Healthy Living

Focus-group participants described how the design and condition of their communities’ physical spaces, such as streets, parks, and recreation centres, directly impacted their ability to be active. Participants made it clear: being active isn’t just a matter of motivation, but it depends on having safe and inclusive places to move. For many, those spaces don’t…

Growing evidence showed that less active families in BC face unique challenges that need targeted, community-informed solutions. In order to address these challenges, the Physical Activity for Health Collaborative (the Collaborative) wanted to hear from communities about what they need so they can enjoy being active. This resulted in our Families Getting Active report, which…

Youth spoke about how physical activity offers valuable mental health benefits, including improving self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Endorphins released during exercise also offer mood-boosting benefits, which may be helpful for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.

The fact that none of these programs are designed for kids with disabilities [is an issue]. They are designed for average children, and then that leaves us scrambling to find ways that our children can join in. Parent of a child with a disability Many places think they are being more accessible by letting the…

I’d like to get a PhD for the amount of searching and resourcing… the stress makes all of my conditions worse. Parent of a family impacted by low income The government could help in the costs of activities like gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming would make these programs more accessible for families. Newcomer parent It’s real…

Getting rid of the discrimination. Make [physical activity, recreation] a safe place. Policing those areas for people who make fun of people. Rural/remote youth Teaching healthy habits in P.E. classes instead of just sports. Rural/remote youth A lot of exercise can be a mode of transportation. Bike lanes in particular! Where I live, we didn’t…

Creating community is good for the person when you’re an immigrant because you feel good here, you feel healthy. Newcomer/Refugee Parent I have applied for my daughter [for] dancing. She wants to dance. And I have applied for that. Still, I didn’t get a facilitator. They are always telling me they don’t have a facilitator,…

Having more community coaches and more programs that can be run in the community by community would be something that would help it run better and longer term and create a sustainable program. Indigenous Sport and Recreation Leader Having the proper facilities in community so kids can train regularly and learn the proper skills is…