Over the last 25 years, many of our daily routines have become less and less active. In fact, 68% of Canadian men and 69% of women spend the majority of their waking hours sitting, an average of 9 hours a day. Think about your daily work routine and add-up the hours. Does it take a long time to drive into office? Is it a series of meetings or long stretches in front of a computer screen? Being physically active is good for your mental and physical health, it reduces your risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and breast and colon cancers. [[MORE]]Employers are starting to encourage more physical activity in the workplace. They see the benefits of good health for their employees, the environment, and they see increased productivity, less absenteeism, and fewer injuries. One way workplaces can help is encourage employees biking or walking to work. Why not talk with your boss about starting such a program. It will change your day and your co-workers. Here are a few things to consider:
- Contact the EnviroCentre to find out more or even plan a Bike to Work program in your workplace
- Racks for locking up bikes
- Facilities for lockers and showers or somewhere close-by to use like a gym
- Maps posted of the local bike trails and footpaths
- Support groups to set up a buddy system for walking or biking to work
- Information for travel planning and being safe
- Information on bus routes for co-workers who wish to use the bus as well as walking and biking
- Borrow a pedometer from any branch of Ottawa Public Library and to motivate yourself and your colleagues by counting steps.
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