GET ACTIVE OTTAWA!! PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROMOTION NEWSLETTER #2 FOCUS ON OLDER ADULTS
The Public Health and Long Term Care’s Physical Activity Team proudly presents the 2nd issue of the Physical Activity Promotion newsletter that promotes active living and healthy lifestyles in the City of Ottawa. This edition pertains to the older adult and provides you with information on events, Web sites, resources and facts that will be of interest to you, your family and your work in the community. As “physical activity ambassadors,” you have the knowledge and resources to facilitate and support healthy lifestyles through physical activity promotion. If you like this newsletter, share it, promote it, pass it around and feel free to encourage others to add their name to our distribution list by emailing Anne Millar at anne.millar@ottawa.ca
FIT TIP
As the cold season ends, try “working out in the garden.” Use an old-fashioned lawn mower and you’ll burn 420 to 480 calories an hour – as much as you would playing tennis. Spading, lifting, tilling, and raking can improve muscle tone and strength. Even the less strenuous forms of garden upkeep – weeding, trimming, raking – can burn about
300 calories an hour if you work energetically and at a constant pace. (Adapted from “Wellness Made Easy”, University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, 1999).
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OTTAWA?
- 55+ Active Living Club – This summer, the Active Living Club’s activity schedule for 2003 offers all kinds of exciting outdoor programs for individuals in the City of Ottawa such as tennis, cycling, canoeing, and hiking, as well as workshops, occasional luncheons, guest speakers and even introductory lessons for 65$ person for a yearly membership. Activity fees apply for non-members. For more information on any of these great activities, call (613) 798-8734.
- Sunday Bike Days/Alcatel – May 18th to August 31st 2003
This summer, the National Capital Commission (NCC) will enthusiastically launch its campaign encouraging cyclists, in-line skaters, walkers and joggers to enjoy the freedom of using entire roadways while being active! The Ottawa River Parkway (west lanes), Colonel By drive and Rockliffe Parkway will be closed off to cars every Sunday morning from 9am to 1pm, and the Gatineau Parkway from 6am to noon. For full details on the event contact the NCC toll-free at 1-800-465-1867.
Citizens For Safe Cycling (CFSC) now offer older Ontarian cyclists the Essential Cycling Guide for Seniors, as well as the CAN-BIKE cycling skills course especially for seniors. Contact the CFSC for details on available cycling path guides and other resources by e-mail at promo@cfsc.ottawa.ca
- Ontario Senior Games – May 29th to June 12th 2003
Interested in having fun? The Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) is dedicated to supporting and coordinating games programs across Ontario for adults 55 years of age and up. Come out, make new friends and have fun during the friendly competitions and social events! For more info about the games, explore their Web site www.cyberus.ca/~jsellers/games.htm Call Sue Hall at (613) 580-2424 ext. 23623 for more information.
- New – 55+ Strengthen and Tone program – starts June 12, 2003
This rural health program is free of charge and will take place on Thursday mornings, from 9:00 – 10:00am, at the Kinburn Client Service Centre. To register, or for more information, call Eva Stewart-Bindernagle at 724-4122, extension 26234.
- Gottawalk Week – September 29th to October 5th 2003
Ottawa Heart Beat is proud to announce its 2nd Gottawalk Week taking place this fall during the most colourful time of the year! Gottawalk Week celebrates all aspects of walking, involving walking clubs, mall walkers and individuals in walks throughout the week. Contact Joan Grant at (613) 580-2424 ext. 24395 for more details.
- Canadian Injury Prevention 2003 Conference – November 23rd to 25th 2003
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for this convention taking place in Ottawa at the end of this year, as well as for a preliminary conference program also happening in November. For abstracts and registration details call (613) 798-8029 or contact Shelley Callaghan at purpledog@sympatico.ca for more information.
