April 13, 2014: For immediate release
Edmonton, AB – Six local Primary Care Networks (PCN) are emphasizing that everyone should “Put a little step in their spring” as an eight-week physical activity challenge is launched today.
Get Out, Get Active is challenging participants to virtually walk to Jasper from April 14 to June 8. The challenge is focusing on getting people of all ages moving. The prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity is increased with physical activity. All activity is tracked once participants register through a link on the Get Out, Get Active website (www.getoutgetactivepcn.com).
“We are excited to offer the public a fun way to add more activity into their daily lives this spring. We know activity plays an important role in living a healthy life but can sometimes be hard for people to be motivated to do so. By turning this into a challenge and encouraging people include people they know, our hope is to show all involved that it is possible to do something good for you and have fun at the same time,” says Leanne McGeachy, Chair of the Get Out, Get Active Working Group.
“As a family physician, we are always looking for ways to motivate our patients to become active. Get Out, Get Active is a great tool and program to promote with our patients,” says Dr. Greg Keough, a member physician at Edmonton Southside PCN.
“Tracking my activity helps keep me accountable and staying focused on my goal to keep active,” says patient Vince Russo.
Get Out, Get Active is an expansion of the success from Edmonton North PCN’s Stepping Up! Challenge. The 2013 event saw almost 600 patients, family physicians, clinic staff, PCN staff and partners register for a 10-week pedometer challenge to virtually trek through the Rockies. The participating PCNs are Alberta Heartland, Edmonton North, Edmonton Southside, Edmonton West, Leduc Beaumont Devon and Sherwood Park – Strathcona County. The PCNs have partnered with UWALK, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services for this 2014 initiative.