Walking Groups: Health Ambassadors have started a number of walking groups for local seniors, as well as at work and in their neighbourhoods and social circles. These groups also include educational information sharing, recipe exchanges, healthy snacks, a nutrition bingo, use of pedometers to measure distances covered, and incentive programs to reward mileage goals. Kelly arranged for seniors in her community to have access to an indoor sports arena during off-hours, to offer a safer, climate-controlled venue for year-round exercise.

"The seniors liked the idea of tracking how much they walked with the pedometers. It was good being able to offer prizes for motivation, which is sometimes a challenge."

"My walking group is going well, I have received a positive response from family and friends in terms of this and it has turned out to be a nice social time as well as getting exercise. This is something that I don't feel we make enough time for in our day-to-day lives and I think the walks have been enjoyable for all. One pedometer is sufficient since we all have walked the same distance and burned the same number of calories after the walk."

"I've created my exercise and healthy eating poster which I feel turned out well. My boss at work has been very supportive in terms of putting up posters in the lunch room to promote exercise and healthy eating. I have some pamphlets from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and a healthy eating recipe book which has proven useful."

"The walking group is a hit!!!! We have about 20 participants, walking approximately every other day now. There are some subgroups forming to walk on the "off" days - I think the participants are enjoying the pedometers - it gives them something to measure their accomplishments."

"Everyone is having a great time and sharing quick healthy recipes to prepare after work, how the exercise is relieving stress, how the walk makes the afternoon go by faster, we get a good laugh, and how healthy it is to leave their work stations for the hour. The participants REALLY seem to be enjoying themselves."

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