News Feature                                                

                                                                                                                 For Immediate Release: 

                                                                                                                 December 15, 2006

Giving a Gift for Good Health

Are you looking for a gift for the person who has everything?  If their goal is to become more physically active in the New Year – why not give them a pedometer?

A pedometer is a simple device that clips on your waist and measures the number of steps you take in a day.  It is a great motivator to help you walk and get more physically active. 

Walking is an easy activity that can be done year round, indoors and out.  When starting, it is best to wear a pedometer for a week to determine your level of physical activity and then increase your steps gradually.  Ten minutes of walking equals approximately 1000 steps.  A health individual can aim to walk 8,000 or more steps a day. 

It is important to have a pedometer that is accurate, reliable and easy to use. A variety of units are available and can be purchased locally for $30-$40. Less expensive versions are also available. If you want to try using a pedometer, all local libraries in Grey and Bruce have pedometers you can borrow, just like a book.  

The pedometer you give for Christmas or borrow from the library can be put to good use with a new initiative rolling out this winter from Public Health and the libraries in Grey and Bruce.  Stepping Out On the Bruce Trail  is a computer program that logs your daily pedometer steps as you take a virtual walk on the Bruce Trail. The free software is available to borrow from libraries and can be loaded onto your computer.

Stretching for 840 km. from Niagara to Tobermory, the Bruce Trail is the longest footpath in Canada.  By yourself, the virtual hike will take about four to five months.  In a group challenge, four members will complete the trail in about one month.

Contact Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 519-881-1920 for more details about pedometers, indoor walking routes in Grey-Bruce or the Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail program.  Information is also available on our website under physical activity at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Give the gift of health to a friend or a family member. It’s a wonderful way to start a healthy 2007!

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For more information:

Betty Perkins 

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-881-1920 1-800821-7714 ext. 239