WALKING is the #1 LEISURE ACTIVITY FOR VICTORIA COUNTY RESIDENTS

4.1 million Canadians favorite leisure activities are walking & running, while the Victoria County Community Physical Activity Survey (Nov. 2015) & the Ipsos Reid Recreation & Physical Fitness Syndicated Survey (April 13, 2010, for Victoria County Residents) responded that walking was the #1 choice for types of physical activity or exercise they participated in on a regular basis.

‎Naturally Active for Life Victoria County‬ is ‎Walking‬ Today! Are You?

Steps Conversion Chart 

Downloadable for Your Convenience (Get steps from gardening, shoveling snow, hiking, cycling, etc.): StepsConversionChart

Are You Getting Enough Steps To A Healthy Lifestyle Each Day

How Many Steps Each Day Will Provide Positive Health Benefits

The goal:

• Healthy Adults
  20-50 yrs old
  7,000-11,000 steps a day
• Healthy Adults
  50-70 yrs old & Chronic disease
  6,000-8,500 steps a day
• Adults with Disabilities
  3,500-5,500 Steps a Day
  Work your way up to the steps you need each day…

Urban Walking Poles Available to Loan Assisting You in Your Walking:

IWALK 2018 – International Walk to School Month in October 

IWALK2018Poster

IWALKFallPromotionalPieces2018

(or Walk at School Month for bused schools), a popular program that the Ecology Action Centre has been coordinating for all NS schools and youth groups for over a decade.  

A registration link and more information about this event are found at: https://ecologyaction.ca/iwalk

International Walk to School Month | Ecology Action Centre ecologyaction.ca International Walk to/at School Month – October 2017. October 2-6, 2017 is International Walk to School Week October 4, 2017 is International Walk to School Day

Here’s how you can help in spreading the word:

• Send a notice to your school contacts and partners, with the link above, and our IWALK posters and logos. 
• Consider doing your own local Walk to School Month promotion to tie in with any plans/strategies that support walking or cycling in your area. We can provide templates and ideas for tailoring Walk to School Month to your needs.  

Attached are some promotional write ups that you may cut and paste to use in your communications with your target audience (e-mail, social media, newsletter or website, facebook or twitter), and our IWALK 2018 posters (both in English & French).

We’d be happy to partner with you and support your efforts.  Please feel free to give me a call to discuss ideas.

Thank you in advance for any support you can provide!

Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette, Youth Active Transportation Coordinator

Sipuk, Mi’kmaq Territory – 151 Ashby Rd, Sydney NS, B1P 2S3

tel. 902.562.5371 / fax. 902.405.3716 / ecologyaction.ca

Become an EAC Member   l   Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

Walking Routes in Victoria County

Possible Routes

• Baddeck, Cape Breton

Time: 0.53 Hours

Route: http://walkaboutns.ca/routes/cap-day-route/

• Baddeck Bay, NS (Beinn Breigh)

• Baddeck to Whycocomagh, NS

• North River Bridge to Baddeck

• A nice long walk, mostly along the highway and through Baddeck

Notes: A nice long

Route: https://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/be-active/walking/cabot-trail-spring-challenge-2017?iframe=true&theme_preview=true

• Ingonish Beach

• Ingonish Beach (Keltic Loop)

Route: http://walkaboutns.ca/routes/keltic-loop/

• Ingonish to Wreck Cove

Route: http://walkaboutns.ca/routes/forrest-walkabout-day-58-july-9/

• Neil’s Harbour to Ingonish

Wagmatcook Walking Program

Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre

FREE – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

7:00 – 8:00 pm

A friendly reminder:

-Indoor footwear (Dry sneakers)

-Stroller friendly (Dry wheels)

-Please bring your own bottled water (Vending machine available)

A community meeting on a walking program took place on Monday, February 12th at the culture centre. We’ll have walking Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 7-8 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

For further information, please contact Wagmatcook Physical Activity Coordinator Terry Bernard: terrancebernardmpal@gmail.com

Proud Partners for Your Health:

-Wagmatcook First Nation

-Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre

-Naturally Active for Life Victoria County (Est. 2011)

-Victoria County

Held – 4th Season – Steps in Flight Walking Program 2018 

–THANK YOU to the 77 Drop-in Walkers that participated in the Annual Steps in Flight Walking this past Winter 2018, it’s Greatly Appreciated–

See You January 2019 for Our 5th Season!

Started Jan. 3, 2018. Thank You Everyone for Your Support and Participation.

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm!

