Contact: Sport Northland
Phone (09) 430 3473 or 0800 ACTIVE
Email: 10000steps [at] sportnorth.co.nz
Kia ora and welcome to the first newsletter of 10,000 Steps Northland.
10,000 Steps Northland is New Zealand’s first 'whole of Northland’ health promotion physical activity project funded by SPARC through the Active Communities Scheme. This is a creative approach to the problem of inactivity and the project is only going to get BIG – IT’S SO EXCITING!
Project partners:
The 10,000 Steps Northland project involves the Kaipara, Far North and Whangarei District Councils, the Northland District Health Board, Manaia Health PHO, Hauora Whanui, Auckland University of Technology, SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) and Sport Northland.
The concept of the project is to encourage Northlanders to walk and accumulate 10,000 steps over the course of the day. If you are not very active right now, that's OK. Start out slowly and gradually increase your activity over time. Even small increases in your daily activities can have a big impact on your health - small sustainable steps for life. Many people can reach 10,000 steps a day by adding a 30-minute walk to their everyday activities.
What’s in the pipeline?
The Launch of 10,000 Steps Northland:
10,000 Steps Northland is going to be launched throughout Northland during the week of Monday 22 November – Friday 26 November. The launch will take place in:
· Kaitaia - Monday 22 November
· Kerikeri - Tuesday 23 November
· Kaikohe - Wednesday 24 November
· Dargaville - Thursday 25 November
· Whangarei - Friday 26 November
Diary these dates NOW and listen to KCCFM (89.6FM, 90.3FM, 91.2FM, 91.6FM, 92.4FM, 93.7FM) for more details!
Branded footpaths & walkways:
Working with all of Northland’s three District Councils, we will be branding some of our most popular walkways and indicating how many steps have been taken. Maps of these safe walkways will also be sent to you in time.
Resources:
Graphics for our resources are currently being produced and will include stickers, posters, fridge magnets, t-shirts PLUS we will also have a website where you can download maps, newsletters, physical activity tips, step logs, order pedometers on line, ask questions, walking club contacts, up and coming fun run and walking events. Watch this space!
We trust that those of you that have purchased a 10,000 Steps Northland pedometer are having great success and are enjoying the benefits of making regular physical activity a habit. Remember to wear it everyday and if you find that you sometimes forget to put it on, then maybe leaving your pedometer beside your car keys or in the bathroom beside your hair brush / comb might be a trigger to remembering to wear it everyday.
Parking your car further away from the shops, office or school
Getting up from your desk and talking or delivering items to your colleagues instead of using email
Playing with the kids
Walking during your lunch break
Walking to get the cows in
Swapping TV time for walking time
Going window shopping
Using the toilets that are further away
Make use of the extra hour of day light savings and walk
More energy
More success with weight management
Less stress and a more balanced lifestyle
Decreased chances of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer
What about activities besides walking?
Almost any activity is good activity. Walking is simply an inexpensive way to accumulate the activity you need. Other activities you enjoy will be beneficial as long as you do them. When you register with the 10,000 Steps Northland project you can get a pedometer and information including newsletters, lists of physical activity and the corresponding estimates of steps plus entry into all 10,000 Steps Northland prize draws. Soon you will be achieving new levels of physical activity and health.
Survey:
Attached is a survey that we need you to complete for our statistics – this information is going to be vital as part of our evaluation of the 10,000 Steps Northland project. Please send this back in the pre paid envelope or email: 10000steps [at] sportnorth.co.nz
To find out how many steps you do each day, you can use a pedometer (step counter). The pedometer will assist you in setting goals and monitoring your daily activity levels. Ph Sport Northland on (09) 430 3473 or 0800 ACTIVE if you would like to purchase a pedometer. The 10,000 Steps Northland project is only selling the Yamax SW200 Digi walker – these are top quality pedometers and are available from Sport Northland for $40.00. Unlike many on the market, these pedometers are 99% accurate and come with a warranty. You will also be given a booklet, step log and go into all 10,000 Steps Northland prize draws.
Take the
challenge and count your way to better health –
10,000 Steps Northland....
Every Step Counts!