Physical activity and sport can do great things for your health – even beyond improving your fitness level. Playing sports can empower, build confidence and raise self-esteem in anyone who participates. March 8 is International Women’s Day and, with this year’s theme of “Make It Happen” we’re celebrating the importance of women and girl’s participation in sports. Here’s a look at the benefits and how you can support women and girls that you know.
Ways that Physical Activity and Sport Empower and Promote Self-esteem
- Competing in sports instills a sense of accomplishment with individual or team success.
- Being a member of a team gives a sense of pride and belonging to a group.
- Staying active improves fitness and increases quality of life.
- Being physically active improves feelings of well-being – here’s more about the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Why Physical Activity is So Important
There are controllable risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases, like heart disease and breast cancer that are more specific to women. Regular physical activity can:
- Reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 20-40%. Learn more about reducing your risk of breast cancer.
- Strengthen the heart which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke (the leading cause of death for women in Canada). Learn more about heart disease in women.
How You Can Set a Good Example
Being physically active gives you better control over your own health – an important reason for everyone to be more active. Show your support:
- Foster a supportive environment; be active with or cheer on the girls in your life.
- Be a positive role model. Through your actions, show that physical activity is a part of your daily routine.
- Spread the word about programs and resources that help folks stay active, like Kids Sports Canada and JumpStart. These programs facilitate youth sports participation, providing equal opportunity for girls and boys.
With big sporting events like the recent 2015 Canada Winter Games that took place in Prince George and the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 coming to Vancouver in June, our province is seeing no shortage of inspiring and successful female athletes. Join me in making time this International Women’s Day to recognize the achievements of all girls and women. Tell us your favourite sport and Canadian female athlete @HealthyFamilyBC and @TeamPAL or comment below!
HealthyFamilyBC: About Self-Esteem