From left: WDHB clinical coordinator physiotherapy Carol Ramsden, community mental health nurse Grant Hird and health promotion officer Kylee Osborne.
From left: WDHB clinical coordinator physiotherapy Carol Ramsden, community mental health nurse Grant Hird and health promotion officer Kylee Osborne.
Four Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) staff members are calling on their workmates to 'give cycling a go' during the February 1–28 Aotearoa Bike Challenge.
WDHB health promoters Karney Herewini and Kylee Osborne, clinical co-ordinator physiotherapy Carol Ramsden and community mental health nurse Grant Hird are encouraging WDHB staff, theirfamily and friends to spend 10 minutes or more a day riding their bike to improve their fitness and see if it's something they might consider doing year round.
"The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to ride their bikes and enjoy the freedom that cycling offers," Mr Herewini says.
"Bedsides the health benefits we gain from biking and the fun you can have with family and friends, it costs a lot less than driving a car to and from work. I urge Whanganui residents to follow the locally publicised Bike Wise calendar of events which offers something for most age groups and all levels of bike riding skills."
Thirty-four WDHB staff members participated in last year's Aotearoa Bike Challenge which saw 1000 organisations register for it nationwide.
Mrs Osborne said it was a fun, free and encouraging in the way in which points were allocated based on the number of staff participants and rides logged.
"Anyone can take part and you can ride when and wherever you feel comfortable. As the month passes and rides are logged, staff go into a draw for prizes. It's a good team builder, it encourages staff to participate in physical activity and it encourages them to think about sustainability and transport options."
The following Whanganui organisations have registered to participate in the challenge include police, District Council, City College, Cancer Society, Bike Users Group, Te Oranganui, Ngā Tai o Te Awa and Opus International Consultants.
