Physical activity measurement survey is underway
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Updated: June 30, 2009 3:38 PM
What have you been doing to stay active? Walking and gardening? Cycling or swimming? Or maybe you have a physically demanding job or hobby.
Well, however you stay fit, the District of Kent wants to know all about it. Over the next few weeks, residents of Kent can expect to hear from a company called Discovery Research. They'll be conducting the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, collecting anonymous information from participants on all forms of activity done in the previous week.
The survey is being conducted this month in communities throughout the province, and was created by the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association as a way to measure and monitor community physical activity levels.
“Inactivity is a major contributing factor to a number of chronic diseases. The BC Healthy Living Alliance estimates that chronic diseases cost BC’s economy $3.8 billion annually,” said BCRPA Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Allard Strutt. “BCRPA is pleased to be investing in registered Active Communities’ efforts to monitor and increase physical activity levels to create a healthier BC.”
Telephone surveys will be conducted between July 6 and July 22 with the results posted online and in the Leisure Guide.
“Our Leisure Needs Assessment conducted in 2008 determined that contributing to an active and healthy community was important to the community members across all age groups. This Physical Activity Measurement Survey was previously conducted in the District of Kent in 2006”, states Kerry Hilts, Director of Community, Recreation and Park Services. “The results from 2009 will be a valuable assessment tool allowing the community to see a comparison of physical activity measurement between then and now.”
The purpose of this measurement tool is to allow communities across British Columbia to obtain comparable data on physical activity over the years and support communities in working towards the provincial goal of increasing physical activity rates of British Columbians by 20 per cent. The survey tool was developed in 2006 for BCRPA’s Active Communities Initiative in consultation with pilot communities and experts from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, University of Victoria School of Physical Education, and Provincial Health Services Authority.
To find out ways to keep active in and around Agassiz, visit www.district.kent.bc.ca.
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