According to Health Canada, children need regular physical activity for healthy growth and development, while adults and seniors enjoy better strength, flexibility, balance and coordination with regular physical activity.

Research also indicates that walkers live longer.  A study in the Nov. 14, 2005 Archives of Internal Medicine showed that a moderate level of physical activity – such as walking 30 minutes a day – lengthened life by 1.3 years and added 1.1 more years without cardiovascular disease, compared with low activity levels.

Did you know*:

• Physical inactivity can cause premature death, chronic disease and disability,
• Regular brisk walking for 30 minutes on four to seven days a week will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and some cancers.
• Habitual walkers benefit from increased energy levels, more stamina, better sleep and lower stress levels.
• 69 per cent of Canadians report walking for exercise, making it the country’s most popular activity.
• Reduced physical activity is a key contributor to obesity. Two out of three Canadian adults are overweight or obese, and the number of obese children has nearly tripled in the last 25 years.
• Half of Canadian children and youth  are not active enough for optimal growth and development.

* Source: Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada

Hit the Local Trails
Most Port Coquitlam residents are within walking distance of the city’s extensive trail network, including the 25-kilometre Traboulay PoCo Trail, featuring wide paths that are ideal for walking.