Tomorrow, the first Saturday in June, is National Health and Fitness Day, confirmed by statute, proclaimed by 500 cities, and replete with important implications for all Canadians.

Beyond the current pandemic, were concerned about a different epidemic, one that began decades ago, has continued to spread, and is particularly harmful during self-isolation.

Were talking about the epidemic of sedentary behaviour.

Trends of sedentary behaviour, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness have worsened, and consequent sickness care costs have steadily climbed.

According to ParticipAction, Canada ranks poorly against other nations: out of 49 countries, were 12th in physical activity, 24th in sedentary behaviour, and 45th in active transportation. Ninety per cent of our children fail to get enough daily physical activity. Over 72 per cent of our children are staring at screens more than two hours daily. Urbanization has made children less active in the outdoors. Since 1979, the percentage of our children who are overweight or obese has tripled to approximately one in three. Canadians are experiencing increasing levels of anxiety and depression. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that obesity costs Canadian taxpayers up to $7 billion annually.

Significant evidence demonstrates that physical activity enhances self-confidence, peace of mind, relationships, workplace productivity, academic performance and overall wellbeing. It is proven to prevent and treat mental illness, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Being active in nature improves sleep, mental health, blood pressure and stress hormone levels.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have in recent days travelled internationally, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, follow the health authorities instructions to self-quarantine. Our words here are for Canadians who dont fit in those literally-stay-at-home categories. For people outside those categories, COVID has brought confusion about what levels of exercise are safe. Governments need a unified message that safe physical activity and outdoor recreation are critical to overall health and fitness.

We must exercise to keep up our immune systems, especially during a pandemic. We need exercise for physical, mental, and spiritual health, says Dr. Jack Taunton, one of the founders of sports medicine in Canada and our countrys top physician in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Heightened physical activity routines and increased participation in recreation, sport and fitness activities will increase our quality of life and community health. A more active Canada is a Canada on the journey of transformative cultural change, modelled by our community, political, and corporate leaders and reinforced by government policy.

Tomorrow, National Health and Fitness Day, is an opportunity to re-evaluate our personal activity routines. This June 6, lets exercise active citizenship. Lets size up how to exercise safely, for our health, and the health of our fellow Canadians. And, for good measure, invite a friend to do the same!

Together, as we say at The National Health and Fitness Foundation and the National Health and Fitness Institute, lets make Canada the fittest nation on Earth.

John Weston is the volunteer president of the National Health and Fitness Institute. He practises law at Pan Pacific Law Corporation and served 2008-2015 as a member of parliament; Pierre Lafontaine, former head of Canadas Olympic swim team, is a consultant at Lafontaine Sports Consulting. He is the volunteer president of the National Health and Fitness Foundation.

Originally posted here:
Pierre Lafontaine and John Weston: The case for exercise even during the pandemic - The Province

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