Attention News Editor:

 

News Release                  

 

For Immediate Release

February 20th, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 Winners of The 9^th Annual Beat Goes On Awards

 

This year there were twice as many nominations as last year. There is a tremendous effort being put forth in our community to provide our students, teachers, work force and general public the opportunity to live, work and play in heart healthy environments.  Judges agree that deciding amongst those nominated was "tough".   This year's winners are:

 

 

Bruce Power (Worksite Category):

 

Another incredible year for heart health at Bruce Power.  In the last year they have developed a health and wellness group.  This group has started a weight loss and body fat challenge consisting of 29 teams of 4-10 people. A computer Smoking Cessation program is available at 4 computer access areas.  Bruce Power promotes the COHRT study, and the cafeteria is very close to receiving the Eat Smart! designation.  Now employees can choose healthy meals.  Bruce Power will pay 30 per cent of the cost of a fitness membership or up to $200.00  for the cost of a family membership to encourage their employees to become physically active. Stress counseling, chronic physical and mental health screening are also offered. On-site fitness rooms are available.

 

 

Bruce Peninsula Public School (School Category)

 

Bruce Peninsula Public School has set a new standard for Healthy Schools. To encourage healthy eating, the cafeteria serves no french fries. Instead it offers nutritious  meals  and low fat desserts.   Each meal comes with a side salad.  Fresh fruit, vegetables, and  milk are also available.  The policy at this school is that every student from grade K-8 will participate in physical activity daily. The school has a complete set of cross country ski's donated from the community. The school will suspend any student who is found smoking on school property. However, if the student agrees to attend a smoking cessation group they may have their suspension reduced. The school is interested in finding a smoking cessation program specifically designed for teenagers.

 

Joan Weltz (Individual Category)

A year ago Joan decided to change the way she lived in order to ensure a long and healthy life.  She joined the local weight Watchers group and in one year has lost 110 pounds.  She now swims three times a week at the Hanover Aquatic Centre.  Her weight loss and enthusiastic attitude towards a healthy lifestyle have inspired  12 others to join Weight Watchers and improve their health as well.

 

 

Kincardine Triathlon  Club (Group Category)

 

The Kincardine Triathlon Club KTC has grown from a fledgling organization only two years ago, to become one of the largest Triathlon clubs in Ontario.  The KTC welcomes all participants from beginner to advance who seek an improved lifestyle.  The club is community based and encourages participants to make regular exercise and healthy diet part of their lifestyle.  The KTC has created a fitness buzz in the community so that  even family and friends who don't actively participate benefit from making  healthier informed choices.

 

 

Each of these winners has been exemplary in the changes they have made towards heart healthy lifestyle choices.  Many lives have been influenced by these changes and many more will be influenced over time.

 

The Grey-Bruce Heart 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) 376-9420, ext. 278 or

Toll-free:  1-800-263-3456