Health Minister Terry Lake and Grand Chief Doug Kelly released the following joint statement today:

“No matter how busy life gets, each of us can take steps to make our health a priority. As health minister and chair of the First Nations Health Council, our schedules are demanding and unpredictable so making sure we are eating well and getting enough daily physical activity can be difficult.

“Last fall, we challenged each other to a ‘healthy-living showdown,’ running the annual Times Colonist 10K. Setting this specific fitness goal has motivated both of us to stay on track. Leading by example, we encouraged our friends, families and co-workers in our respective communities to find the time to fit physical activity in their daily lives. We have found that by making daily activity a priority we are motivated to eat healthier and have increased energy to allow us to manage our busy schedules.

“The benefits of an active lifestyle include achieving better overall health and reducing the incidence of chronic disease. You don’t need to run a 10K - just get up from your desk and move around as much as possible every single day.

“It is our hope that this friendly challenge will inspire you to get up and get moving. Find an activity that you love, set a specific fitness goal no matter how small, and keep at it.”

More information about Health Minister Terry Lake’s and Grand Chief Doug Kelly’s journey to the Times Colonist 10K:

Health Minister Terry Lake ─

Lake will be running with the “Parliamentary Pacers”, a team comprised of over 70 members of all political stripes. Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living Michelle Stilwell has held training sessions at 6:30 a.m. before a busy legislative day.

Grand Chief Doug Kelly ─

Kelly finds running a perfect way to centre himself and reflect after a busy day. The Grand Chief will be running the 10K with fellow chiefs as well as friends and family.

Learn more:

For more tips on healthy eating and how to keep active, please visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Trevor Kehoe
Communications Officer and Media Relations
First Nations Health Authority
604 831-4898 (mobile)