10,000 steps

Through our GRx project Manaia PHO is represented on the Physical Activity Northland Taskforce that has been formed to progress the implementation of the ‘Northland Active Communities Project – Stepping Out’ (commonly known as 10,000 Steps Northland). Other members include the Kaipara, Whangarei and Far North District Council’s, Northland District Health Board, Auckland University of Technology, Sport Northland and Hauora Whanui. This three year project aims to develop, implement and evaluate an innovative, community based, multi-strategy health promotion programme focusing on increasing physical activity levels of Northlanders. The project encourages Northlanders to walk and accumulate 10,000 steps over the course of the day.

The 10,000 steps project aims to increase incidental physical activity through the use of pedometers (a small electronic device which sits on the waistband and measures how many steps a person takes each day – recommendation is 10,000 steps for adults).

Pedometers are being sold throughout Northland for $40 and are also available for loan at Whangarei District Council libraries. Sport Northland has linked the 10,000 step project with Green Prescriptions. Sport Northland GRx patient support staff will, in addition to their current support strategies, offer GRx patients a loan pedometer for a period of eight weeks. A $10 bond will be required initially but refunded on return of the pedometer or the pedometer can be purchased for a further $25.

As a person buys or loans a pedometer they are registered on the 10,000 steps database and offered information and support to encourage ongoing physical activity. Alternatively people can register for the 10,000 steps project without having to purchase a pedometer.

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