Tag: Healthy Parks Healthy People
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Take your run to the trails
Ready to ditch the treadmill or pavement for somewhere a little more scenic? Trail running opens a whole new world for you beyond paved surfaces. And as with road running, it’s a healthy, simple activity with few gear requirements. We’ve partnered with our friends at Merrell to share the health benefits of trail running, as…
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Nature is calling – are you listening?
When’s the last time you really appreciated your surroundings? This summer has flown by. It’s been difficult to make time to get outside and experience the rejuvenating effects of nature. Luckily, Healthy Parks Healthy People’s 30×30 Challenge happens every August! It’s a month-long opportunity for you to get outside into nature for 30 minutes for 30…
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Five outdoor activities to improve your health
Who needs a gym membership when you have the outdoors? Outdoor exercise has a stronger effect on blood pressure and mood than indoor exercise. Stress is relieved within minutes of exposure to nature as measured by muscle tension, blood pressure, and brain activity. To put it simply, time spent outside is good for you! Let’s…
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Healthy Parks Healthy People Day 2021
Spending time in nature is good for our mind and body. We sleep better and think more clearly. Stress and anxiety slip away. Research shows being outside can lower blood pressure, strengthen our immune system, and helps us relax. With over 330 provincial parks, there is much to do and see in Ontario Parks. To…
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How to connect with nature in your everyday life
Many of us now live in fast-paced urban landscapes or busy suburban neighborhoods, spending most of our time in front of our computers, tvs, and phones. While it’s easy to be disconnected from nature, studies show that staying connected to nature is critical for both our health and happiness. From fighting depression to stress, and…
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Nature matters and so do you
We know how much nature matters – and we know you do too! That’s why Ontario Parks asked you for your opinion last year during our Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) consultation. And you responded! We received more than 2,500 responses from researchers, members of the healthcare sector, environmental groups, Indigenous organizations, educators, and members…
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This is your brain on nature!
Nature? We’re here for it and so are our friends at Coleman Canada. Read on to find out how they’re helping us encourage Ontarians to spend more time outside! It’s easy to feel a bit low at this time of year. It seems to get dark outside immediately after lunch, the sun is elusive, and…
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Meeting the 30×30 Challenge during challenging times
ICYMI, August 1 kicked off Healthy Parks Healthy People’s 30×30 Challenge! All you need to do is get outside for 30 minutes for 30 days to experience the many benefits nature provides! There’s lots of research about how spending time outside is good for us. But how do we get outside safely this summer especially…