- Active Independent Aging – Tools for making our communities activity friendly for older adults. This is a falls prevention project by the University of Ottawa and the City of Ottawa, Public Health and Long Term Care Branch. It is funded by Health Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada. The objectives are to work with seniors groups and veterans associations to reduce the prevalence of selected environmental hazards in the community and to promote active living among seniors. The project includes the development of a print and web-based guide for use by seniors centers and legions. For more information, contact Dot Bonnenfant, Project Coordinator by telephone (613) 562-5800 ext. 8020 or by email at dbonnenfant@mail.health.uottawa.ca
UPCOMING EVENTS, CONFERENCES and WORKSHOPS
- Global Embrace – World Health Organization (WHO) – October 1, 2003
The Global Embrace is an initiative of the WHO’s campaign for Active Ageing. The Embrace is a worldwide intergenerational walk that takes place annually around the Intergenerational Day of Older Persons – October 1. You can download their handbook at www.who.int/ageing/global-movement
- SummerActive – May 9th to June 21st 2003. This summer, Health
Canada’s National Campaign focuses on enhancing participation in daily outdoor physical activity. For more information on activities, check out their Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/paguide/summeractive
- ConEd workshop – November 22nd and 23rd 2003
Taking place in London, Ontario and organized by the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, the event will offer interesting workshops and learning sessions focused on exercise and the older adult during both days. An event not to miss for all those working with older adults in long-term care and community settings! For more information call (519) 661-1603.
- 6th World Congress on Aging and Physical Activity – August 3-7 2004
The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging is hosting this learner-oriented event in London, Ontario for the International Society for Aging and Physical Activity (ISAPA). Watch for it next year and check out the Web site www.uwo.ca/actage/
RESOURCES
- Exercise Leader Courses and Manuals
Get Active For Life, by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
Need to give a talk on physical activity? This is a great resource for presentations to community groups and volunteers. It provides overhead presentation sheets (along with cue cards) that include the importance of physical activity, tips to get started, recent Canadian stats and tips for success. Information is simple and motivating for groups that are just starting out. Bilingual copies of this resource can be obtained through Karen Bays at (613) 580-2424 ext. 23755 or look online at www.heartandstroke.ca
Senior Fitness Instructors Course (SFIC)
The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, affiliated with the University of Western Ontario has developed this certification program for people who want to learn about designing and instructing effective, safe and enjoyable group fitness classes and programs. A certificate of recognition will be awarded to all those who successfully complete the 36 hour in-class theory portion of the course. For those wanting to become certified Senior Fitness Instructors, the following is required: an additional16 hour practicum component, CPR/First Aid Certification and successful assessment of their teaching skills. This program is coordinated thorough Algonquin College, Continuing Education. The telephone number is 727-9797 or email www.algonquincollege.com
Steady as you Go (SAYGO)
This program is aimed at reducing the number of falls in healthy independent living community seniors by increasing awareness of their risks for falls and encouraging them to make changes in their behaviours and environments. This is a leadership/training program for senior leaders supported and facilitated by health professionals. Resources consist of an agency and facilitator manual, and a 33-minute exercise video. This program is available in French. For more information contact Ellie Robson at Capital Health Authority by telephone (780) 413-7954 or by fax (780) 482-4194.
Renewal Method Exercise for the Elderly – Level One
This comprehensive step-by-step approach teaches a practical method of exercise and appropriate techniques for use in either the hospital or private setting. A 30-minute video and training manual demonstrate simple exercises to develop body awareness and personal strength suitable for frail and healthy older individuals. Copies of this video and manual cost $29.95 each, and can be obtained online at www.renewalmethod.com
Active Seniors Program for Older Adults (manual and audiocassette)
This easy-to-use activity program offered by the City of Ottawa Public Health and Long Term Care Branch is beneficial to all seniors, even those using wheelchairs, walkers or canes. It includes a 45-minute audiocassette and instruction manual that guides participants through a variety of exercises to improve balance, muscular strength, stability and flexibility. To get your copy of this bilingual resource, contact Anne Millar by phone (613) 580-2424 ext. 23524. The cost of this program is $20.
