Getting active in Durham

The regional health department, alongside the Advancing Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham committee, has launched a new website that provides information on subsidies available to residents who want to get active.

“Recreation is vital for both physical and mental health and the Durham community provides a wide variety of recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities,” states Elizabeth Cullen-Keidann, a public health nurse with the health department, in a news release.

According to a news release, only three per cent of Durham residents who qualify for subsidies take advantage of them and access registered recreation services.

“Recreation programs provide an opportunity for residents to keep physically active and engaged with others in the community,” states Cullen-Keidann. “Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of depression, heart disease, osteoporosis and many other chronic diseases. Being physically active can also help improve self-confidence, provide more energy to tackle the day, relieve stress, and improve learning and sleep.”

Subsidy programs provided by each municipality and participating not-for-profit organization can be accessed online at durham.ca/recsubsidy.

You can also find a list of free recreation activities available throughout the region by calling the Durham Health Connection Line at (905) 666-6241.