“Recent evidence suggests that having a high level of sedentary behaviour negatively impacts health independent of other factors including body weight, diet, and physical activity.”
-Sedentary Behaviour Research Network
Explore the following links to learn more about sedentary behaviour, why individuals need to move more and sit less, and obtain key resources that aid in decreasing daily sedentary time.
Website: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
Website: Directives canadiennes en matière de mouvement sur 24 heures
Website: The Whole Day Matters Toolkit
Background Info
Canada’s first ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines have revolutionized our understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Shifting the focus beyond traditional exercise, these guidelines emphasize the intricate interplay of all movement behaviours throughout the day. This holistic approach encourages Canadians to “Sweat, Step, Sleep, and Sit” appropriately, recognizing the importance of physical activity, minimizing sedentary time, and prioritizing quality sleep for optimal well-being.
To support adults in implementing these guidelines, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology developed The Whole Day Matters Toolkit. This user-friendly resource empowers individuals to increase physical activity levels with a variety of movement types, minimize prolonged sitting, and prioritize quality sleep. By embracing the principles of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Canadians can unlock their full health potential and build a healthier future.
Background Info
This resource from the Australian Department of Health website provides information on sedentary behaviour as well as ideas on how to minimize sedentary habits and increase physical activity throughout the day.
Background Info
Attention all educators!! This section of the City of Hamilton website, titled Reduce Sedentary Behaviour, provides great resources to encourage students to move more and sit less at school, home, and in the community.
Website: ParticipACTION – Benefits and Guidelines
Website: version française
Background Info
Since 1971, ParticipACTION has been encouraging Canadians to get healthy by getting active.
This section of the website provides information on movement behaviour (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) guidelines as well as resources to improve habits associated with these movement behaviours for children and youth ages 5-17.
Website: Sedentary Behaviour Research Network
Background Info
The Sedentary Behaviour Research Network is the only organization with a specific focus on the health impacts of sedentary behaviour, providing a platform for researchers and health professionals to share their knowledge with the community.
The website provides in-depth knowledge as well as recent research on sedentary behaviour.
Background Info
This article on the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network website describes 10 years of measuring sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Canada. Read on to learn about the reality and prominence of sedentary behaviours within Canada, as well as tools and resources to measure and improve physical activity levels throughout the day.
Website: We Can! Reduce Screen Time
Background Info
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition) is a national education program designed to encourage healthy eating, increase physical activity, and reduce screen-time in children.
We Can! Reduce Screen Time encourages children and families to sit less and move more. The website contains valuable information and provides several tips and ideas to decreasing sedentary behaviour.
We Can! Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
The above links are provided for informational and convenience purposes only; participation by the Northeastern Ontario Research Team for Health and Physical Activity (NORTH PA) lab does not imply endorsement by, or partnership with any of the listed organizations, resources and/or links. The NORTH PA lab bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external sites for answers to questions regarding its content.