HELD  – Jan. 1 to March 31, 2017 – 3rd Season of Steps in Flight Walking & Mini-Steps Discovery Programs

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT and PARTICIPATION: 170 Participants – 

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm!

Steps Conversion Chart

Downloadable for Your Convenience (Get steps from gardening, shoveling snow, hiking, cycling, etc.):

StepsConversionChart

The Old Horse Track in Baddeck

Available to be physically active in our great natural environment (All seasons) if you are looking for a place to Snowshoe, Ski, Hike and/or Walk.

DISTANCE : 1/2 mile – about 800 meters

Steve McDermid Memorial Field – Walking Track

Baddeck Academy

 

 

St Ann’s Saturday Afternoon Hikes 2017-18 

See you again November 2018 to March 2019!

The Saturday Afternoon Hiking Program. This initiative is sponsored by the St. Ann’s Bay Health Group. We welcome community participants, their friends and guests to our area.  If you have a hike you’d like to see included or are willing to host a hike please contact Mary Ann Wilson (902-929-2472). Generally hikes begin at 1:00 pm and range from 1½–2½ hours to complete. As snow accumulates, we switch from hiking footwear to snowshoes. Poles, water, snack and appropriate outdoor wear are always recommended. Our goal is to combine physical exercise, in beautiful local settings with friendly socializing. All hikes are guided.

For the most up-to-date information, go to the online:

Community Event Sheet Calendar

Saturday Afternoon Hikes—With winter, hikers must prepare themselves with adequate outerwear; layering is a good approach. Often a trail will lead to a site exposed to winds. As well until everything freezes up, the woods are wet so boots or water-resistant footwear is important for your comfort.

 

“Heritage Way” Community Walking Path – Alderwood, Baddeck

Open to the community. It is maintained during the winter and is well lit at night! It takes 10 minutes to do 1 lap of the Path and is 1/2 km long or 660 Steps!

For further information, please contact : Director of Recreation, Alderwood Rest Home Phone: (902)295-2644 ext. 226 or by e-mail recreation@alderwoodbaddeck.ca

THE WELLNESS WALKERS

Look for its Return 2017-18!: HELD – (Walk, Run & Fitness Room) 2016-17 

• See you in 2017!

Rankin School of the Narrows (Iona, Victoria County):

Use of the gym facility for walking is for age 7 and up and children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Use of the fitness equipment is for age 16 and up.

Wear shoes for indoor use. …Use of the gym facility for walking is for age 7 and up and children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Use of the fitness equipment is for age 16 and up.

Cape Breton Island Hoppers

The CBIH was established as an island wide walking club in 1997. Guided walks are 5 km, 10 km or more, in keeping with the rules of the International Federation of Popular Sports. The Island HOPPERS are people of all ages and abilities who enjoy the outdoors. CBIH is registered with the Province of Nova Scotia as a non-profit organization. Our members are dedicated to a healthier life-style. We recognize that physical activities such as walking is a simple but effective form of exercise that enables us to discover the beauties of our island while increasing our personal health.
http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/calendar.cfm

http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com
e-mail: bretonhoppers@hotmail.com
http://www.walks.ca

HELD – Join Heart & Stroke for some fun summer walks! View this email in your browser

It’s time for some summer fun! Lace up, get active and join Heart & Stroke for some summer fun! In partnership with the Heartland Tour, Heart & Stroke is hosting walking tours in communities across our province. Take the first steps toward changing the future of heart disease and stroke. Grab your friends, family, and neighbours and be part of the movement. Regardless of age, or experience, take the first steps towards a healthier tomorrow for our province. We believe life is worth fighting for. And we don’t want you to miss it. Check out the dates and locations below to find the event nearest you! July 8 – Halifax, Emera Oval, 9 am July 9- Yarmouth, Rodd’s Grand Hotel, 417 Main St.,Yarmouth, 9 am July 10- Annapolis Royal, Farmer’s and Trader’s Market in town, 9:30 am and 11:00 am July 11- Bridgewater, Shipyards Landing, King Street, 9 am July 12– Truro, Victoria Park, 9 am July 13- Sydney, at Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre, 8:30 am July 14- Antigonish, TBD July 15- New Glasgow, Pictou County Wellness Centre, 11:00 am Hope to see you there! Sincerely, Heart & Stroke Walkabout

Click here to register: http://heartlandtour.ca/registration/ Discover and create walking routes, join groups, make and track your goals, plus much more. Click here to learn more: http://walkaboutns.ca/

Heart and Stroke Foundation, Nova Scotia Park Lane Mall, Level 3 5657 Spring Garden Road, Box 245, Halifax, NS  B3J 3R4 Telephone (902) 423-7530  / Toll free 1-800-423-4432 Fax (902) 492-1464  ™The heart and / Icon on its own and the heart and / Icon followed by another icon or words in English are trademarks of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

HELD – Cabot Trail Spring Challenge 2017

CabotTrailSpringChallenge2017

CabotTrailSpringChallenge2017PDF

Join your friends (or meet new friends), family and/or neighbors on a virtual trip around the beautiful World Famous Cabot Trail!

