British Columbians will learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and physical activity through an interactive, activity-oriented tour launched today by Premier Gordon Campbell and Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC.
?The ActNow BC Road to Health Community Tour will excite visitors about getting active, providing children and adults alike with fun ways to learn about living healthier and accessing sport and recreation activities in their communities,? said Campbell.
?British Columbians enjoy the longest average life spans in North America, but we know we can do better. We want to be the healthiest region ever to host an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and this tour will keep us on the road to this vital goal.?
The tour consists of two tractor-trailers that unfold to feature interactive games, hands-on exhibits and informative displays for audiences of all ages. Between now and Nov. 25, the tour will travel to 22 communities throughout B.C. to promote ActNow BC and the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, elimination of tobacco use and healthy choices during pregnancy.
?ActNow BC is about showing people that making simple, easy choices can help them to achieve better health,? said Hogg. ?We want British Columbians of all ages to know how easy it is to make a big change in overall health by just adding one fruit or vegetable to their daily diet or by increasing physical activity levels. This tour will help us reach our goal to lead North America in healthy living and physical fitness.?
The travelling exhibit will be staffed by a team of 14 young British Columbians who will promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, assisting visitors in finding easy, personal and practical tips for better health and nutrition and connecting visitors to resources in their communities, including health, sport, parks, recreation and physical activity-related organizations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to register for the ActNow BC Activity Challenge, an online incentive program to track daily activity progress.
?The BC Healthy Living Alliance is working in partnership with the Provincial Government and ActNow BC,? said Suzanne Allard Strutt, chair of the Alliance. ?Together we are encouraging communities on the tour to continue their work in promoting healthy lifestyles and building healthy communities, and providing in their own backyard important resources and services.?
ActNow BC is a partnership-based, cross-ministry health and wellness initiative that promotes healthy living choices to improve the quality of life for all British Columbians.