Sport and active lifestyles in contemporary world.

Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into your everyday routines, such as walking to the store or biking to work. Active living brings together urban planners,architects, transportation engineers, public health professionals, activists and other professionals to build places that encourage active living and physical activity. One example includes efforts to build sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian crossing signals and other ways for children to walk safely to and from school, as seen in the Safe Routes to School program.^[1][2] Recreational opportunities (parks, fitness centres etc.) close to the home or workplace, walking trails and bike lanes for transportation also encourage a more active lifestyle. Active living is a combination of physical activity and recreation activities aimed at the general public to encourage a healthier lifestyle.^[3]

There are many health related benefits to being physically active and living an active life. Active living can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve your overall health and well-being, reduce stress levels, minimize health related medical costs, help you to maintain a healthy weight, assist in proper balance and posture and the maintenance of healthy bones and strong muscles.^[8] Active living can also improve your sleeping patterns and aid in the prevention of risk factors for heart disease such as blood cholesterol levels,diabetes and hypertension.^[9][10]

In Canada, there are many active living initiatives currently in place. One of the most well known programs is the ParticipACTION program, which aims to encourage Canadians to move more and increase their physical activity levels. Their mission statement is "ParticipACTION is the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada. Through leadership in communications, capacity building and knowledge exchange, we inspire and support Canadians to move more." Since the 1970s, ParticipACTION has been motivating Canadians to live actively and participate in sports.^[14]

Date: 2015-01-29; view: 1530