Physical Activity: The Best Medicine?

"Physical Activity: The Best Medicine?" was held December 2011. Michelle Brownrigg, the Faculty’s director of physical activity and equity, framed the discussion, sharing the latest stats on where Canadians are in reaching our recently-revised physical activity guidelines. Professor Jack Goodman, an expert in cardiac research, assessed the risks and benefits of physical activity, emphasizing that the benefits far exceed potential dangers. Professor Guy Faulkner, who researches the psychological benefits of physical activity, honed in on studies that connect exercise with decreased depression and improved mental health. Keynote speaker, award-winning author and Globe and Mail health reporter André Picard rounded out the night, emphasizing the need to repackage public health and media messages to better resonate with today’s culture.