Enter and be eligible for Prizes, Giveaways!

May 15 to June 30, 2017

Join a group at your local Library in Baddeck, Ingonish or Community Centre in Bay St Lawrence at www.walkaboutns.ca

Visit: www.walkaboutns.ca

Contacts:

• Bay St Lawrence Community Centre:

baystlawrencecommunitycenter@gmail.com

• Baddeck Library:

baddeck@cbrl.ca

• North Victoria Library Branch:

ingonish@cbrl.ca

• Naturally Active for Life – Victoria County: naturallyactiveforlife@countyvictoria.ns.ca

Proudly Presented By Your Partners in Health:

• Walkabout, Heart & Stroke Foundation

• North Victoria Library Branch

• Baddeck Library

• Cape Breton Regional Library

• Naturally Active for Life Victoria County (Est. 2011)

• Victoria County

Record your steps taken each day by yard work, raking leaves, mowing, hiking, grocery shopping, walking, running, cycling, gardening, yoga, etc – check here to calculate your steps each day – They add up quick!:

 

HELD – Nova Scotia Walk Day 2017

NSWalkDAYPOSTER2017

On May 10, 2017 – Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ invites you to participate in Nova Scotia Walk Day! Celebrate the joyful side of walking on with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and take the first step towards a healthier heart.   Commit 10 minutes anytime on May 10^th to walk with your friends, co-workers or by yourself. Register your participation walkabout@heartandstroke.ca and be entered to win a prize.

You are invited May 10th! Nova Scotians have walked over 3 billion steps and we want to celebrate! Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ is supporting thousands of Nova Scotians to discover the joy of walking. All Nova Scotians are invited to walk on May 10th. So grab your friends, your colleagues, your neighbour or your dog and enjoy a walk. Where will walking take you? Create your own walk by hosting an event in your area or by simply taking 10 minutes and going for a walk! Register your walk by emailing walkabout@heartandstroke.ca for a chance to win a prize.

Planning Walkable Communities Workshop HELD October 26, 2016

How communities are planned and designed directly impacts local environments and health. Walking is the most accessible form of active transportation for the average person of any age, yet Nova Scotia’s communities have a considerable need for improving the availability, safety and convenience of walking routes. Community design can encourage populations to travel between destinations actively by foot. This workshop, for planners and others, is about making our communities more walkable for everyone, from children to seniors. It will address the state of walkability in NS and how to improve walkability in the areas of planning and infrastructure. Planning Walkable Communities Workshop-  Port Hawkesbury Civic Center, Port Hawkesbury NS Register here  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/planning-walkable-communities-cape-breton-tickets-28233714801 by October 24th Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada will facilitate the workshop, drawing on their experience in active transportation planning and community design to deliver an engaging and informative workshop. Project partners will add experiences and project information to increase the application of information in local communities. The workshop includes nutrition breaks, lunch and a workshop kit. The workshop will include some classroom time as well as a field trip to conduct walk audits . What can you do? Share this with the people who should be in the room to make Walkable communities happen in your municipality. Who should come?       Decision makers (councilors and planners and engineers) Implementers (Recreation and MPAL staff) Public Works staff Local TIR staff Developers

International Walk to School and Walk at School Month HELD

October 2016 A registration link and more information about this event are found at: http://saferoutesns.ca/programs/international-walk-to-school-month Links to other free downloadable useful resources can be found at:http://saferoutesns.ca/programs/international-walk-to-school-month/program-resources

HELD – Summer Walk Challenge 2016 

WalkaboutSummerPhotoChallengePoster2016

This challenge is a little different than our other walk challenges, and one which we hope will be a ton of fun.  This contest will be a photo challenge which will run through the month of August (1^st-31^st).  I encourage you to check out the poster which is attached above and share it amongst your contacts and friends and submit as many photos as you like for a chance to win great prizes!

The photos can be anything walk related.  Whether it is of yourself, your friends and family, pets, vacations, staycations, as long as you are enjoying the outdoors and getting some time in your walking shoes!

