www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 13, 2009 - 15 Free workshops for employers M any residents of Halton spend more than 60 per cent of their day at work. Finding ways to fit physical activity into the work day is often the most practical way for many adults to become more active. Engaged employers can do a number of things to encourage regular physical activity. According to the Canadian Fitness Lifestyle Research Institute, workplaces that encourage physical activity report increased productivity and morale, reduced injury rates, better employee relations, improved job satisfaction and team spirit. "Lack of time is the number one reason people are not active, but all you need is 30 to 60 minutes a day to improve your health," said Monica Marquis, project manager of Active Halton. "A brisk 10-15 minute walk at lunch can clear your head and improve your health. Take the stairs at work and stretch at your desk." Active Halton, in collaboration with the Halton Region Health Department and the Health Communication Unit, is hosting two free workshops to motivate workplaces in Halton to join in the effort to get more people active. These workshops will help workplaces to understand policy development and how different policies can impact physical activity. The meetings will be of interest to human resource professionals, occupational health nurses, health and safety and wellness committees or anyone who would like to see a healthy change in their workplace. Part One will be Wednesday, Feb. 25 and the topic will be Developing Health Promotion Policies in the Workplace. Part Two will be Wednesday, April 22 and the topic will be Workplace Policy -- From Knowledge to Action. Both will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Halton Regional Centre located at 1151 Bronte Rd. A 30-minute networking session will be held prior to the meeting. For more information or to register for one or both sessions, contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or www.halton.ca/workplacehealth. Active Halton is a network of individuals and organizations from Halton who promote physical activity by connecting providers, and engaging and inspiring residents to get active. Active Halton's goal is to increase physical activity levels in Halton by 20 per cent by 2012. With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the group is working to implement its Blueprint for Action. Active Halton encourages member organizations and employers in Halton to develop workplace wellness policies. For more information, visit www.activehalton.ca or contact Monica Marquis at 905-510- 6968. -- Submitted by Active Halton Register for Spelling Bee Registration is on until Feb. 27 for the Oakville Spelling Bee 2009 that will be on April 18. Those interested can register at Clockwork Logistics Inc., 1276-A Cornwall Rd. For directions call 905469-0880, for registration information call Colleen Bailey at 416-564-7508 . Registration takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those qualified include: those aged six to 15 with mentors over 15. The Spelling Bee will be at Glenburnie School, 2035 Upper Middle Rd., E. European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship Reduce Reuse Recycle "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 C O L L E C T I O N by Kingsman Warm your Hearth this Valentines Visit our showroom to see this model and all our 35 models burning on display. Marquis 36" Designer Fireplace $2,499 + GST installed Absolute elegance at a sensible price. 905.257.0200 In the Winners and Home Sense Shopping Plaza SINGLE AND FABULOUS 400 MINUTES AND LOTION $ 109 199 Savings up to $300.00 on select models. See store for details. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 300 MINUTES EACH AND LOTION EACH SWEET HEART DEAL $ 3600 Laird Rd., Units 12 & 13 Mississauga, ON Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 905.569.2404 www.ontariohearth.com