Huron-Perth In Motion

February is Heart Month

2012-02-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

Did you know that being physically active is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart?

The heart is a muscle whose job it is to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. Regular physical activity makes the heart stronger and better able to do its job. Not only can this lower your risk of heart disease, but it can also prevent and control its risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and obesity. What's more, physical activity makes you feel better about yourself so you're more likely to make heart-healthy choices like eating well, not smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption.

The best activities for the heart are aerobic or endurance activities such as walking, biking, swimming or skiing. Aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Physical activity is safe for almost everyone. But if you have a heart problem, it's a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before increasing your level of activity or beginning a new activity. For best results start slowly, progress gradually, and find an activity you enjoy.

Perth County Grade Fives Get the Chance to be More Active

2012-01-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

About 400 grade five students in Perth County have received an in motion pass that allows them free admission to public skating, public swimming and other activities. The pass is offered by the recreation departments in Stratford, St. Marys, North Perth and Perth East, the Stratford YMCA and the Perth District Health Unit. Students received a pass for the municipality in which their school is located.

The goals of the program are to increase physical activity levels (very few children and youth meet the recommendations of 60 minutes of activity per day), encourage the use of recreational facilities in the community, and reduce the cost of participating in physical activity.

Grade five was chosen because students are at an age when physical activity levels start to decline. They're also becoming more independent but still enjoy family activities.

The idea for the program came from a similar one that was developed in Kingston and piloted across Canada a few years ago. The North Perth recreation department has run it for the past two years and we're very excited to be offering it to more Perth County students this school year!

Welcome to the new web site!

2011-10-22T22:55:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Huron-Perth in motion's brand new web site! We’re a group of health and recreation providers from across Huron and Perth Counties who are dedicated to making Huron-Perth a healthier, more active place to live, work and play! We hope you'll visit the site often for tips and inspiration on getting more active.

Being physically active every day means better health, looking good and feeling great. Try adding 10-minute bouts of activity into your day, whenever and wherever you can!