ViActive
Kino-Québec offers all kinds of great ViActive program resources in French, promoting active living for older adults including exercise videos, dance classes, aquatic courses and activity resource kits. The ViActive exercise kit can be used at home or within peer-led groups, and comprises three audiocassettes with over 100 different types of efficient exercises and practical tips for older adults. Any one of these resources can be ordered online, for a fee, at www.kino-quebec.qc.ca
Spirit in Motion
This culturally relevant resource includes a video and handbook for aboriginal older adults, and outlines easy to follow exercises recommended for those who are working with aboriginal communities. To order your copy now, visit www.niichro.com
Fit to Really Live
The Institute for Positive Health for Seniors Inc. has created this education and training workshop for people who work to assist older, inactive adults in their daily living. For information about setting up a training program or training sessions in your work setting call (613) 562-6314 or check out their Web site at www.inst-positive-health.ca
- Guides and Videocassettes
2003 Summer City of Ottawa Activity Guide
Browse through the City of Ottawa Activity Guide today for your fitness, sports and leisure needs. It contains a great selection of popular programs and services that are convenient to access, affordable and offer instruction. Pick up a copy at any Client Service Centre, at your local Recreation Facility, or online at ottawa.ca.
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide and Handbook to Healthy Active Living for Older Adult
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Health Canada’s new health recommendations encourage older men and women to build 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity into their lives several days of the week to maintain good health and an improved quality of living in later life. For free copies of the guide or for more information call toll-free 1-888-334-9769 or go to www.healthcanada.ca/paguide/
Be Active. Eat Well. Prevent and Control Type 2 Diabetes
There are two bilingual guides, one is for older adults and one is for practitioners and organizations that work with older adults. It contains facts and figures about type 2 diabetes and practical tips on how to prevent and manage it with physical activity and good nutrition. This guide is available from the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) by telephone 1-800-549-9799 and through their Web site at www.alcoa.ca
Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging
This program includes a videocassette and manual for older adults containing valuable information about how exercise and proper nutrition are crucial for staying healthy as we age, as well as useful tips on establishing and maintaining a regular exercise program. Single copies of this guide are free! For more information check out their Web site at www.nih.gov/nia
Bone Smart Video and Be Taller, Stronger, Longer! Booklet
Launched by the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, these excellent resources outline exercises to maintain bone strength, improve posture/ balance and strengthen muscles. Combined, they make a great home exercise program for people with or at risk for osteoporosis! As well, the video includes tips on how to prevent falls and the booklet offers 15 basic exercises to improve mobility. You can order your copies through their Web site at www.osteoporosis.ca or by telephone 1-800-463-6842.
Home Support Exercise Program
The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA) has successfully developed a home-based exercise program consisting of 10 simple and progressive exercises designed to maintain/ improve the functional independence of homebound elders. The program includes an exercise video and illustrated booklet. Other CCAA education programs and training courses include Restorative Care, Senior’s Fitness Instructor’s Course, and Training for the Trainer. Please contact the CCAA for information on ordering these materials by telephone (519) 661-1612 or on their Web site www.uwo.ca/actage
Celebrate Active Living: Gentle Exercises for People with Arthritis Video
This efficient and simple to use video will help people with arthritis develop a personal exercise program. Cost is $10.00. Contact the Arthritis Society of Canada by telephone 1-800-321-1433 if you are interested in this video.
Exercise to prevent falls…A winning formula for Older Adults – Video
This is a 23-minute exercise video that depicts seven stretching exercises and nine strengthening exercises demonstrated by and for older adults. These exercises can be done every day to help people be active, prevent falls and maintain independence. To order this video at a cost of $10, contact Peterborough County City Health Unity by telephone (705) 743-1000 or fax (705) 743-2897.
ACTIVE LIVING NEWSLETTERS
Here’s a list of our favourite newsletters offering articles, news, upcoming events, and research information that pertain to physical activity and the older adult. Seek out these wonderful and credible information sources and sign-up now!
- Strong Women – This journal’s latest edition offers an article on recent
strength training research benefits, success stories, FAQs and this month’s delicious and healthy recipe. Tell a friend or subscribe for free to this newsletter at www.strongwomen.com/newsletter.htm
- WellSpring – The Winter 2003 edition of this quarterly newsletter for
health practitioners, focuses on the “Mythunderstandings” about physical activity. Go to www.centre4activeliving.ca/Publications/WellSpring/ to receive an e-mail notification of when the next issue will be posted on their web site.
