Baby's First Year · Parenting

Benefits of taking your child on a discovery walk

As a Public Health Nurse working in the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program, I am asked every day: Is it safe to take my baby outside? My answer is YES, I recommend you go outside for a discovery walk (everyday if you can). Here’s my top 5 benefits of a discovery walk:  Opportunity for new learningBabies… Continue reading Benefits of taking your child on a discovery walk

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Physical activity & children: What’s the connection?

Being physically active is important at any age. The early years (0-4 years old) is an important time to create healthy behaviour and patterns that your child will build on as they grow. Every little bit counts, but, more is better, at every age. We can encourage children to be active for life through developing… Continue reading Physical activity & children: What’s the connection?

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?

Do you think of exercise and immediately picture a fitness centre with complicated machines and impossibly hard, high tempo exercise classes?   This can be scary for anyone, let alone a new parent who is isn’t sleeping well and adjusting to life with a new baby. Exercise doesn't have to be difficult, it can be built… Continue reading Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?

Pregnancy

Physical activity during pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Not sure whether to start or to continue being physically active during your pregnancy?  Well, you are not alone. As a public health nurse working with expectant mothers, I have frequently been asked about the safety of being physically active during pregnancy. Benefits:  improves muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness promotes appropriate weight… Continue reading Physical activity during pregnancy

Emotional Health · Parenting

Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help

I'm sure the last thing most new, sleep deprived parents are thinking about is squeezing exercise into an already busy schedule!  However, what if I told you that it can be done as part of your regular daily routine? We all know it's important to be active but did you know that physical activity: releases… Continue reading Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help

Pregnancy

Tips to stay safe and active during pregnancy

My friend Aileen loves walking and doing Zumba.  Recently, she found out that she was 5 weeks pregnant.  She was very excited but wondered if she should stop going to her favourite Zumba class.  This is a similar question commonly asked by expectant parents and I'm sure many of you want to know if it's… Continue reading Tips to stay safe and active during pregnancy

Pregnancy

The truth about physical activity during pregnancy

Recently I saw a post from a new mom on a popular social media site: "Ladies, if anyone tells you not to exercise while you're pregnant, tell them they're wrong," she wrote.  "Two months after giving birth and I'm almost able to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans.  Cardio and light weights are given two… Continue reading The truth about physical activity during pregnancy