Knowledge Nuggets

A new study found yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by chronic nervousness and worry. According to the study’s lead author, “This study suggests that at least short-term there is significant value for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga...

Researchers from the University of Bath warn there may be an increased risk of injury for athletes returning to contact sports after prolonged training restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on parallels from the 2011 National Football League 20-week lockout where frequent injuries were observed after returning to competition, the researchers recommend building individualized...

A steady stream of remote meetings or online classes can become exhausting as the pandemic wears on, according to experts at the University of Alberta. Avoid digital overload by taking breaks away from screens, avoiding multitasking during meetings, and setting up informal online group drop-ins.

For parents/guardians and children, levels of anxiety and stress surrounding back to school plans may be high. Researchers from the University of Calgary recommend honest and open discussions and the use of the “name-it-to-tame-it” strategy to support a positive back to school transition.

Updated Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines redefine obesity as “a chronic disease characterized by excessive or abnormal body fat that impairs health”. The new guidelines were developed, in part, to address weight bias and stigmas which are often fueled by misconceptions about obesity, its causes, measurement, and impacts on health.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women over 35 worldwide, accounting for more deaths every year than all cancers combined. However, 80% of risk factors, including physical activity, are within a woman’s power to change. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation’s September JUMP IN for Women’s Heart Health campaign invites participants to...

Keeping track of your physical activity is one of the best ways to stick to a plan and improve your fitness. Use a journal to record the date, time of day and duration of activity, or go high-tech and use a pedometer, smartwatch, smartphone or GPS device to record the step count, minutes or distance...

In a recent scientific paper, the American Heart Association suggests increased participation of inactive and unfit individuals in vigorous and high-intensity activities, such as marathons, is linked to higher incidence of related cardiovascular events. Experts recommend “more is not always better” – to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of physical activity, slowly increase...

Accessing healthcare and other services (including sport, recreation, and social activities) during the pandemic may be particularly challenging for people with disabilities. Sport organizations can help to mitigate these challenges by planning virtual events (e.g., guest speakers, trivia), promoting a healthy lifestyle (e.g., video tutorials on adapted physical activity), and sharing information from public health...

Could a four-day work week be the future for Canada’s workforce? Research has shown employees can be as productive in 30 hours as they are in 40, because they waste less time and are better-rested.