- Research Update – The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA)
offers this plain language, bilingual newsletter packed with leading-edge research, program implementation results and tips related to active living for older persons. To order print copies of the latest issue contact the ALCOA office by email at alcoa2@istar.ca
- Activeage – Also sponsored by the ALCOA, subscribers to this newsletter
will receive current information about Canadian resources, sources, and program implementation and research results related to active living for older adults. Activeage is for health practitioners, recreation leaders, older adult associations, college/university faculty and students, government consultants and researchers, and leaders in the older adult community. If you are interested, apply online for a free subscription at www.alcoa.ca
- Activitalk E-Bulletin – For leaders in education, sports and associations involved with active lifestyles, this Active Ontario web-based bulletin offers recent news stories, upcoming events and new resources, as well as a listserv available to post and share any comments, questions or suggestions you may have with others. Subscribe now for this convenient weekly bulletin at www.activeontario.org/activitalk.cfm
- Get Active Ottawa – This newsletter promotes active living and healthy lifestyles for all ages with information on Web sites, resources, events, tips and tools to support the promotion of physical activity in the City of Ottawa. To add your name to our distribution list email Anne Millar at anne.millar@ottawa.ca
OUR TOP 10 ACTIVE LIVING WEB SITES
- www.alcoa.ca – The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults Web site offers a variety of resources as well as practical, leading-edge research updates and program implementation results on the older adult community across Canada. Great resource for health practitioners and active living leaders!
- www.uwo.ca/actage/ – The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA) site presents news updates, retirement research, links, event listings, and important information for promoting active and healthy lifestyles for Canadians, enhancing their dignity through the aging process.
- www.health-in-action.org/older_adults/ – The Health Canada online networking resource focuses on health promotion and injury prevention for older adults, proposes pertinent tools, links, articles, personal success stories and news chat rooms that you can check out for yourself!
- www.cdc.gov/health/physact.htm – The U.S. government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site offers recent news releases, reports, including the Surgeon General’s recommended fact sheets on physical activity for older adults, great links, as well as practitioner resource handbooks and guides promoting active lifestyles and healthy communities for older populations.
- www.centre4activeliving.ca/ – The Alberta Centre for Active Living is a great site that offers current research and education programs for practitioners and communities to improve the health and quality of life of older adults through physical activity. Add this site to your favourites if you haven’t already!
- www.ottawaheartbeat.com/projects.htm – Ottawa’s Regional Heart Beat Committee Web site offers information on the latest programs, activities and initiatives, charity walks for 2003, and features the 2003-2007 Physical Activity Strategy proposal for Ottawa. It also contains recent news, links to other active living Web sites and resources for all ages.
- www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines – The Fitness and Active Living Unit of Health Canada promotes physical activity in order to improve Canadians’ health and well-being. This Web site contains information for older adults, research reports, news, community agencies and organizations. Links and answers to your questions can also be found here.
- www.canadian-health-network.ca/ – Brought to you by Health Canada and major organizations across the country, this is one of the most up-to-date, reliable and informative Web sites offering event highlights for this month, resources featuring Advice to seniors for staying healthy, FAQs, great links, and practical information for Canadians making healthy lifestyle choices.
- www.cflri.ca – Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute provides researchers with statistics on physical activity levels of Canadians and other scientific resources. Tips for being active, news releases, and great links to intervention programs, such as PACE Canada (Patient-centered Assessment and Counselling for Exercise and Nutrition). This is a comprehensive guide to counselling for healthy active living designed to assist physicians in effectively increasing their patients’ physical activity levels and improving their eating habits. For more information, browse their Web site at www.pace-canada.org/
- www.activeontario.org – The Ontario government’s Physical Activity Strategy and the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation’s Active Ontario Web site is your one-stop source for information to help you get started on a more active, healthier lifestyle. If you are an activity leader, all kinds of tools, resources, ideas, and links are available here to help promote physical activity in your community.
We welcome your feedback n any section of this newsletter! If you have any comments or suggestions e-mail to Betty-Ann Hamilton at bettyann.hamilton@ottawa.ca or call 580-2424 ext. 26189.
Thank you to Laura Hall, R.N. post basic nursing student for all her hard work in the development of this newsletter.
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