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Huron-Perth in motion FAQs

What is in motion?

In motion is a community initiative in Huron and Perth Counties that encourages everyone to make physical activity part of their daily lives. The idea was developed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1999. Since then, in motion has received national and international recognition for its success in helping large numbers of people get active. 

How much physical activity do you need to be healthy?

The guidelines are 30 – 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week for adults and 90 minutes every day for children and youth. But we want people to know that every little bit counts.

It’s important to find your own reasons and motivation to becoming more active:
- to sleep better
- to feel better about yourself
- to look better
- to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, some forms of cancer, osteoporosis, Type II diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure
- to reduce the risk of developing, and lessened effects of depression, stress, and anxiety.
- to live longer!

People have busy lives, it can be hard to include daily physical activity. Why should they be “in motion”?

It’s important to realize that every bit counts. We’re encouraging people – children, youth and adults - to make different use of time to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, so…
- when you take your child to a soccer game, walk around the field a few times during their warm up
- take warm clothes to take a walk around the arena while your child is getting ready for their hockey game
- use your stairs at home – go up and down a few extra times a day
- try a new activity at your local YMCA or rec centre – there’s lots of free or low cost activities that can fit your schedule
- use break time at work to start a walking group or a lunch time yoga group
- decrease the amount of time spent in front of the TV or computer and do something active instead

What’s happening for October in motion month?

October is in motion month! The in motion partnership has organized many free activities for children, youth and adults across the two counties to encourage people to be “in motion”. People can check their local recreation centres (such as the Y) for details or call their Public Health Unit.

During October, activities and challenges will also be taking place in elementary schools and workplaces.

People can also be active on their own and play in motion Bingo. Bingo cards will available in the newspaper, at recreation centres, health units and downloadable online. A bingo card has suggested activities for people to do during the month of October and cross off. They can then send in their marked card to be entered into a random draw for great prizes. Visit www.hpinmotion.ca or check your newspaper for details. Have fun!

Why Does Huron and Perth Counties need in motion?

• Almost half (47%) of Huron County residents and 45% of Perth County residents aged 12 and over are inactive
• 54 percent of Huron County adults and 52 percent of Perth County adults are considered overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity costs the Canadian health care system an average of $5.3 billion each year. These are the costs associated with treating the many chronic diseases that could have been prevented through regular physical activity.
• More than half of Canadian children are not active enough for optimal growth and development. Children who are inactive are also at risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.
• 91% of Canadian children and youth aren’t meeting Health Canada’s recommendation of 90 minutes of physical activity every day

Who is involved with Huron-Perth in motion?

The Huron-Perth in motion founding partners are:
• City of Stratford 
• Healthy Living Perth 
• Huron County Health Unit
• Municipality of Huron East 
• Municipality of North Perth  
• Municipality of South Huron
• Perth District Health Unit 
• Take Heart Huron
• Township of North Huron
• YMCA of Goderich-Huron
• YMCA of Stratford-Perth
Funding for this new initiative comes from a Communities in Action Fund Grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, municipal and community partners.

How is in motion going to make a difference?

The goal of in motion is to see an increase over the next two years in the percent of people who are doing moderate physical activity every day. We plan to do this by working in partnership at the local level and making physical activities easy and accessible to everyone. Over the next two years we will run seasonal campaigns to promote daily physical activity. The “campaigns” will have a marketing component but will also include activities taking place at schools, in workplaces and in the community. We aim to raise awareness of the name “in motion” and to take that awareness into behaviour change – where people are being “in motion” everyday.

In June and July 2008, the in motion group conducted a baseline, household survey of Huron and Perth County residents. The survey results will tell us how physically active people in our Counties are. We expect to present the results of this initial survey in 2009. The in motion team will then conduct a follow-up survey down the road to determine if in motion is making an impact.

How is in motion different from ParticipACTION?

ParticipACTION is a national media campaign about physical activity. In motion is action at the community level. It is a partnership that is working to help people include physical activity in their daily lives so they can be healthier.
 

Where can people get more information?

Website: www.hpinmotion.ca

Phone: Contact your local recreation centre, or the Huron County Health Unit – 519-482-3416 ext. 2228; or the Perth District Health Unit, 519-271-7600 ext 267 or 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.