Count your steps to better health: Borrow a pedometer from the Halton Hills Public Library

“Count Your Steps to Better Health and Have fun, get into it” – these are the messages that Halton Region, the Town of Halton Hills and the Halton Hills Public Library want residents to walk away with when they begin borrowing a pedometer (step counter) from the Acton and Georgetown library branches. A partnership between the Town and its Have fun, get into it campaign, Halton Hills Public Library and Halton Region, the Program is designed to encourage residents to discover the fun of fitness by walking with a pedometer.

“”(_)The Pedometer Lending Program”:http://www.halton.ca/health/services/physical_activity/library_pedometer.htm is a terrific example of a collaborative and coordinated effort among community partners,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “It’s another step along the way to creating healthy communities across the Region.”

A pedometer is a small device that is used to measure the number of steps a person takes in any given period of time. Wearing a pedometer can act as a motivational tool — pedometers provide people with immediate feedback about how many steps they have taken during the day. This feedback can increase personal confidence and be used to help people set their goals.

“Walking is a great way to get active and have fun,” said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. “The Town of Halton Hills has a network of trails waiting for you to hike. I encourage you to borrow a pedometer, venture outdoors and experience the beauty of Halton Hills, whether it’s exploring one of our beautiful trails, walking your children to school or exploring your own neighbourhood with friends.”

People should aim to walk 10,000 steps each day. Of those, 2,000 to 4,000 steps should be at a brisk pace to improve cardiovascular health. “Try to increase the number of daily steps you take by 500 each week,” suggested Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “For example, if you walk an average of 5,000 steps per day in week one, then your goal for week two would be 5,500 steps per day. Walking is also healthier for the environment. Less traffic reduces air pollution and decreases traffic congestion,” added Dr. Nosal.

Jane Diamanti, Director, Halton Hills Public Library, is pleased to join her colleagues in Oakville and Milton as a partner in this initiative. “One of my goals is to develop strong, meaningful collections for residents. We strive to provide convenient access to high quality, relevant resources that will assist people with their everyday needs,” said Ms. Diamanti. “I hope our patrons will take advantage of this new offering, rise to the challenge and start walking for fun and fitness.”

Similar to borrowing a book, DVD or other library resource, the pedometers will be loaned out for a three-week period and will come with a resource package containing useful information related to walking.

For more information on the Pedometer Lending Program, call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833, or visit Halton Region’s website, or the Town of Halton Hills Have fun, get into it site

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