News Feature                             For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 25, 2007

New software takes users on a virtual hike of the Bruce Trail

Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail software takes pedometer users on a virtual hike of the Bruce Trail. Hikers start out in Niagara, and as they add daily pedometer steps, they see photos and read about the Bruce Trail as they “walk” north towards Tobermory. Stretching for 840 km, the Bruce Trail is the longest footpath in Canada.  It will take an individual about four to five months to hike the trail and in a group challenge, four members will finish in about one month.

Now available at all local libraries, the software complements the pedometer-lending program started in the libraries two years ago. It is a partnership between all Grey and Bruce libraries, the Grey Bruce Health Unit, Grey Bruce Partners in Health and the Ontario Stroke System. The program encourages Grey Bruce residents to become more active.  Results from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) showed 56 per cent of Grey Bruce residents were considered active or moderately active.  This is a significant increase from 49 per cent results from the CCHS, 2003.

Research shows moderate physical activity, like walking, can help reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Residents of Grey Bruce have significantly higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis compared to the rest of Ontario.    

“Walking is an easy and inexpensive activity that can be done year round, indoors and out,” said Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse. “Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail provides a virtual outing on the Bruce Trail, when winter weather may keep walkers closer to home or indoors. The software also gives a sense of accomplishment when using a pedometer.”  

The Bruce Trail Challenge runs from January to April 2007 for workplaces and groups interested in hiking the trail. Teams can submit their completed log sheet by April 30 to Public Health to be eligible for a prize draw. Prizes include: four eco-adventure tours at the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, a weekend on the Bruce Peninsula at Taylor-Made Bed & Breakfast, a reference guide on the Bruce Trail, gift certificates from Thorncrest and Suntrail Outfitters, Looping through Sydenham book and walking stick, and a guided hike with a Sydenham Bruce Trail club member. More details about the Bruce Trail Challenge are available online at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca under physical activity. 

Media teams from Bayshore Broadcasting, CKNX-AM, CKNX-FM, Rogers Television, the Shoreline Beacon and the Walkerton-Herald Times will be taking the challenge and virtually hiking the Bruce Trail starting January 29. 

The Stepping Out program was pilot-tested by dental professionals, the Bruce-Grey Catholic Separate School Board and Bluewater District School Board in 2006.  More than 300 teams and 1300 participants took part in this test.

To find out more about pedometers, indoor walking routes in Grey-Bruce or Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 519-881-1920.

-30-

Attachments:

Fact Sheet – Pedometer Use

Sources for Local Interviews

(Software and materials were mailed to each media outlet this week.)

For more information:

Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse       or      Karen Croker, Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit, Walkerton               Grey Bruce Health Unit, Owen Sound

519-881-1920                    519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456

ext. 239                                                           ext. 413