News Release                                                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                                April 4, 2005

Winner Announced in Library Pedometer Draw

SOUTHAMPTON – Jean Field of Southampton is the first winner in the Pedometers in the Library program draw.   Her name was drawn from a collection of returned evaluation forms from all libraries in Grey and Bruce counties.   Ms. Field completed her evaluation form after borrowing a pedometer from her local library in Southampton.   Public Health Nurse Karen Croker made the selection on Thursday, March 24, 2005. There will be several more draws throughout the year.

Jean Field was thrilled to receive her new pedometer. A pedometer is a simple device that attaches to your waist and counts the number of steps that you take in a day.  It makes you aware of how much exercise you are getting in a day and motivates you to increase the amount.  Although an active older adult, Field felt that… “The pedometer made me very aware that I needed to walk more.  I am always active and have lots of energy but I was not exercising enough to get to 10,000 steps.  I learned that I needed to walk every morning for about an hour to attain this.  I felt a lot better after walking for an hour every day.”

According to Catrine Tudor-Locke, PhD (2003), attaining 10,000 steps is a goal that healthy adults can achieve to be considered active.  However, it is not for everyone.  It is best to gradually create measurable goals that are attainable, and then increase the goals on a weekly basis.  Otherwise people may get frustrated and lose their motivation.  People who have health problems should check with their doctors before starting.  Some may need to start out at a lower number of steps and work up more gradually.    

Public Health encourages all residents to try out a pedometer, either by borrowing or buying one.  When purchasing a pedometer, choose quality and simplicity.  One that only counts your steps is the easiest to use.

For further information call Public Health at 376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.”

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For more information:

Karen Croker, Public Health Nurse

Chronic Disease Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420