Walking to better health

Times Reporter 

 

Winter can be a tough time to want to get outdoors for a stroll, but it is also a time of year when many people are more inactive and could use that extra motivation to get out of the house. UWALK – Walk With Us is a new initiative developed by the faculty of physical education and recreation and is funded by the government of Alberta. The idea behind the program is to empower people to be active through walking. The Marigold Library System has brought the program to Strathmore via the Strathmore Municipal Library.

“Marigold has provided each library with 12 pedometers that you can borrow with your library card,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library.

The pedometer can be checked out from the library the same as a book. It has a barcode that is scanned to keep track of it and it may be signed out for three weeks at a time.

“The great part of this program is that you can also track your activity online at uwalk.ca or you can download a personal activity log,” said Erison.

On the website participants can track the number of steps they take in a day, stairs climbed and even compete against some of the other participants. It’s said that the average healthy person takes 10,000 steps in one day.

This time of year may be odd to begin promoting such a program but Erison said it may be because this is a time people are being less physically active. The library also plans to promote the program more in the spring and possibly come up with friendly challenges.

“I feel if you have a pedometer on you, you’re more aware of how physically active you are and how many steps you are taking a day,” said Erison.

“Its just a fun, active, healthy program that the library and the Marigold Library System is promoting.”

Another great thing about Uwalk, said Erison, is that participants are awarded with fun badges that can help inspire and motivate you to walk as many steps as you can in a day. Next time you’re in the library, be sure to ask your librarian about the pedometer.