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Table 2 General messaging recommendations for the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines – overarching messages

From: Evidence-informed recommendations for constructing and disseminating messages supplementing the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

Preamble

These recommendations are relevant to all practitioners and organizations communicating the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children, Youth, Adults, and Older Adults. These recommendations should be used to create awareness and a clear understanding of the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines among general population, practitioners, and policy makers.

Recommendations

General Awareness

Overarching awareness messages should inform Canadians that there are new guidelines based on scientific evidence and convey that rigorous scientific reviews have revealed new information about the health benefits of physical activity.

General Clarification

Overarching clarification messages should explain why the guidelines have changed and clarify terminology included in the guidelines.

  1. Key References
  2. Janssen, I. & LeBlanc, A. G. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 40.
  3. Latimer, A. E., Brawley, L. R., & Bassett, R. L. (2010). A systematic review of three approaches for constructing physical activity messages: What messages work and what improvements are needed? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 36.
  4. Paterson, D. H. & Warburton, D. E. R. (2010). Physical activity and functional limitations in older adults: A systematic review related to Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,7, 39.