Springtime

You know spring is near when it is time to move the clocks forward. After one of the warmest winters on record, many of us are already embracing springtime and all the advantages that go along with it. So lose your tie and/or dress shoes, grab your favorite t-shirt and running shoes and make the most of springtime in South-Western Ontario!

Most of us look a little pale after being indoors all winter, so heading outdoors should be a priority as the weather warms up. And I don’t mean just laying around sunbathing. Right now, our every day obligations of work and home keep us secured to our chairs and that sedentary lifestyle can be costly for us and our employers. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology estimated that the average American (similar for Canadians) spends 55% of their waking time (7.7 hours) in sedentary behaviours such as sitting. A British Journal of Sports medicine article (January, 2010) suggests that people who sit for long periods of time have an increased risk of disease.

The remedy may be as simple as standing a little more each day but being physically active with your partner, your children, grandparents and other relatives is a great idea! All family members can get health benefits by being more active. Plus, the more time you spend with family members, the stronger your family connections become. Now that the weather is so nice, consider going for a walk or hike, play a game of golf or mini-golf, swim, bike, roller-blade, or get involved in organized sports such as soccer, baseball or just a game of catch in the yard.

Regular physical activity benefits both adults and children in the following ways:

1. Building strong bones and muscles;
2. Better posture and balance;
3. Having more energy, plus better physical and mental health;
4. Maintaining a health weight;
5. Improving physical self-esteem; and,
6. Increasing relaxation and improving sleep.

So grab your runners, enjoy the weather and head outside for some fun and exercise!