News Feature                   For Immediate Release

January 10, 2005

Wanted: Health Heroes and Champions!

It is time for the 11^th annual “The Beat Goes On… Awards.”  These awards are given in recognition of residents, schools, towns, groups and workplaces in Grey-Bruce Counties that have taken their own health, and the health of others, to heart.

Mary Lynn Barron, Co-ordinator of Heart Health for the Public Health Unit, calls “The Beat Goes On… Awards” her most rewarding event of the year.  “People in our communities are really trying to get healthy, and they want others to come along with them.  As far as I know, we are the only organization acknowledging the ‘trying’ part by giving out these awards.  The people nominated are the Grey-Bruce champions of good health and they deserve a pat on the back.”

The awards are given for five categories: individuals, community groups, work sites, municipalities, and schools.  The Grey Bruce Partners in Health and the Public Health Unit are now accepting nominations in all five categories.  To be honoured with an award, each candidate in every category will be assessed by pre-set criteria:

1.      In the individual and community group categories, the person(s) must have done at least one of the following: become physically active, adopted healthy eating habits, or chosen to live smoke free.  As well, they must have influenced others to make healthy lifestyle changes.

2.      In the work site category, the place of work must have company policies providing opportunities and support for healthy lifestyles for the entire workforce (for example, a walking program, or healthy food choices).

3.      In the municipality category, municipal offices must promote the concept of a healthy community.  For example, the municipal plan must include policies for bike lanes, sidewalks, and green space.

4.      In the school category, the school must support healthy lifestyles for its students by providing ongoing regular physical activity as well as information on good nutrition and the benefits of being smoke free.  These opportunities should be available to the entire school population.

The deadline for nominations is January 28, 2005.  You can complete a nomination form on our web site www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca, by clicking on Heart Health, then Nomination Form.   If you prefer, you can call the Heart Health Coordinator at 1-800-263-3456 or 376-9420 ext. 469.  The winners will be selected and announced during February as part of our celebration of Heart Health month.

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For more information, please contact:

Mary Lynn Barron

Heart Health Coordinator

Grey Bruce Heart Health

(519) 376-9420 ext. 469

Toll-free:  1-800-263-3456 ext. 469