Exercise & COVID-19

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.

Mom’s Got Game

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.

Parenting stress

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…

Age-related muscle loss

Adults between the ages of 50-60 lose approximately 1-2% of their muscle mass each year, while adults over the age of 60 lose 3% annually. Positive lifestyle behaviours (e.g., adhering to a healthy diet and regular exercise) can help to combat muscle loss associated with aging.

Cycling and men’s health

A common myth is that cycling can be detrimental to men’s health, including links with erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer. However, findings from a new worldwide study demonstrated no association between cycling and men’s health issues. Learn more about the study and results in this video from the Global Cycling Network.

Healthy sleep for youth

Research indicates 70% of school-aged children and youth in Canada met recommendations for healthy sleep. This is important because a good night’s sleep can improve cognitive functions and moods, help maintain healthy body weight, and increase energy to help kids stay active throughout the day. In this infographic, discover tips to support healthy sleep behaviours…

Trauma-sensitive play

Children acting out on the field or in the pool may lack the skills to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours; rather than the will to respond in prosocial ways. Trauma-sensitive play can help build children’s skills and resilience.

World Health Day

Today is World Health Day, a global initiative to create awareness around important health issues. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other health conditions. While physical distancing measures are necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, finding strategies to maintain and improve health –…

Motor skill inequalities

Children of families with low socio-economic status face often barriers to developing the motor skills needed to enjoy and engage in physical activity and sport throughout life (e.g., limited access to sport equipment at home, reduced parental support, and fewer financial resources). To address motor skill inequalities, targeted interventions should consider developmentally appropriate activities to…

Screen-free family time

According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children and youth (5–17 years) should limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day and efforts should be made to interrupt extended periods of sitting. Check out this infographic for tips on creating a family media plan that includes screen-free family meals and the use “device baskets.”