Perth County – A month-long pedometer challenge between the Perth District Health Unit and City of Stratford has just wrapped up. Approximately 130 employees participated between the two organizations, wearing pedometers and tracking their steps every day.
The Results
Highest percentage of staff taking part: Perth District Health Unit (61%)
Most steps accumulated: City of Stratford (22,442,455)
Highest average steps per participant: City of Stratford (320,606)
Top stepper: City of Stratford staff member, Andrew Piper, with over 985,000 steps (Health Unit’s top employee had 506,000 steps)
The two organizations were vying for bragging rights but more importantly the challenge was an opportunity for employees to add more physical activity into their days, both at work and at home. Research has shown that physically active employees are healthier, more productive employees who experience less stress, illness and injuries.
The recommendation is for adults to achieve 10,000 steps per day. “Sometimes you don’t realize how much time you spend sitting during a work day,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “Being able to check your step count throughout the day definitely provides motivation to be more physically active.”
“I congratulate everyone who participated and thank City staff who helped us to maintain bragging rights,” says Mayor Dan Mathieson. “We look forward to the next challenge.”
The Health Unit’s Workplace Wellness Program offers free support, resources and ready-to-use programs to Perth County workplaces. This includes loaning pedometers and assisting workplaces to implement a similar challenge.
From left to right: Katherine Horst (PDHU), Lindsay Van Gestel, Kerry Price (PDHU), Crystal Visneskie, Dave Buck and Andrew Piper
For more information:
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca
- Follow us: www.twitter.com/pdhealthunit and www.facebook.com/pdhealthunit