Paige Desmond
After a combined total of 36,110.5 km, participants in the Northwestern Health Unit’s “Workplace Wellness Challenge” have completed their task.
Rainycrest won the challenge with each of its participants achieving an average of more than 10,000 steps per day (as measured by the pedometers distributed to participants for the challenge).
Rainycrest received the grand prize of a $100 gift certificate for Tess’ Kitchen.
Seven businesses in Emo and 14 in Fort Frances competed in the challenge, which lasted six weeks and ended on Nov. 7.
“I think it went well,” enthused Becky Holden, who co-ordinated the challenge for the health unit. “Everybody seemed to like it.”
Northwoods Gallery & Gifts took second place, followed by the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board and Howarth’s Home Centre.
In Emo, Tompkins Hardware snagged first place.
The goal of 10,000 daily steps is the recommendation for maintenance of health.
This includes endurance activities four-seven times per week, strength activities two-four times per week, and flexibility exercises four-seven times a week.
Overall, 41 of the 247 participants met the challenge of a minimum of 10,000 steps per day in this year’s competition. Each participant who achieved the step goal will be entered into a draw for a healthy food box, with a total of three boxes to be awarded.
Winners will be contacted by the health unit in order to claim their prize.
Holden reminds residents that physical activity should be fun, and a great way to stick with it is to enjoy exercise by choosing activities you like.
She said getting exercise with family or friends is another important aspect in sticking to an activity plan.
“As winter is approaching and days are shortening, it is easy to get cooped up inside and it is important to make the effort to spend time being active, whether it is taking advantage of the trails, participating in an exercise class, or just playing outside in the snow,” Holden stressed.
For those who might not have met their goal during the challenge, there is always next year’s competition to look forward to.
“Definitely we’ll do something similar next year,” Holden assured.
In the meantime, despite the end of the challenge and of Healthy Workplace Month, Holden said workplaces should continue striving for ways to support health in the workplace.
Interested parties can make use of the health unit’s services regarding healthy policy, as well as access presentations and information through www.nwohealthworks.org
