Queen's Park School

STATS
Participants Total Steps

"Step into Action" is a project unique to the South Okanagan....

The project, modelled after two existing programs; the “Penticton Steps Out” program and the hearts@work program is a partnership between the Healthy Heart Society, City of Penticton Community Centre, Interior Health and School District #67. The students participate in a school-based pedometer program and a youth hearts@work healthy lifestyle conference.

Research has continually proven that lifestyles comprised of poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and increased stress contribute to the onset of many chronic illnesses. The short-term goal of the program has been to increase physical activity and knowledge of healthy lifestyles in middle school students. The long-term goal is changes in lifestyles to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.

“Step into Action” supports the B.C. Healthy Living Alliance targets for 2010 which are:
• 9 out of 10 British Columbians will not smoke
• 7 out of 10 British Columbians will be eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day
• 7 out of 10 British Columbians will be physically active
• 7 out of 10 British Columbians will be at a healthy weight

This project was piloted during the 2004/05 school year at two middle schools in School District #67 (Skaha Lake Middle School and Summerland Middle School). We had over 300 students and teachers participating in the program. This year the program has expanded to include all four middle schools.

We would like to acknowledge the following partners for their support of this project; Healthy Heart Society, Penticton Heart and Stroke Care Network, Interior Health, City of Penticton - Community Centre, School District #67, Penticton Community Foundation, Penticton Lions, Penticton Legion, Summerland Kiwanis, Summerland Lions, Summerland and Skaha Lake Middle School Parent Advisory Councils and Edis Computers.

With their increased knowledge and change in lifestyle we hope to see a decrease in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer through adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Carol Stathers, RN CDE
Project Coordinator
Step into Action
250-404-8018
carol.stathers@interiorhealth.ca

For more information, visit our FAQ's.

For information about joining Penticton Steps Out contact the community centre.