(January 12, 2008) Saskatoon – Inner-city residents are using traditional snowshoes to improve their health, thanks to a private donation to the Fitness Food Fun program at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge.
The Fitness Food Fun program — a joint initiative between Saskatoon Health Region, Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Saskatoon Community Clinic / Westside Clinic, White Buffalo Youth Lodge, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. and the Student Wellness Initiative Towards Community Health (SWITCH) — is using snowshoes for the first time today. The program is also acknowledging the donation paid for by Dr. Bruce Reeder, local professor and epidemiologist, and provided at cost by Eb’s Source for Adventure.
The two styles of snowshoes purchased from Eb’s aim to embed cultural traditions into the physical activity component of the program, which is geared primarily to inner-city aboriginal populations at higher risk of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions.
“This is a rather appropriate way to be active, doing what their parents and grandparents did years ago,” says Reeder, adding that the snowshoes are the same as those used by aboriginal people hundreds of years ago in North America.
“It’s natural for us to be outside getting activity,” says Reeder. “Snowshoeing is an activity that is good for cardiovascular health and has the added benefit of being outside and burning off calories.”
Kevin Robinson, co-owner of Eb’s Source for Adventure, agrees.
“The ability to have a change of scenery and fresh air makes it more attractive and easy to continue to do over the long term,” he says. “The fitter you are, the better you are to cope and get over anything.”
Fitness Food Fun has been serving inner-city populations in Saskatoon since June 2006. The program is a part of an interdisciplinary approach to health care and addresses not only the physical, but also the mental, emotional and spiritual well being of participants. It has reached out to more than 155 people who are at risk of developing or who currently have diabetes by introducing and educating people about how physical activity can be used as a method in diabetes self-management, control and prevention. First-year evaluation results revealed the program has impacted many participants who now incorporate regular physical activity into their lives.
“Aboriginal people are three to five times more likely to develop diabetes,” says Don Bear, Diabetes Outreach Coordinator at the Saskatoon Health Region. “Access to recreation, appropriate physical activity programming, transportation, child care, culturally-appropriate services and help with chronic disease management are all too hard to come by for many of our program participants. Fitness Food Fun is a powerful program resource reaching out to educate and improve the health and well being of the people we come into contact with.” Past exercise activities include walking sessions and strength training.
The Fitness Food Fun program meets three times per week at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge to measure blood sugar levels, exercise and discuss health issues. It is facilitated by exercise therapists, physiotherapists and Saskatoon Community Clinic staff.
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For more information contact:
Darby Semeniuk
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
Office: 306-655-3265
Mobile: 306-227-4754
Saskatoon Health Region
“Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service.”
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