Government of Canada Supports Residents of Prince Edward Island in Being Active and Preventing Chronic Diseases

New initiative aims to address barriers to being physically active

CHARLOTTETOWN, June 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, plays an important role in the well‑being and quality of life of Canadians. Being active can help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, yet the vast majority of Canadians do not get enough physical activity.

Today, Member of Parliament Sean Casey, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced more than $460,000 to support Recreation PEI's go!ForIT project. The project focuses on increasing the physical activity levels of adults and older residents living on Prince Edward Island (PEI) who are currently not meeting the recommended Canadian physical activity guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week.

To achieve this goal, the project will address the key barriers that can prevent people from becoming more active. This includes improving access to recreation facilities and physical activity programs for Canadians living with mobility issues or specific health challenges, and reducing financial restrictions that can make it difficult for Canadians with limited budgets to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Activities as part of go!ForIT will include a tailored walking program and educational sessions where participants will learn about various healthy living practices—such as healthy food choices and smoking cessation—from subject matter experts. These activities will equip participants to make healthier choices and sustain them over time, ultimately contributing to the prevention chronic disease.

Quotes

"Physical activity is a pillar of healthy living. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting and encouraging initiatives like go!ForIT, which will help to reduce barriers and get more Canadians moving and active through a range of activities."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"Recreation PEI is excited to launch this program and provide Islanders with supports and connections within their community to increase and maintain their physical activity levels. Our goal is to get Islanders moving more and sitting less."

Dean Lund
President, Recreation PEI

Quick Facts

• At least 8 out of 10 adults and nearly 2 out of 3 children and youth do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity.
• Support for this project is part of the Public Health Agency of Canada's multi-sectoral approach to working with partners and leveraging investments from different sectors in Canada to promote physical activity.

Associated Links

• Multi-Sectoral Partnerships Approach to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Contacts: Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709