FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Perth County – City of Stratford and Perth District Health Unit employees are clipping on their pedometers and lacing up their sneakers in anticipation of the second annual pedometer competition.
The Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen, officially issued the challenge to participate to the City’s new CAO, Rob Horne. Rob enthusiastically accepted the challenge on behalf of his colleagues.
The friendly competition takes place September 12 to 30 and is organized by staff in each organization. Participants will track their physical activity every day using pedometers or fitness trackers, and then log the results on a website. The aim is to accumulate as many steps as possible but most importantly, to have fun.
Wearing a pedometer or fitness tracker can help people gauge their activity level and motivate them to move more. “This challenge is a great way to encourage people to increase the amount of physical activity they do,” says Dr. Klassen. “Research shows that physically active employees are healthier, more productive and experience less stress, illness and injuries.”
Adults should aim for 10,000 steps a day to ensure they meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The typical office worker takes about 3,000-5,000 steps a day.
The City of Stratford has participated in pedometer challenges in the past. While they maintained bragging rights last year for the most steps taken, the Health Unit had a higher percentage of staff participating. Both organizations are planning to step up their game this time around. The top individual steppers from each organization will also be recognized.
For more information:
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