Ski-Racing and Mental Health

A two-decade study of 200,000 long-distance skiers found they were 50% less likely to develop depression than the general population, highlighting the long-lasting positive impact of physical activity on mental health.

Walk to Tuk 2020

SIRC and the Aboriginal Sport Circle have teamed up to walk to Tuk . . . virtually! Walk to Tuk is an annual community walking challenge the distance of Big River, from Fort Providence to Tuktoyaktuk, in the Northwest Territories – a total of 1,658 kilometers. This initiative aims to help community members, schools, and…

Workplace Wellness

It’s cold season! According to research from the University of Arizona, commonly touched surfaces, like doorknobs, copy machine buttons and the office refrigerator, quickly become contaminated by sick people in the office. Simple interventions, such as hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer or wipes, can drastically reduce employees’ risk of infection.

Gratitude

Gratitude is not only good for health but may also boost performance. Researchers found that giving thanks was associated with improvements in mood, overall well-being, and an enhanced ability to adapt to the physical stress of training.

Sleep Infographic

Is getting better sleep one of your New Year’s resolutions? Sleep is essential in the preparation for, and the recovery from, training and competition. However, youth athletes who obtain less than eight hours of sleep per night may be at a higher risk of injury. Find out more in this infographic.

Active Commuting

An analysis of 12 years of motor vehicle/bicycle crash data revealed that the motorist’s speed was the most important variable in whether a cyclist was seriously injured or not. At 60 km/h, 27% of cyclists suffered a severe or catastrophic injury during a collision. However, at 30 km/h, this risk was reduced to less than…

Outrunning Death

It may be possible to out-run death, at least for a little while, according to a recent study. The meta-analysis of more than 230,000 participants found that even the most casual runners (as little as a slow jog once a week) had a 27% lower risk of death than those who did not run at…

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019

In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, today’s SIRC blog features the Ability Toolkit, an evidence-informed resource that adapts the recommendations of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for children and youth with disabilities.

Including Children and Youth with Disabilities in the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and limiting time spent inactive are well known and evidence-based prescriptions for the promotion of overall health and well-being(Tremblay et al., 2016). In fact, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (ages 5-17) — which consolidate the evidence-based daily requirements for physical activity and inactivity, as well as sleep, into a single…

Physical Activity in Childcare

Parents often rely on childcare providers to provide children with their daily physical activity. However, research shows childcare providers often lack the skill and confidence to ensure children meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Learn more in The Conversation.