Sleep and concussion recovery
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for athletes recovering from a concussion, but many athletes struggle to get quality sleep following their injury. Improving sleep hygiene, including creating a regular pre-bed routine, avoiding technology before bed, and optimizing your sleep environment, can improve sleep patterns to help the brain recover and allow athletes to…
“Sideline” physical activity
For busy youth sport parents, finding time for personal sport and physical activity can be difficult. However, engaging in “sideline” physical activity during your child’s practice or game may be one way to counteract the negative effects of sitting and other sedentary elements of the traditional parent–spectator role.
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day, a global initiative to celebrate the achievements of women and accelerate gender equity. This year, SIRC is celebrating moms who are making efforts to play sports and be physically active, despite persisting public health restrictions. However, up to 75% of moms experience barriers to regular participation, including feelings of guilt, pressure, and…
Global cost of physical activity
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global physical inactivity costs an estimated US$54 billion in direct health care and another US$14 billion to lost productivity. The WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, which complement Canadian physical activity guidelines, emphasize that everyone, of all ages and abilities, can be physically active and that every type…
Benefits of Masters sport
Participation in Masters sport provides a number of physical, psychological and social benefits for athletes, including strength and conditioning, positive perspectives on aging, and strong friendships. Learn more in the SIRCuit.
Workouts with oomph
As we age, research suggests we need to “add oomph to our workouts.” Older adults that regularly engaged in cycling walked more efficiently than those whose primary exercise was slow walking.
Get active as a family
Family support is positively associated with children’s physical activity levels. Parents and guardians can facilitate physical activity by encouraging, watching, role modelling, co-participating and attending physical activity events with their kids. Being active as a family encourages life-long physical activity and increases feelings of social support, connectedness and attachment – all important for good mental…
Health disparities in football
Findings from the Football Players Health Study, which includes self-reports from 3,794 former NFL players, show Black, Hawaiians, Native Americans and Asian players players were significantly more likely than white players to experience diminished quality of life due to pain, cognitive troubles, depression, and anxiety. The study’s lead author, Dr. Andrea Roberts, notes “our findings…
Bell Let’s Talk Day
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, national initiative to build awareness, acceptance and action relating to mental health. Small actions can help support mental health and strengthen our communities during this difficult time – from recognizing the signs of stress, to taking care of yourself, to being there for a loved one. For additional support,…
Innovative return to play
From adapted equipment and modified play, to the appointment of a Chief Medical Officer, sport organizations are leveraging innovation and expertise to inform the development and implementation of their Return to Play plans. Learn more in the SIRC blog.