When you submit, tell us why you love walking, what walking has done for you or what inspires you to walk for a chance to win.  There are many ways to submit photos and, if on social media, don’t forget to use #WalkaboutNS

We look forward to seeing all of your amazing photos, and remember, keep walking and enjoy the sunny days ahead!

Michael Todd – Community Health Promotion Coordinator – Western Region

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia

Phone: 902-334-1141 | Fax: 902 492-1464 | E-mail  michael.todd@heartandstroke.ca

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? Including a future gift in your Will makes life-saving research possible for years to come. Learn more about making a legacy gift.

HELD – Aging Well Together Coalition – Eastern Region Age Friendly Community Walkabout

AgingWellTogetherCoalitionCommunityWalkaboutInvitationJuly272016

AgingWellTogetherCoalitionCommunityWalkaboutInvitationJuly272016PDF

July 27, 2016 – Started Baddeck Court house (front steps – meet at monument)

• Assess sidewalks, roads, lights, crosswalks, and traffic – Observe community and understand the supports needed to make community safer and more accessible
• All community members were welcomed to attend

The Community Walkabout was led by Victoria County Physical Activity Coordinator Vince Forrestall. Addressed different community infrastructure like sidewalks, curbs, crosswalks, traffic lights and other important aspects of the community that affect people in different ways. The point of  walkabout was to highlight different areas of the community that people access for different reasons and to encourage inclusivity. Are sidewalks fully accessible for everyone to use? Should crosswalks be re-painted? Should new crosswalks be painted? Are curbs at the standard they should be to ensure all people’s safety?

An Age Friendly Community is a community that is inclusive in nature and one that promotes access for people of all ages.

On behalf of the Aging Well Together Coalition, we would like to thank you for your support in helping make Cape Breton a safer and more accessible place to live. IF YOU WISH TO GIVE FURTHER INPUT TO SAFER WALKING IN YOUR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOUHOOD PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST AT THE FOLLOWING LINK http://www.nscommunitylinks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Resource-4-Neighbourhood-Fall-Safe-Checklist.pdf AND RETURN TO noreencleblanc@hotmail.com or vince.forrestall@countyvictoria.ns.ca

Proudly supported & partnered with by Naturally Active For Life Victoria County (Est. 2011)

HELD – NS Walk Day 2016

Residents were invited to ‪#‎Walk‬ for 10 Minutes Today to Celebrate ‪#‎NovaScotiaWalkDay‬ (May 11, 2016)

Plan to go for at least a 10 minute walk with your dog, a colleague or friend. Send a picture of your walk at walkabout@heartandstroke.ca

Claire Mac Lean –  Community Health Promotion Coordinator – ‪#‎EasternRegion‬
‪#‎HeartandStrokeFoundation‬ of ‪#‎Canada‬, ‪#‎NovaScotia‬
Park Lane – Mall Level 3, 5657 ‪#‎SpringGardenRoad‬, Box 245
‪#‎Halifax‬, NS B3J 3R4 Phone: 902-334-1137 | Fax: 902 492-1464 | E-mail claire.maclean@heartandstroke.ca

Walkabout Leaders – Your input is critical to set our strategic direction and to get more Nova Scotians walking!

Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ aims to help more Nova Scotians experience the amazing benefits of walking. Your experience and ideas can help us do that.

Participating in a Walkabout Focus Group Session is your chance to share ideas about how best to encourage new members to join, support and retain our current members and leaders, and make Walkabout even better.

Registration is online (link in the attached poster) or by calling 902-334-1133.

We’d love to hear from you all! Walkabout Team

Kristin Honshorst, MSc – Coordinator, Health Promotion & Research

Heart and Stroke Foundation 5657 Spring Garden Road, Box 245 Halifax, NS B3J 3R4

T 902 334-1112 E Kristin.Honshorst@heartandstroke.ca heartandstroke.ca­ | fmcoeur.ca

HELD – Celebrate Walk into Spring Challenge 2016

Making physical activity part of your life can benefit your health significantly and can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular activity also helps prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer and obesity.

How did the Walk into Spring Challenge work?

1. Contacted Community Health Promotion coordinator by phone or email to tell of plans at  walkabout@heartandstroke.ca
2. Make a commitment to get a total 150 minutes of walking each week in May. Walk, hike or choose any form of physical activity you wish. Remember increments of 10 minutes count towards your weekly goal of 150 minutes. Each team must walk together at least one time each week and must complete 3 of the 4 weeks of the challenge to be considered for the grand prize.

