Around the Regions

Eastern Heart Health Network

St. Joseph's District Annual Community Walk

On July 5, 2001, Eastern Health and Community Services, St. Joseph's District, held its 3rd Annual Community Walk.

It was a beautiful summer day and community members were encouraged to participate at their own rate and ability as they took on the 1 kilometre course. Thirty-four residents age 6 to 86 years came out to participate! All involved had their names placed for several draws. Once back at District Office, the walkers participated in stretching exercises and were treated to a light lunch and entertainment. An information booth was displayed and all the participants were quite eager to avail of the heart health information provided. All around, the event was a success and members returned home with full bellies and happy hearts!

Eastern Participates in International Walk to School Day 2001

On October 2, 2001, the world celebrated the second International Walk to School Day. Students, parents and community leaders around the world walked, biked, scootered, or skated to school to promote physical activity, health, safety and to show concern for the environment...and to also have a little fun in the process.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 16 schools participated in the October 2nd event along with students across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Italy, and many other countries around the globe.

To highlight the success of International Walk to School Day 2001 in Canada, Go for Green recognized the school with the highest percentage of participation. Tabusintac Rural School of Tabusintac, New Brunswick, was one of 23 applicants in Canada with 100% participation, and, as a result, was selected through a draw. The school will be the recipient of the Go for Green's National Walk to School Award, in honour of the late Elaine Burke, and will also receive a banner and a $500 prize to assist with the school's active transportation initiatives.

For more information on the award, or to register your school for Walk to School Day 2002, contact Go for Green at www.goforgreen.ca or 1-888-822-2848.

Should you require further information on how to implement the Active and Safe Routes to School Program in your area or to have a representative visit your school, please contact Dave Feener at 728-6291.

Ticker Tom Thursdays

Last summer, the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre in Marystown adopted Ticker Tom Thursdays. The kids at the centre loved the Ticker Tom character and all the activities.

A summer student, Tiffany Stewart, wrote the following tribute to Ticker Tom.

A Tribute to Ticker Tom

Ticker Tom came along
and showed us that Smoking is wrong.

He taught us to eat Healthy Food
even when we aren't in the mood.

We exercise most everyday
because Tom told us Active Living is the way!

If we practice this for the rest of our years...
We too will be fit as a fiddle with nothing to fear!

Workplace Wellness Week

Workplace Wellness Week was held October 22 - 26, 2001. Health and Community Services Eastern participated in the week by holding a hike to Bare Mountain in Clarenville. It was a crisp fall day, perfect for hiking, and the view from the mountain was spectacular! The hike was followed by a picnic lunch on the mountain top.