National Consultations on Physical Activity Guidelines PARC Symposium March 22, 2011

2 Background Canada’s Physical Activity Guides, developed in partnership with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), distributed since 1998 Evidence review and scientific consensus process led by CSEP, funded by PHAC, completed in 2010 Release of WHO Global Recommendations on Physical Activity and Health in 2010

3 Consultations Face-to-face roundtables Who? Over 130 participants, representing PT governments, professional associations, non-governmental organizations Where? 8 roundtable sessions across Canada (Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax) Why? Inform content updates for physical activity guidelines CSEP’s proposed wording Additional related content Suggest how best to communicate the PAGs to Canadians To whom? How?

4 Consultations Online questionnaire Who? 824 responses (734 English, 90 French) Sought input on: Current guides Additional content International alignment Priority target audiences (intermediaries, general public) Information sources, content, format

5 Key Findings Plain language (“Simple can’t be simple enough”) Policy development / systems change (“Guidelines alone aren’t enough to inspire behaviour change”) Role of PHAC and other stakeholder organizations (PHAC as “convenor”) Cultural relevance (“One-size fits all approach doesn’t work”) Communication vehicles and channels (A mix of traditional outreach and novel approaches) Integration into “daily routine” and the importance of “fun”

6 Key Findings Priority “intermediary” groups: Schools Health professionals Others: Governments Workplaces Community organizations Non-governmental organizations

7 Key findings Priority population groups from general public 1 st response2 nd response

8 Key Findings Physical activity information sources Google Internet PHAC Non-governmental organizations Fitness leaders/centres

9 Key Findings Communicating with 5-17 year olds

10 Key Findings Communicating with year olds

11 Key Findings Communicating with 65+ year olds

12 Updates / Next Steps Updated information and tips on PHAC website –Links to guidelines on CSEP’s website Consultation reports: –Roundtable reports sent to participants (Fall 2010) –Online consultation summary sent to participants (Winter 2011) –Synthesis report to be posted on PHAC website (Spring 2011) Exploring options for resource/tool development Ongoing support for research in gap areas –Preschool-aged children (0-5 years) –People with disabilities –Pregnant women –Sedentary behaviour –Physical activity and weight loss

Comments? Questions? Sophie Sommerer Senior Policy Analyst Healthy Living Unit, Centre for Health Promotion Public Health Agency of Canada For more information, visit