Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM) Joins Physical Activity Collective in Support of the National “Change the Pace” Campaign
Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM) is proud to announce its participation in the national Physical Activity Collective and its endorsement of the recent “Change the Pace” campaign and budget submission. The initiative seeks $500 million in funding over five years to develop a national strategy aimed at increasing physical activity levels across Canada. Aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, this strategy aims to achieve a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030.
Physical inactivity in Canada has reached alarming levels, with significant consequences for public health, the economy, and the environment. Research shows that low levels of physical activity contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease, anxiety, depression, and premature mortality. Economically, physical inactivity results in approximately $3.9 billion in annual healthcare expenditures. Additionally, its negative impact extends to social and environmental issues, contributing to weaker social cohesion and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
By joining the “Change the Pace” initiative, CASEM is advocating for a comprehensive, national approach to improve the health and well-being of Canadians through increased physical activity. An increase of 15% in physical activity levels by 2030 could lead to substantial improvements in population health and quality of life.
Dr. Jane Thornton, President of CASEM and lead author of CASEM’s guidelines on physical activity prescription, emphasizes the pivotal role of physicians in driving this national strategy.
“Physicians play a critical role in disseminating physical activity recommendations to a broad segment of the population. Every contact counts. Over 80% of Canadians visit their doctors each year, and they prefer to receive health information directly from their family physician,” says Dr. Thornton.
CASEM strongly believes that healthcare providers must be equipped to promote physical activity as part of routine care. By doing so, we can help reverse the physical inactivity trends and address associated healthcare costs while improving mental health and reducing the burden of chronic disease.
About CASEM
The Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine is a national organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, practice, and research of sport and exercise medicine. CASEM supports healthcare professionals in promoting physical activity and managing exercise-related injuries, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Canadians.
For more information, please contact:
Dawn Haworth
dhaworth@casem-acmse.org
