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Follow the campaign "step by step". Send us the number of your steps weekly by email: info@fondationdumont.ca, by calling 1-800-862-6775 or (506) 862-4285. Take steps towards health for the Tree of Hope Campaign - walk, run, swim, bike. Start walking groups, go biking with your family, avoid elevators and take the stairs instead... Count the number of steps you take and add them to the campaign pedometer "Steps towards health" on the Website: www.treeofhope.ca. You can also have your activities and pictures posted on the site.

"Step by Step" Health Pedometer

This year, the challenge is: One Billion steps
Martin Latulippe, Campaign Chair, explains: "In 2010, it is estimated that 4,600 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in New Brunswick and more than 50,000 visits will be logged in at the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre! These are escalating statistics that must be stopped.

I challenge you to register 50,000,000 steps on the "Step by Step" health pedometer! Let's start building a healthier future. By investing in our health, we hope that one day, less New Brunswickers will be diagnosed with cancer."

Where to start? Well, let's take steps towards health. Did you know that scientific theories estimate that 70% of cancers are preventable? (1/3 of cancers are linked to our lifestyle). It's your health. Let's commit to being active and to healthy eating:

• by eating 6 to 10 fruits and vegetables per day
• by offering healthy eating to our family
• by being active everyday, such as walking (see table)

Create groups "that move" for fundraising activities and we will post your number of steps on the health pedometer during the Radiothon. Did you know that a healthy adult walks approximately 10,000 steps per day? How many steps do you take a day?

Source: http://www.healthylivingmagazine.ca/10000-steps

• On average, active adults take 7,000 to 13,000 steps per day
• On average, active seniors take 6,000 to 8,500 steps per day
• On average, inactive adults take 3,500 to 5,000 steps per day
• On average, children should take 11,000 to 13,000 steps per day
• On average, a walk lasts 30 to 60 minutes = 4,000 to 6,000 steps

You will find a list of tips from Health Canada's Be active guide at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/maintain-adopt/weights-poids-eng.php.

For information about healthy eating habits, visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/maintain-adopt/index-eng.php. A small change can make all the difference, "one step at a time".

At Home:

• Spend less time being inactive like watching TV or playing computer games.
• Stay strong lifting groceries or doing your gardening and yard work.
• Try a new activity each month. Let one family member pick an activity they would like to try and do this as a group.
• Plan active outings such as bike rides, walks or hikes.
• Take your kids to the park and join in their fun - skip, toboggan, push a swing or play tag.
• Explore the area where you live by taking an afternoon to go hiking or cross country skiing with your family - make it a day trip and take a picnic.
• Learn from your kids, let them teach you what new activity they learned in gym class.
• Join a play group or swimming class with your toddler or child.

At Work or School or in your Community:

• Walk wherever you can - get off the bus early and use the stairs.
• Use the fitness facilities at your school, worksite or local community centre.
• Check out what workplace exercise programs are available. If none are available organize lunch hour exercise with your coworkers.
• Check out your local community center for events and activities.
• Recruit people in your community or at work to join a walking club. Walk at an indoor track or shopping mall if it is too hot or cold outside.
• Get out and play...soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, badminton, volleyball or whatever you like.

Everywhere:

• Move more each and every day - every step counts including taking the stairs to do your laundry or walks to the mailbox, video or grocery store.
• Keep flexible - bend and stretch throughout the day or try tai chi or yoga.
• Put on some music and dance.
• Use a pedometer to track the number of steps you take each day and try to increase them each week.
• Enjoy activities with family and friends.