January 10, 2007 – Eat better and exercise, anyone? The hardest part is getting started and persevering.
The 5/30 Health Challenge1 is perhaps the helping hand for those who are still hesitating. The concept is simple: eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, for six weeks. This year the challenge will run from 1er March to April 11.
“The 5/30 Health Challenge is an opportunity to take action without disrupting all your habits, by taking concrete steps every day to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and to exercise at least 30 minutes. We gain health, energy and pleasure! », Declares Dominique Claveau, nutritionist at ACTI-MENU2.
To keep up and keep up, the nutritionist suggests signing up for the challenge with family, friends or colleagues to benefit from the training effect. For the first time, this year the challenge can be taken up in teams of two to ten people. The organizers would like interested participants to make the challenge known to their families, their workplaces and those around them to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
“We are particularly targeting families. It has been found that the mother who takes part in the challenge has an influence on the rest of the family. For children, it’s like a game. There is a synergy effect. Everyone can encourage and support each other, ”emphasizes André Beaulieu, communications manager for the 5/30 Health Challenge.
Families can formalize their participation by completing a declaration of commitment. The 5/30 Health Challenge provides participants with other tools to help them persevere: questionnaire, calendar, logbook, discussion forum.
This program is intended for all Quebecers aged six and over. It is organized by ACTI-MENU, in conjunction with the prevention department of the Montreal Heart Institute and the Canadian Cancer Society.
This year, the organizers want the registration of 50,000 participants. Last year, 39,449 people took the 5/30 Health Challenge. Of this number, 78% were women and 22% were men. The average age was 39 years.
At the end of the challenge, five prizes with a total value of $ 15,000 will be awarded at random among the participants who have reached their goal. Those interested can register until February 28, 2007.
Andrée-Anne Guénette and Julie Fortier – PasseportSanté.net
1. For more information, visit www.defisante530.com.
2. ACTI-MENU is a communication and education company in the field of health and well-being. She is at the origin of 5/30 Health Challenge.
