Spring officially begins this week, and with that will eventually come warmer weather, and health officials in Sault Ste. Marie are looking to urge more people to get outdoors this year.
Algoma Public Health launched a new initiative aimed at helping more people enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The "Get Active Algoma" program will use app-based technology to track the progress of those who participate.
Already on day one, Algoma Public Health‘s top administrator is thrilled with the turnout
"It's always important to stay active and we keep looking at new ways of encouraging people to do that because the same old thing gets boring and they forget the old message and we just want to create some new excitement and some challenges to get people involved." said Dr. Marlene Spruyt.
Ironically, the initiative involves and app and some screen time, so that participants can track their progress.
"We know screen time is a huge issue with our children, so if you look at the guidelines. The guidelines say from 0-2 years zero screen time. And then the older we get we're trying to reduce that screen time to less than two hours of recreational screen time per day. So if we can promote family friendly activities, l and I always say parents need to pave that path as well and go out and have some fun with their kids." said Tracey McClelland of Algoma Public Health.
Each week, those who take part will be asked to complete a pair of challenges in order to earn points towards winning the grand prize of a $600 bicycle.
Algoma Public Health is keeping future challenges under wraps, but for week one, staff are asking people to do push-ups and to go for a hike.
