Residents invited to take the Winter Walk Day Challenge

GRANDE PRAIRIE – February 3 is Winter Walk Day in Alberta and Alberta Health Services is encouraging residents to make it a city-wide event in Grande Prairie.

Walking is great for our health, the environment, reducing traffic and building community. On February 3, Grande Prairie is invited to put on toques and boots, hit the fresh air and take the challenge.

It’s easy – just step outside into the sunshine and snow for 15 minutes and take a walk with your friends, colleagues or family members.

To enter the provincial competition, visit shapeab.com, or call the Be Fit for Life Centre at 780-539-2816. You can also create an account at uwalk.ca and join one of the Winter Walk Day challenges if you’re feeling inspired. Search for “UWalk Grande Prairie” to join the Community Challenge. Your minutes will be logged to help Grande Prairie prove its winter bravery.

Walk on your own or join us and community partners for a group walk around the Muskoseepi Park Reservoir. A group is meeting on the trails next to the GPRC Theatre doors at 12:00 p.m. Or you can join us outside of the Grande Prairie Public Library main entrance at 10 a.m. to get your 15 minutes outside.

Schools can pre-register online at www.shapeab.com or with the Be Fit for Life Centre.

Participants are reminded to walk safe by dressing appropriately and being mindful of weather conditions. Keep extremities covered and warm, and wear shoes or boots that not only keep you dry but also have good grip, tread, ankle support and a solid surface area (this means no high heels). You can also purchase ice “grippers” that slip on over other footwear and provide additional traction.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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