3. Email walkabout@heartandstroke.ca to let us know you are participating as a Workplace or community team.
4. Submit your daily totals of physical activity each Tuesday by 12:00pm. The first weekly submission was due May 10, 2016. (A week is from Sunday to Saturday).There was weekly prizes and each report gives a team a chance to win a Grand Prize of a gift card valued at $100.00. Each team must walk at least 3 of the 4 weeks to qualify.

5. Walkabout team loves getting new pictures emailed to them at walkabout@heartandstroke.ca. And this gives a team an extra ballot for the draw!

6. Enjoy your walk with your group!

Are you up for the challenge? Where will walking take you?

Claire Mac Lean – Community Health Promotion Coordinator – Eastern Region, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia; Park Lane – Mall Level 3, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Box 245, Halifax, NS B3J 3R4; Phone: 902-334-1137 | Fax: 902 492-1464 | E-mail  claire.maclean@heartandstroke.ca

 

 

HELD – February – “Heart” Month – Winter Walk Challenge 2016

HeartandStrokeWinterWalk2016ChallengePromoFlyer

Did you know…80% of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours which include physical activity through walking?

1. Winter is a wonderful time to walk. Don’t let cold, wind, snow or rain keep you and your friends/coworkers from heading out for a walk.  Contact your Community Health Promotion coordinator by phone or email to tell of your plans or email  walkabout@heartandstroke.ca

How did the Winter Walk Challenge work?

1. Make a commitment to get a total 150 minutes of walking each week in February. . Walk, cross country ski, hike, and snowshoe or choose any form of physical activity you wish. Remember increments of 10 minutes count towards your weekly goal of 150 minutes. Each team must walk at least one time each week in February.
2. Educate participants on Winter walking safety (refer to https://canadasafetycouncil.org/senior-safety/safety-tips-winter-walking)
3. Email walkabout@heartandstroke.ca to let us know you are participating as a Workplace or community team.
4. Submit your daily totals of physical activity each Tuesday by 12:00pm. The first weekly submission is due February 9^th. (a week is from Sunday to Saturday).There will be weekly prizes and each report gives your team a chance to win a Grand Prize of a gift card valued at $100.00.
5. Our Walkabout team  loves  getting new pictures email them to us at walkabout@heartandstroke.ca. and this gives your team an extra ballot for the draw!
6. Enjoy your walk with your group!

Are you up for the challenge? Where will walking take you?  

Claire Mac Lean – Community Health Promotion Coordinator – Eastern Region, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia,  Park Lane – Mall Level 3, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Box 245, Halifax, NS B3J 3R4 / Phone: 902-334-1137 | Fax: 902 492-1464 | E-mail  claire.maclean@heartandstroke.ca

Walk Adventure in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park

https://capebreton.lokol.me/walk-adventure-in-the-cape-breton-highlands-national-park

Boularderie Blazers Walking Program

***SEE YOU 2018!

Boularderie School Gymnasium

Ages 16 & up: – participate anytime. Great physical activity and social in a safe and friendly environment.

FREE Indoor Walking

Days & Times TBA

During the Winter in a safe and friendly environment at Boularderie school Gymnasium.

Participants must bring indoor footwear. Open to the community to use for physical activity and social!

Proudly Presented By Your Partners in Health:

-“Thrive” NS Child Obesity Strategy

-Naturally Active for Life Victoria County

-Victoria County

-CBVRSB

-Boularderie School

-NS Health & Wellness, Active Living Branch

-Heart & Stroke Walkabout

Wagmatcook Native Walkers

Walking Schedule:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 5 – 6 pm

Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre

*Please bring indoor footwear.

Are You Getting Enough Steps To A Healthy Lifestyle Each Day

 

How Many Steps Each Day Will Provide Positive Health Benefits
The goal:
Healthy Adults
20-50 yrs old
7,000-11,000 steps a day

Healthy Adults
50-70 yrs old & Chronic disease
6,000-8,500 steps a day

Adults with Disabilities
3,500-5,500 Steps a Day
Work your way up to the steps you need each day…

“Creating Walkable Communities: A Health in All Policies Approach” Webinar.

Our webinar is now archived and is located on the following page: http://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/transportation/active-transportation

Free Online Risk Assessment

http://www.makehealthlast.ca (Includes Heart Health Recipes!

30 Reasons to Walk More 

http://www.participaction.com/30-reasons-to-walk-more/

Winter Walking Safety Tips

Canadian Safety Council website: https://canadasafetycouncil.org/senior-safety/safety-tips-winter-walking