Mayor's Walk an invitation to get out and active!
Annual Walk held this Friday - be at Sobey's by noon

The 3rd annual Mayor's Walk for Health being held May 4th is setting its sights on children this year as a way to encourage them to get outdoors and get active after a long winter spent in front of the computer screen or television set.

"Research shows that more than half the children in Simcoe County are getting less than the amount of exercise recommended for optimal growth and development. Along with poor eating habits, that is resulting in a generation of kids who are increasing their risk for many chronic diseases."

"The Mayor's Walk provides a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to lead by example, to bring the kids out for a fun, community activity that is suitable for all ages and abilities. We have invited all of our local schools to get involved and get energized as well."

The walk gets under way at 12:15 p.m. on Fri. May 4th and people are asked to gather at Noon. Participants will walk to from Sobey's in Alcona to the Lakeshore Library and back with Mayor Brian Jackson.

"Activities like the Mayor's Walk all work to help Simcoe residents stay active, eat well, be smoke free and reduce stress - lifestyle behaviours that reduce the risk of heart and lung disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers."

"And with growing evidence that our children are at risk for these same diseases because they are not active it is a natural fit to take this community-based event and extend it to our local school children. We are hoping to get lots of children involved from elementary and nursery schools in the community."

For more information about the Mayor's Walk for Health call 705 456-4711.

You can also get more information about Good for Life by clicking on the Simcoe County District Health Unit website at www.simcoehealth.org. or call Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.