1 200 to Walk The Talk

LOW productivity and high numbers of lifestyle diseases have led to a repeat of the Walk the Talk – 100 Days To Wellness Programme.
The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and the Small Business Association have teamed up to host the challenge aimed at encouraging employees to take responsibility for their health through good nutrition and being active.  
Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday, chairperson of the BCCI’s health and wellness committee, David Neilands, said: “We have too many people in sedentary lifestyle positions; you come to work and sit in front of a computer and too many of us go home on an evening and sit in front of another one.
“People are comingto the realisation that unless you have a fit workforce you are going to have a less than productive workforce.
“So our rationale is how can we encourage business places to look at their staff numbers and say what can we do to encourage a fitter workforce,” said Neilands, who stressed it was important for the Barbadian population to do more walking.
The challenge started yesterday – Valentine’s Day – and participants are urged to accumulate a minimum of 10 000 steps per day to reach the goal of one million steps in 100 days.
Neilands said so far the interest in the challenge had not been as good as last year.
He said so far 29 companies, with a total of about 1 200 people had registered for the challenge, compared to the more than 5 000 who participated last year.
In spite of this, Neilands said it was expected to be better this year with new and improved pedometers to be issued  to participants.
Last year’s participants recorded 162 million steps. (LK)