Knowledge Nuggets

Do you ever wonder how astronauts stay fit in space? To counteract the effects of weightlessness on the heart muscle, which will atrophy over time in a gravity-free environment, short bursts of repeated high-intensity activity are recommended during longer space missions.

Eating just one cup of leafy green vegetables each day could reduce the risk of falls and help maintain muscle strength and mobility into old age. In one study, older women who consumed a nitrate-rich diet from vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and beetroot had significantly better muscle function of their lower limbs.

Regular physical activity, as little as 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, can boost the effectiveness of vaccines. A person who is active is 50% more likely to have a higher antibody count after receiving a vaccine than somebody who is not active.

Having too many late-night snacks may be affecting your behaviour at work. Employees who reported eating too many late-night snacks were less likely to go the extra mile for colleagues or complete work-related tasks the next day.

Improving mental health is a great motivator to being physically active, but stress and anxiety can stand in the way—a paradox that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at McMaster University have created an evidence-based exercise toolkit for mental health that is freely available to all.

Parents’ physical activity is directly associated with the physical activity of their children. Research has shown that for every 20-minute increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) performed by a parent, their child’s MVPA increased by five to ten minutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and physical activity levels of new and expecting mothers. Finding ways to stay active during the pandemic (e.g., going for walks or participating in online fitness classes) can reduce mothers’ feelings of depression and anxiety, benefitting both mom and baby.

Did you know that adults who meet the recommended physical activity guidelines may be at a lower risk of suffering from hospitalization and death due to COVID-19? Socially-distanced activities, such as a walk or bike ride, are a great way to keep active during public health restrictions.

When moms are active, everyone wins. Research has shown that school-aged girls (6-18 years) with a mother involved in sport were three times more likely to play sports themselves. Learn more about SIRC’s #MomsGotGame campaign and how you can participate.

With the closure of schools and daycares to limit the spread of COVID-19, many parents are experiencing increased levels of parenting-related stress. Moderate intensity physical activity (e.g., cycling at a steady pace) can help to reduce parenting stress and improve the quality of life for mothers who may be struggling to balance work and family...