Your Health

Activate your date night

Couples that play together stay healthier together

Date night delights

BY KRISTINE HAYWARD
Winnipeg Health Region
Wave Magazine, May / June 2009

For many couples, date night represents a much needed break from the daily routine - a chance to escape the responsibilities of family and work while spending some quality time with their partners.

Typically, that might mean dinner and a movie or concert. But as enjoyable as these activities may be, they can lose their appeal over time as they become routine. So, shake up your date night by "activating" it. Keep the romance alive by introducing a little physical activity into the mix - upping the fun factor of your date and enhancing your health and well-being.

Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day to maintain or improve their health. Doing so will help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, osteoporosis and some types of cancers.

Unfortunately, a lot of people have a hard time consistently meeting the recommended guidelines. The reasons vary: some feel they don't have the time or energy to be active; others may feel overwhelmed, not knowing where to start.

All of these reasons are valid. In fact, lack of time, energy and motivation are the top three reasons that Canadians say they are not physically active. But with a bit of planning and creativity, we can all meet the guidelines and incorporate physical activity into your day in a fun way.

That's where date night comes in. It offers the perfect opportunity to turn a social event into an active one - a good thing for your health and your relationship.

With all the daily demands of parenting and work, couples can easily forget to make time for each other. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, making physical activity part of your leisure time together can result in a stronger, more satisfying and meaningful relationship. It also sets a positive example for your children. Research has shown that parents who are more physically active tend to have children who grow up to be more active.

The active date night possibilities are endless. Consider, for example, spending a Friday or Saturday evening bowling or joining a recreational sports league.

But your date night doesn't have to be built around a sport. How about going out dancing or for a long walk? Be on the lookout for ways to be active together. Something as simple as going for a cup of coffee or picking up a movie rental can be "activated" by walking or cycling to your destination rather than driving.

A great way to ensure that you and your partner find time to be together is to schedule an "active date night" once a week. Commit to it, stick to it, and enjoy whatever activity you decide to do.

Kristine Hayward is a Co-ordinator with Winnipeg in motion, which is a partnership of the Winnipeg Health Region, the City of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

	About Wave Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books. Read the May / June 2009 issue of Wave