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Getting new moms back into a physical activity routine or getting them active for the first time after giving birth is the goal of a new website called Mothers in Motion. Featuring a quick quiz called "Are you Ready to Become Physically Active?", the site features more than 80 pages devoted to encouraging women to lead a healthy, active lifestyle and to mentor their children to do the same. Statistics show that a mom’s participation in sport increases her child’s participation rates by 22%. Dad’s participation in sport increases his child’s participation rate by 11%.
Mothers in Motion is a program offered by CAAWS, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. Since its formation in 1981, CAAWS has been encouraging women and girls to get off the bleachers, onto the fields of play and into the boardrooms. CAAWS offers numerous programs that encourage females to be more active, but the Mothers in Motion program is the only one that is targeted specifically for moms and moms-to-be. The program was launched in July 2002, timely given the new 12-month parental leave that became available to new mothers in 2001. Many mothers are now taking advantage of the extended time with their baby and are looking for activities to help break up the routine of diapers and feedings.
The Mothers in Motion website offers lots of practical tips and advice, and covers topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition, physical activity guidelines, exercise equipment, appropriate clothing and advice on safety. The program was developed with assistance from Elizabeth (Beth) Mansfield, MSc, RD, a registered dietician and exercise specialist with Peak Performance in Ottawa. She specializes in bridging the gap between the sciences of nutrition and exercise and the practices of healthy eating and active living. All of the content, advice and suggestions on the website were also reviewed by Health Canada to ensure the accuracy of the information.
Visit the Mothers in Motion website at www.caaws.ca/mothersinmotion or contact CAAWS at kbenoit@caaws.ca or 613-562-5667 to request a brochure on the program. Multiple copies of the brochure are available for distribution at doctor’s offices, conferences, clinics, health and fitness centers, special events and anywhere else mothers gather.