Albertans should move more and sit less: study

2015 Alberta Survey on Physical Activity

Suggests Albertans Should Move More and Sit Less

EDMONTON - The 2015 Alberta Survey on Physical Activity (with infographic) published by the Alberta Centre for Active Living indicates that increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary behaviour should be a priority for

Dr. Christina Loitz, a co-author of the report and Knowledge Translation Specialist at the Alberta Centre for Active Living, said, "Sedentary behaviour has been associated with poor health, independent from physical inactivity. This means if one sits for 12 hours a day and exercises for 30 minutes, they are still at risk of several chronic diseases."

"One-third of Albertans sit for 10 hours or more a day, with the average Albertan sitting 9 hours per weekday and 8.25 hours on weekend days. When we look at the physical activity levels of Albertans, only 60% are getting Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are risk factors for many chronic physical and mental health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancers, breast cancer, diabetes, depression and Nora Johnston, Director of the Alberta Centre for Active Living, said, "Albertans can be more active and less sedentary by being mindful of their activity levels and choices. To make change that will be sustained, start slow and work towards realistic goals. Workplaces and communities can create a culture that supports moving more, standing more, and being more active."

Workplaces, communities, organizations and policy- and decision-makers can all take steps to support and
promote active living. The survey includes recommendations in three key areas:

• active transportation, e.g., walking, cycling, wheeling
• leisure time activities, e.g., dog walking, outdoor fun, sports and active time with others
• workplace practices, e.g., active breaks, standing more often, using the stairs, fitness facilities, walking

"We can all do more to help make physical activity the easy choice. This will help Albertans move more and lead an active lifestyle, at work, home and in the community," said Johnston. "By promoting and supporting a more active, less sedentary population, it can help to improve health outcomes, which in turn reduces health care costs and some of the economic burden on the health care system."

The Alberta Centre for Active Living is a key advocate of physical activity and physical activity expertise, and a primary source of research and education on physical activity for practitioners, organizations and decision-makers.

Interviewees:

• Dr. Christina Loitz, Knowledge Translation Specialist, Alberta Centre for Active Living
• Nora Johnston, Director, Alberta Centre for Active Living

For a more detailed story on this study please visit here

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Don Buchanan, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Alberta Centre for Active Living don.buchanan@ualberta.ca, or 780-415-6248 (direct), 780-427-6949 (switchboard).