News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 9, 2004

Winners of the 10^th Annual Beat Goes On Awards Announced

After a decade of this award program, judges acknowledge the tremendous effort being put forth in the Grey-Bruce community to provide our students, teachers, workforce and general public the opportunity to live, work and play in heart healthy environments.  Judges from Grey Bruce Partners in Health (formerly Heart Health) had a tough time deciding amongst those nominated.  This year's winners of the Beat Goes on Awards are:

Mark Klages, Lion’s Head  (Individual Category)

Mark is now a new man -- a much healthier man.  He quit smoking two years ago, follows a heart healthy diet, exercises most days and has lost 40 pounds.  It has paid off.  He looks great, feels great and is a great example to others.  People just can’t say no to Mark when he invites them to the gym, to play badminton, biking or to go cross-country skiing.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Family YMCA, Owen Sound (Group Category)

Collectively, they are working out for 10,200 minutes or 170 hours each week, have lost a total of 231 pounds and over 97% of this group are now non-smokers.  Most of the participants have visited a registered dietitian, participated in a supermarket tour, have their blood pressure tested six times per week, and have invited their family and friends to attend an education session on heart healthy living.  Group members support each other and have become like a family.

Dawnview Public School, Hanover (School Category)

Dawnview Public School instils wise and healthy lifestyle choices in students at every possible opportunity.  The school participates in the breakfast program, school vending machines do not contain pop, a school-wide lunch milk program is offered and every teacher promotes healthy eating.  All classes use the “Heart Healthy Kids” curriculum for Health and Physical Education planning.  The school offers the Movin’ On program and plots their total distance walked on a world map – currently they are in South America.  The school also offers intramural sports, a dance club and a gardening club during lunch hour.   Fun events like Jump Rope for Heart and an annual Hula-Hoop contest are promoted to encourage physical activity.  All grades J.K. - Gr. 6 participate in a complete session of swimming lessons. 

Bruce Power (Worksite Category)

Since the last Beat Goes On ceremony, Bruce Power has accomplished many more heart health objectives. Every employee now receives a yearly health screening which is a new initiative.  The cafeterias and vending machines now offer Eat Smart! food choices and Bruce Power is the first business in Bruce and Grey Counties to receive the Eat Smart! designation. Employees lost a grand total of 1328 pounds during a weight challenge, which started last year.   A new smoking cessation computer-based program began.  Blood pressure monitoring is now available to any employee, as five new blood pressure machines have been purchased. The health and wellness group incorporated ideas from Public Health, Health Canada and municipal and industrial leaders. 

Each of these winners was exemplary in the changes they have made 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 more information, please contact:

Mary Lynn Barron

Heart Health Coordinator

Grey Bruce Heart Health

(519) 797-2010 ext. 34

Toll-free:  1-800-230-7719 ext. 34