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On your marks… get step… go
The much-anticipated 10 000 Steps Community Challenge will launch this week across the Upper Hunter and Singleton communities.
With over 250 participants, the 10 000 Steps Community Challenge is potentially the largest interactive health promotion activity ever undertaken with a single community within the Hunter New England Health region.
Community Dietitian for Upper Hunter Community Health Brodie Preston said the goal of the eight-week challenge was for individuals to develop and work towards a personal fitness goal, while aiming for an improved health and fitness lifestyle for the whole community.
“At the launch events, we will be speaking with registered participants about how the challenge will be run, provide professional instruction about correct stretching and exercising technique, and share information about the sessions and practical group classes which will be available to participants over the course of the challenge,” Ms Preston said.
The first information session, Healthy Eating for Adults will educate participants about healthy eating choices and developing positive lifestyle habits.
Information sessions will be held at most participating sites, and includes Label Reading, Healthy Eating for Adults, Body Image and Self Esteem, Healthy Eating for Children, Recipe Modification, Stress and Emotional Eating, and Keeping Motivated – which will held in the final weeks of the program for weary participants.
“Pre-registered participants are able to attend the launch sessions, and register for the information sessions at the same time,” Ms Preston said.
“Cooking classes will be taken by hospitality staff from TAFE, and are bound to be a popular choice, so participants need to make sure they are registered for courses by the end of the week.”
Working with local providers, the program will take participants through both educational and physical components to work towards a personal healthy lifestyle which is both achievable and sustainable.
The Challenge officially starts on Monday 31 March, when participants will start wearing pedometers to monitor each step accumulated over a period of two months.
“Throughout the challenge, participants will gain a better understanding of the theory and practice behind maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Ms Preston said.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response rate from the Upper Hunter and Singleton communities.
“Together, with the help of Upper Hunter Community Health staff, and the support of local organisations, we can radically improve the physical health and educational understanding of the community,” Ms Preston said.
A number of organisations, including Centacare, the Heart Foundation, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, The Cancer Council, TAFE and Hunter New England Health have worked in partnership to organise the challenge.
How many people in your community have accepted the 10 000 Steps Community Challenge?
Muswellbrook 45
Murrurundi 13
Merriwa 27
Denman 1
Aberdeen 2
Scone 87
Singleton 35
Quirindi/Werris Creek 73
Media, a photo opportunity will be available at your local launch on the following dates. Participants will undertake practical stretching exercises at the time specified. Please contact Nicole Fuller on (02) 4021 4477 to register your attendance.
Muswellbrook
Monday 17 March
Muswellbrook Worker's Club
2.30pm
Merriwa
Tuesday 18 March
Merriwa Council Chambers
2.30pm
Singleton
Wednesday 19 March
Singleton RSC
3.00pm
Murrurundi
Thursday 27 March
Murrurundi CWA
10.30am
Quirindi
Thursday 27 March
Quirindi Council Chambers
2.30pm
Scone
Friday 28 March
Scone RSL
10.30am
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 4921 4477
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