The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The goal for Frances Labarre, the community health developer for the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority and co-chair of Community in motion, is to have Flin Flon 10 per cent healthier by 2010. That equals to just over three per cent a year. Herself, and her team represented by the Friendship Centre, Aboriginal Headstart, Flin Flon Parks and Rec, Creighton Parks and Rec, NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority, Kids First North, and Crieghton School has planned 14 tentative events with the first one being the Poker Derby Walk which took place yesterday. There will be one event per month until next September. "I need the community interested," Labarre said. Labarre said that she just wants people to say, "I can be healthier." "You have to convince people on why they should do it," she explained. "Why should people park their car further and walk to shop?" All Labarre is asking for is people to exercise 30 minutes a day for their rest of their life. "There are so many things people can do," she said. "We haven't taken good care of ourselves as baby boomers." The goal is also to reach the younger generation. Labarre discussed the poor health people have because of bad eating habits as well. The survey combined with the province, gave youth a D for physical activity after youth filled out information and stated they watch an average of 16 to 20 hours of television. That doesn't include time spent playing video games. The survey also showed that more than 50 per cent of kids won't have optimal growth because of a lack of activity. Despite the statistics, Labarre is confident improvement will happen. "I'm so excited and enthusiastic that this town will rise to the challenge," she said. "We'll be the healthiest community compared to a year or two ago." Even though Labarre is encouraging people to get healthier, she commends those who do. "A lot of people do their own things and I have to praise them," she said. "I've noticed an increase, but I'd like it way bigger." If anyone would like information on getting healthier, they can call Labarre at 687-1355.
