NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN IS ON THE MOVE

Northern Saskatchewan is on the move celebrating Northern Physical Activity Week from May 3rd to 9th.

"Increasing physical activity levels is important to ensuring the health and well-being of our people and the next generation," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Northern Physical Activity Week is a time to promote making regular physical activity an important part of daily living among northerners."

"Diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke are on the rise in northern communities, so improving physical activity and healthy eating habits of people in the North are important preventative measures," Northern Diabetes Prevention Coalition member and Medical Health Officer Dr. James Irvine said.

The Northern Physical Activity Week is a week-long event in 57 communities across northern Saskatchewan. Community organizations are holding local events during the week, providing rewards to the participants in physical activity in their communities. Each day of the week has a special theme – May 3rd is Sports Day, May 4th is Family Day, May 5th is Show Your Strength, May 6th is Try Something New, May 7th is Walk/Run/Jog, May 8th is Community/Family, and May 9th is Culture Day. Participants have log sheets and record their physical activity to earn points.

The event is an opportunity to encourage increasing physical activity and try new activities in a fun and safe environment. The goal is to use the week to jumpstart a more healthy lifestyle among northerners.

This is the second annual Northern Physical Activity Week, which was established by the Northern Diabetes Prevention Coalition.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Sharalyn Reitlo Northern Physical Activity Week Co-ordinator Pierceland Phone: (306) 839-4665