Baie Ste. Anne to Hold Exercise Challenge

Residents of Baie Ste. Anne and surrounding area are being challenged to exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week beginning April 11th until June 5th.

"Participants can pick up their exercise record at the Baie Ste. Anne Health Centre, the Baie Ste. Anne School, and several other businesses in the area that include the Caisse Populaire, Bay Variete, Bay Pharmacy, and Le Villageois," says Lisa Doucet, dietician and member of the Baie Ste. Anne Community Miramichi Action for Nutritional Guidance Opportunities (MANGO) Advisory Committee.

She says the exercise forms will also be sent home from the school for the children.

Participants can join the challenge any time during the 8 weeks and will be required to return their personal exercise record by June 12th to a participating agency or business. At this time, participants will be eligible to enter a draw to win prizes.

"Our goal is to get Baie Ste. Anne and surrounding area residents moving and leading an active lifestyle," says Doucet.

Examples of exercise include walking, biking, roller blading, karate, swimming, working out in the gym, aerobics and more.

Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Information data indicate that the Miramichi region has the highest rate of heart attacks and stroke in the province.

"As a community-based committee, we want to reverse this statistic by encouraging the community to become active."

The campaign is being initiated by the Baie Ste Anne’s MANGO Community Advisory Committee in partnership with local businesses. MANGO is a population-based wellness program that promotes healthy eating and active living in the Miramichi Region.

Community advisory committees have been established in Baie Ste. Anne, Blackville, Néguac/Alnwick Region, Rogersville, city of Miramichi, Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation, Esgenoopitig (Burnt Church), and Eel Ground First Nation.

These committees have been active in researching their community’s needs and developing action plans to attain a healthier population.