News

SIMCOE, ON, OCT. 23, 2008 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is encouraging residents to add more steps to their day using free pedometers through the Haldimand County Public Library.

The Health Unit has teamed up with the library and the Leisure Services Division of the County’s Community Services Department to make these step counters available to library patrons.

The lending program, called Two Feet and a Heartbeat, allows patrons to use their library cards to borrow a pedometer kit for up to three weeks, similar to other library resources in circulation.

“The whole idea of the program is to give people an opportunity to try a pedometer for free and get an idea of how many daily steps they average,” said Health Unit Physical Activity Promoter Michele Crowley. “The kit includes a number of resources to support your walking and information on how to use the pedometer and make a plan to increase your daily steps. People are often surprised to find out they are nowhere near the recommended daily steps.”

Depending on your age, the number of daily steps varies. The recommended steps are 12,000 to 16,000 for children, 11,000 to 12,000 for youth, 10,000 for adults and 6,000 to 7,000 for older adults.

“The Haldimand County Public Library is committed to providing resources that promote the well-being of members of our community,” said library Deputy CEO Paul Diette. “Materials that encourage our residents to pursue healthy, active and informed lifestyles are fundamental to our collections. Pedometer kits supplied by our partners at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit are a fun and innovative way to get the most out of an already popular fitness activity and we are confident they will prove beneficial to users of all ages.”

Media contact:
Michele Crowley, Physical Activity Promoter
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
519-426-6170 Ext. 3239 or 905-318-6623 Ext. 3239