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Physical Activity— General Info

Physical Activity— General Info

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit connects with local communities, schools and municipalities to promote and create supportive environments for physical activity for people of all ages.

By incorporating more movement into your daily life, you will be supporting your health through Active living. Physical activity helps with physical, emotional and mental wellness.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Better health
Improved heart and lung function
Stronger muscles and bones
It helps you feel more energetic
Improved mental health
Maintain mobility and be able to be independent as you get older
It helps you cope with stress

Physical activity guidelines for all ages

Canadian Guidelines for movement offer direction on what a healthy 24 hours looks like for Canadians of all ages:

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline for the Early Years (0-4 years)

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years)_ An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline for Children and Youth (5-17 years)

Children (5-11 years ) and Youth (12-17 years)

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline for Adults (18-64 years)

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years

Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guideline for Older Adults (65 years and older)

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 65+

Walking & Walkable communities

What is a walkable community?

A walkable community is a community where walking is a form of transportation and leisure is possible. Walkable communities are an important part of a healthy and vibrant community. Communities can encourage citizens to rely on their cars less and choose walking more often. They can make sure that the places where people live, work, learn, and play are close together so that people can choose walking as a form of everyday transportation. Well-designed, compact communities allow people to walk to school and work, to stores, parks and restaurants. When people can walk, they don’t need to drive as much. This is good for people, the environment and the economy

Same Roads – Same Rules – Same Rights

Share the Road is a public safety campaign to increase motorists’ and bicyclists’ awareness of shared
responsibility for road safety. The main feature of this campaign is the caution signs along county roads.
These signs are a reminder for drivers to be aware of other road users – bicyclists and walkers
and to use caution when approaching them.

Bicycles are vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and have a right to be on the road. Drivers must give 1-metre of space when passing someone on a bicycle. Motorist, bicyclists and walkers all have to follow the rules of the road.

Bicyclists:

Obey ALL traffic laws, signs and signals
Always bike on the right with traffic
Signal all turns
Be visible: wear bright colours and use lights in low light conditions
Ride straight in a predictable manner

Walkers

Walk facing traffic or use sidewalks where available
Wear bright clothing and reflectors
Make eye contact with drivers
Look all ways before crossing

Motorists

Only pass when the road ahead is clear
Slow down and give one-metre clearance when passing
Yield to bicyclists when turning
Don’t honk your horn at a bicyclist
Check for bicyclists before opening your car door

More about the Share the Road initiatives in Haldimand and Norfolk

Recreation and Fitness in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties

Haldimand County Trails & Pathways
Haldimand County Recreation Guide
Norfolk County Trails
Norfolk County Trails – NorfolkCounty.ca
Norfolk County Recreation