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Managing Obesity
The level of obesity in our society is alarming the associated health problems linked to obesity is causing an enormous burden on our strained health care system. The problems are spiraling out of control; we must intervene and halt the increase of child & youth obesity. Some of the simple changes in daily habits outlined below can increase activity and improve the health and longevity of your child. Instilling the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition in your children will provide a solid basis for a healthy lifestyle throughout their lifespan.
Technology increases our productivity but also makes us more sedentary, even children spend far too much time on the computer, be it homework, surfing the net, or games. Limit the time your child spends on the computer each day; ensure they play outdoors every day (the way we used to when we were young). Encourage them to walk or ride their bike to school, better yet, you can walk or ride them to school and get a breath of fresh air before you start your day. Plan physical activities as a family on the weekends, we have the best trails in the world in our backyard!
National Physiotherapy Month is April 22-May 19, The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) has issued the following press release:
Physiotherapists Concerned with Effects of Inactivity in Youth and Adults
Canadian physiotherapists are concerned about the damaging effects of physical inactivity among our youth and adult populations, and are ready to take action, offer leadership and provide assistance. During National Physiotherapy Month – April 22-May 19 – the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) will be actively highlighting common mobility problems that are impeding health and preventing Canadians from participating fully in physical pursuits and leisure activities.
Physiotherapists recognize inactivity as a growing and reversible problem
One-third of youth and adults in Canada have one or more chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.[1] Obesity is also noteworthy in this context. Some 23% of Canadian adults are clinically obese and 59% overweight.[2] Among youth, obesity rates are rising at an even more alarming rate.[3] Inactivity is a factor in each of these conditions and physiotherapists are determined to help.
“Level of physical activity is, by and large, a modifiable risk factor that can directly improve chronic health outcomes and create a healthier society,” says Dr. Michel Landry, President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. “Physiotherapists are primary health professionals that are ready, willing and able to address physical inactivity with prescribed therapeutic exercise regimens for people across the health care continuum.”
CPA encourages all Canadians to take a personal inventory
The first step toward better health is recognizing the problem. Examples of common problems that can contribute to physical inactivity include:
- Pain following injury or as the result of a chronic health condition
- Restricted mobility or range of motion resulting from an injury or a chronic health condition
- Muscle weakness or decreased endurance limiting daily activities or sport
- Overall deteriorating functional capacity
If any one of these examples describes your physical state, your physiotherapist can help.
Physiotherapists prescribe therapeutic exercises
Even though you may have been inactive for a long time due to injury or illness, therapeutic exercises prescribed by a physiotherapists can help to:
- Improve muscle performance and mobility
- Improve oxygen uptake
- Improve strength and functional activity levels that lead to a faster return to work
- Improve cardiac function and quality of life
Put your best foot forward
“There’s no time like the present to get started on the path to better health by integrating exercise into your daily activities,” says Landry. “Achieving a healthy lifestyle is not a singular event; rather it is life long process of incremental steps which includes good nutrition, a positive work/life balance, and regular exercise.”
If you or someone you know needs a motivating way to get started, physiotherapists have developed an ideal program, called Step Challenge Plus. This two-week healthy habit program will get you walking, consuming more fruit and vegetables, and taking care of your bone health by adding milk and alternatives to your diet.
Physiotherapists know that a step goal that builds up to 10,000 steps a day can help you significantly decrease blood pressure and body mass index.[4] “Ask a physiotherapist about Step Challenge Plus,” encourages Landry. “Take the two-week challenge with us!”
Physiotherapy. It’ll move you!
Physiotherapists have advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well and how to restore mobility.
Physiotherapy is an autonomous, credentialed primary health profession that promotes wellness, mobility and independent function. A doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist.
About CPA
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association is the national voluntary organization representing more than 10,000 members across the country. CPA's mission is to provide leadership and direction to the physiotherapy profession, foster excellence in practice, education and research and promote high standards of health in Canada. Additional information can be found at www.physiotherapy.ca.
Media contact
Natalie Bovair, Director, Communications, 416-932-1888 (223),
nbovair@physiotherapy.ca.
If you have any questions or would like help addressing your concerns, please contact BRAGG CREEK PHYSIOTHERAPY 403 949 4008
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