Conquering Kilimanjaro & Parkinson’s

October 15, 2010

Urban Poling Inc. is proud to support Heather Pardon, who will be using a pair of our Activator poles on her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2011. Heather is a member of the Kili Conquerors for Parkinson’s team. The team, headed by registered nurse and wellness expert Reta Currie, is using the Mount Kilimanjaro climb to raise $50,000 for Parkinson Society Ottawa and Societies across Canada.

Heather feels the Activator poles are perfect for this event. Two independent research studies have found that pole walking had a significant effect on the exercise tolerance of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and could provide a safe, effective, and enjoyable way to reduce physical inactivity in PD and to improve quality of life. 

Interested in joining the Kili Conquerors for Parkinson’s team? Contact Reta Currie at 613-271-1673 or evasdotter@yahoo.com.

Donations for the Kili climb can be made through the Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario website at: http://www.cno.parkinson.ca. Or join Heather and her group in Ottawa at the Most Eggscellent Chicken Halloween Party for Parkinson’s on Saturday, October 30, 2010. For more information on this fundraiser for Parkinson’s visit: www.mosteggscellentchickenpartyforparkinsons.com.

Other recent news events:

• The Best Time of Day to Walk and Exercise
• Exercise has numerous beneficial effects on brain health and cognition, review suggests
• Sarah Merkel Wins Urban Poling 2012 Trailblazer Award
• Winter Walking Clinic
• Nordic Walkers To Make Big Impact – Vancouver Sun Run 2012

Congrats Bill!

June 29, 2010

Bill Trewin, pictured above, recently completed the Johnny Miles half marathon in Halifax with his Urban Poles. Bill has Parkinson’s and has completed an astounding 22 half marathons to date. Truly an amazing feat. Congrats Bill!

Feature in Today’s Parent

June 22, 2010

Urban Poling Inc. was recently featured on Today’s Parent’s blog. Here’s an excerpt from their fantastic story:

“Actually, I’ve been Nordic walking for some time and have really taken to it. While I did feel, and probably look, a little funny as I got the hang of it over my first few walks, once I did, there was no stopping me. In fact, I enjoy it so much that I have become a certified Nordic walking instructor and my company, Everfit, will begin offering Nordic Walkfit classes in the fall.”

Head over to their site to read the full article.

Mandy Shintani – YMCA’s Women of Distinction

June 4, 2010

On June 1, 2010, the YMCA held its 27th Annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony. Urban Poling Co-owner Mandy Shintani was among the women honoured at the ceremony, nominated for an award in the area of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Though Mandy did not win the award, she had the pleasure of attending the ceremony and meeting dozens of outstanding women in the community.

“I did not win the award, but I feel that it was a great honour to be nominated by our Certified Instructors. Thanks to everyone for their votes, support and words of encouragement,” co-owner Mandy Shintani said.

“I am extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness of the fitness instructors across Canada who believed in Urban Poling and passionately helped me with my dream to spread the word across the country.”

To schedule an interview with Urban Poling Inc., please contact Mandy Shintani at 604-990-7711 or mandy@urbanpoling.com.

Urban Poles prize was awarded to Uxbridge Township

February 16, 2010

Ontarians Walking Now Update

A series of regional OWN workshops were held across Ontario in the spring of 2009 (see http://www.canadawalks.ca/project_own.asp)

This two year project, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, provided communities with ideas for exciting walking programs and resources, while also bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to engage in the important work of planning and creating more walkable communities. But that was just the start. Now the 64 communities that participated are being encouraged to implement action plans that were started during the workshops.

 Those communities that are doing the best job of implementation are eligible for some incentive prizes from Green Communities Canada and Urban Poling Inc.

The prize of 10 pairs of Urban Poles for best immediate implementation of actions was awarded to Uxbridge Township Mayor Bob Shepherd on November 13th.

Highlights of Uxbridge Township actions:

1. Township staff attended an Urban Poling Instructor course within days of attending the OWN workshop;
2. Within the 3 month time frame, Urban Poling demos were held, a loan program set up at the community centre, and regular classes are now being held; A pedometer lending program was initiated at the library;
3. October was declared “Walking Month” and a Trails Festival was held on October 3rd with Uxbridge Township officially being declared the Trails Capital of Canada;
4. An Indoor Walking Trail kicked off in early November using the halls of Uxbridge Secondary School;
5. Uxbridge Council signed the International Charter for Walking;
6. Planning is now underway for the revitalization of downtown with many considerations to improving the pedestrian experience.

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