, the national fitness organization that certifies trainers, including myself, increased activity promotes health, longevity and quality of life. We need to move daily, preferably for at least an hour. But even 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity over most days of the week helps the cardiovascular system, promoting heart and lung health. So commit now to get into the exercise habit – just like you take time to brush your teeth or go grocery shopping, schedule that hour just for yourself (whether it's at the gym, in the neighbourhood or at the local park). No time, you say? Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living says you can get your fitness fix in bits through the day. So park the car 10 minutes away from work, walk to the office, take a 10-minute jaunt on your lunch, and head back to your car after work to meet that 30-minute cardio requirement.

Why should I be active?

Maintain your health and independence as you agePhysical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical and mental health and quality of life as you get older. Walking, stretching, and keeping your muscles in good condition will help you to maintain your independence.

Physical inactivity makes your body age fasterIndependent living depends on being able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them. To stay independent you need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily. Staying physically active will help you to keep moving, and stay strong.

Think about these facts

 

60% of older adults are inactive.

Sitting or lying for long periods is a serious health risk. (World Health Organization)

Inactivity leads to declines in:

bone strength;

muscle strength;

heart and lung fitness; and flexibility.

Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking.

Get active your way

 

at home

in your community

with friends

on the way to and from activities ...that's active living!