Airdrie's Highland Primary Care Network is teaming up with other primary care networks around Alberta to get people moving.

"Get Out, Get Active is a six week activity tracker to get people moving," said Cory Leyte, Communications Specialist with the Highland Primary Care Network.

Physical activity levels are dropping in Alberta.

"Research shows that less than five percent of children and fifteen percent of adults are meeting the recommended Canadian Physical Activity guidelines of being active, and one third of Albertans are sedentary, so they're not moving."

The Get Out, Get Active challenge is designed to combat inactivity. Starting on Monday (April 24), participants can track their activity using a variety of devices like Fitbits and cellphones. The tracking device will convert your everyday activities into steps, and monitor the amount of activity involved. Leyte says there are even prizes involved.

Leyte says he knows first hand that fitting activity in can be difficult, especially if your work day has you stuck behind a desk, but there are things you can do.

"As a person who sits at a desk, I tend to get up every fifteen minutes, go for a quick walk around the office, stretch my legs, blink my eyes."

You can learn more about the challenge here.

 

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