News Release                   For Immediate Release

February 17, 2005

Winners of the 11^th Annual Beat Goes On Awards Announced

The Beat Goes On Awards program has just completed its eleventh year. The judges would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort put forth by the Grey-Bruce community. As demonstrated by this impressive list of winners, our region has many students, teachers, municipalities, members of the workforce, and the general public who live, work and play in heart healthy environments.  It is through the Beat Goes On awards that acknowledgement is given to these deserving groups and individuals. 

Judges from Grey Bruce Partners in Health (formerly Heart Health) had a difficult time deciding amongst those nominated. To be honoured with an award, each candidate in every category competed within a predetermined set of criteria.   This year's winners of the Beat Goes On awards are:

Each of these winners showed exemplary changes towards heart healthy lifestyle choices.  Many lives were influenced by these changes and many more will be influenced over time.

The Grey Bruce Partners in Health coalition would like to thank everyone who sent in a nomination.  We realize there are many other outstanding efforts being made in our communities and we commend each of you.  We urge you to continue to …  PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT!  IT FEELS GREAT.

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For further information, please contact:

Mary Lynn Barron

Heart Health Coordinator

Grey Bruce Heart Health

(519) 376-9429 ext. 469

Toll-free:  1-800-263--3456 ext. 469

Background Information

The Beat Goes On Awards Winners

Categories

Individual: Dr. Rynaldo Fedorenko

·        5-unit heart bypass surgery in 2003

·        Reduced his weight

·        Adopted a low fat, high fibre diet

·        Exercised regularly

·        Not only is Dr. Fedorenko a strong role model for his patients but he also encourages and supports them in their healthy lifestyle changes.

Group: Sacred Heart Summer Sports Camp

·        This camp for ages 7-14 offers non-competitive sports, which can be played into adult life, such as bowling, badminton, basketball, and soccer.

·        The camp was organized by a unique partnership involving the Bruce Grey Separate School Board, the Brockton Recreation Department, the Public Health Unit, and Grey Bruce Partners in Health.

Employee Recognition in a Health Related Field: Barb Flaherty

·        Worked as a nurse at the Saugeen First Nations for the past 20 years

·        Nominated by one of the women she has supported over the years

·        Encouraged a group of women over the past year to meet regularly after work to walk, and to discuss information on healthy nutrition, diabetes and smoking

·        Well known for her support, encouragement and creativity in assisting others to adopt healthy lifestyles

·        Most of all she is a great role model because she walks with her people and demonstrates good eating habits

Workplace, fewer than 50 employees: Town of Saugeen Shores

·        Organized a wellness committee that looks to provide staff with opportunities to live a healthier and active lifestyle

·        Organized a “Break Time Walkers Club”

·        Makes space available in the community complex for a staff fitness/exercise room

·        Holds a healthy food day on the first Friday of every month

Workplace, 50-200 employees: Telesat Canada

·        Provides space for an employee-funded fitness centre on site

·        Arranged a loan to allow employees to buy fitness equipment

·        Arranged for the Public Health seminar Shiftwork Like Clockwork for their staff

Workplace 200-1000 employees: Transcontinental Printing (RBW)

·        Provides a fully furnished fitness room for use by employees

·        Healthy foods made available for employees to buy at the onsite cafeteria

·        Employs a full-time nurse to provide information and support to employees who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle

Workplace 1000+ employees: Bruce Power

Offers the following programs and incentives to their staff: 

·        The Smoking Cessation Program

·        Fitness club membership discounts

·        An Eat Smart! cafeteria

·        Diabetes monitoring

·        Employee Assistance Program

·        (New this year)  Contracted a psychiatrist to offer support for stress and depression issues

·        Shift Work Like Clockwork workshop for employees and their families

·        (New this year) A Bruce Power management commitment to a healthy workplace environment – Management completed Level 1 of the Four Level Certification Process offered by the National Quality Institute Progressive Excellence Program

·        (New) Developed a health and safety policy that includes a section on the health and welfare of the employees

Municipality Category: Town of Saugeen Shores

·        The mayor and council endorsed the development of a parks and trails master plan.  This plan supports the development of bike lanes, and two additional parks that can accommodate individuals with disabilities

·        All Town of Saugeen Shores owned facilities, including the campgrounds, marina and outdoor canteens, prohibit the sale of tobacco products

·        The Town has placed bicycle racks in front of all municipal offices and at the waterfront, pool and tourist camps

·        The Municipal Alcohol Policy is being updated by the Chief of Police

School Category: St. Vincent Euphrasia Elementary School

Over the last few years, the staff, students and parents of this school have placed an increase emphasis on healthy eating and physical fitness.

·        Held nutrition workshops

·        Declared the school  “pop and candy free”

·        Included a “Hip Hop Healthy” section in their newsletter

·        Participated in the “Turn Off The Screens Week”

·        Offers only healthy food choices at the breakfast club

·        The school offers a wide array of intramural activities such as soccer, floor hockey, running, skipping, gymnastics and basketball

School Category: Beaver Valley Community School

The staff, parents and students of this school have decided to focus on the importance of physical activity and healthy nutrition.

·        Intramurals offered during the year include soccer, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, flag football and assorted organized games.

·        Each classroom has a basket containing assorted balls and skipping ropes, and students are encouraged in their daily use.

·        The two vending machines in the school offer only juices and water.

·        The breakfast club runs daily, and pitas and pizza are offered for sale at lunch two times per week.

·        The school keeps the fridge stocked with fruit, cheese, muffins and other healthy foods for children who don’t have adequate lunches.