Ontario has contributed to the federal government's newly released Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living. It has been estimated that over 60% of Ontarians do not meet the recommended guideline for physical activity, which places more than seven million people in this province at risk to their health.

Studies show that people who are physically active live longer and healthier lives. They have significantly less risk of developing heart disease and other chronic health problems - leading to a better quality of life and lower health care costs.

Active people are more productive, with less time off work for illness and injury. They also report greater self-esteem and personal self-reliance. For youth in particular, physical activity offers a creative outlet for leisure time.

The ministry promotes active living to children and adults in schools, workplaces and recreational settings.

Future initiatives include: an Ontario physical activity network and website; new tools for community sport, fitness and recreation leaders and resources for leaders and parents to enhance the quality of children's sport programs.

• ACTIVE2010
  ACTIVE2010 is a comprehensive strategy to increase participation in sport and physical activity throughout Ontario. Its goal is to achieve higher physical activity rates and increased sport participation in order to improve the quality of life in the province.
• Pause to PLAY
  The first promotion campaign of ACTIVE2010 is called Pause to PLAY designed to encourage children and youth to make physical activity and sport participation a regular part of their daily lives.
• Community Physical Activity Planning (PDF)
  This manual will help your community create an action plan to promote physical
  activity.
  
• Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living
  A guide to help you make wise choices about physical activity. Choices that will improve your health, help prevent disease, and allow you to get the most out of life.