From the Folks Who Brought Us Spirited Energy
Curtis Brown’s recent post made me simultaneously laugh and shake my head in utter disbelief. Yes, Today’s NDP is at it again – this time with their in motion program:
“A new trial initiative that allowed rural libraries to loan pedometers and information on physical activity to Manitobans will now be offered to all libraries throughout the province, Healthy Living Minister Kerry Irvin-Ross announced here today at the launch of Brandon in motion.”
My favourite quote in the press release comes from Minister Eric Robinson:
“This program is a simple and cost-effective way to provide pedometers to Manitobans, helping reduce barriers to physical activity and encouraging people to make healthy choices.”
People have been walking for tens of thousands of years, most of them sans pedometer. Now the absence of a pedometer during one’s exercise regimen is a barrier to physical activity? I feel so marginalized!
Perhaps the next logical step is to involve our various police forces – tickets will be issued to people that do not exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day, three days per week. All Manitobans will be required to keep an exercise log sheet with actual time spent exercised verified by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths. Failure to comply with this edict will result in a stern letter of reprimand from the Minister of Justice and a suspended sentence with double credit for any time served watching Spirited Energy advertisements.
Today’s NDP – putting the “Social” in the time honoured science of Engineering…
Motivational Tunes:
David Bowie – It Ain’t Easy
Eddie Rabbitt – Driving my Life Away
Las Ketchup – The Ketchup Song
Harvey Danger – Flagpole Sitta
(a decidedly weird list brought to you without hallucinogens OR pedometers)
posted by Unapologetic Ex-Winnipegger @ 8:21 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I agree that the "barriers to..." argument is pretty lame, but short of handing out tickets for underactivity, I wish the government WOULD do more to promote physical activity. The provinces are dogpiling on cigarette companies; fine, it's a major cause of death, but what about obesity, which is a far more dangerous epidemic that's being justified by self-soothing pap about the importance of "self-esteem" and the demonization of fit women as promoting "unhealthy body images."
http://rschyster.blogspot.com/
Great point. I myself would prefer ads showing how incremental changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in a person's health. A person doesn't have to run a marathon - take the kids out for a 20-30 minute walk and enjoy some of the fabulous Manitoba fall scenery. Don't cut out the soda pop entirely but have a glass of water or milk every so often. Snack on cereals instead of potato chips once in a while.
I think people would be more receptive to small changes than face the daunting task of a complete lifestyle overhaul. A pedometer will just gather dust (and now overdue library fines) like the elliptical trainers and exercise bikes already cluttering peoples' basements...
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