FAQ

Why was Healthy Schools in motion launched?

In August 2004, the Manitoba government announced the creation of Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures, an all-party task force, to ask Manitobans how to help our children and young people enjoy the best possible health now and into their adult lives. One of the 47 recommendations was that:

"The provincial government introduced the Manitoba in motion activity program in the fall of 2005. In motion is a provincial strategy to help all Manitobans including children, youth, families, adults, and older adults make physical activity part of their daily lives for health and enjoyment. Healthy Schools in motion is a component of Manitoba in motion. When a school registers as a Healthy School in motion, it means they have committed to working towards 30 minutes of physical activity every day for every student which can include walking to school, lunch time activities, physical education, physical activity breaks, physical activity programs, intramurals and special events.

Are pedometers available to start a Walking Club at our workplaces?

Yes, workplaces that register receive a Walking Workout Pedometer kit. Pedometer kits are also available for loan from some rural and northern community libraries. You can also purchase Manitoba in motion pedometers through Materials Distribution Agency. The merchandise list and form can be found on the Home Page of the Manitoba in motion website or by calling (204) 945-3648, toll free 1-866-788-3648 or you can Contact Us online.

Do parents have a role to play in supporting this initiative?

Healthy Schools in motion promotes physical activity to the whole school community. It is important to have parents provide the general support and encouragement needed to provide such opportunities within the school. When possible, it is also great when parents can volunteer to assist in implementing physical activity programming in the school. But most importantly, parents are encouraged to continue to support the message outside of school by promoting and providing life-long physical activity opportunities for their children.

Q.	Do workplace in motion initiatives cost a lot of money and take a lot of time (i.e. building a weight room, paying for employee fitness memberships)?
A.	Getting employees active does not need to cost a lot of money or involve using a lot of expensive equipment. Depending on the resources that worksite has, it can be as simple as distributing information to employees that educate them on active healthy lifestyles. For more ideas call (204) 945-3648 or toll free at 1-866-788-3648.

Have you seen evidence of the program's success?

We have already a lot of positive feedback from superintendents, administrators, teachers, students, and parents about the program. Schools have been working toward their goals and are eager to keep their programs growing in the years to come. They have indicated that they have seen an increased understanding of the importance of physical activity with their students and staff. They have also identified increased activity levels, improved focus in class, decreased behavioural problems, and a greater sense of community. Students are generally excited to be participating in the physical activities and are often the ones reminding the teachers that it’s activity time.

Q.	How do you monitor this initiative?
A.	Each spring, registered schools submit a progress report where they list their physical activity successes of the year. This information is summarized and posted on our website.

Q.	Is there a registration fee?
A.	No, there are no fees attached to registering your workplace. The Workplaces in motion strategy encourages employees and employers to build physical activity into their daily lives at work and at home. Resource materials are provided at no cost.

Q.	Is there any other merchandise such as t-shirts or other promotional items?
A.	Yes, Manitoba in motion merchandise can be purchased through Materials Distribution Agency. The merchandise list and form can be found on the Home Page of Manitoba in motion or by calling (204) 945-3648 or toll free 1-866-788-3648.

Q.	Our wellness committee has become discouraged because a number of employees are not participating or do not share the same passion that we have.
A.	It is not your role or responsibility to ensure that every employee is active. People go through various stages of change from not interested in being active to those that are active. We encourage you to concentrate on the employees that are ready to get involved. In time others may participate.

Q.	We already have a number of initiatives at work, what would be the benefit to registering with in motion?
A.	The Workplace in motion strategy can enhance what you are currently doing. In motion would love to recognize your workplace for their efforts by sharing your story on our website. Your initiatives and in motion share common goals and fit very well together. Your organization will also be part of something much larger, a community strategy!

What does a school have to do to become an in motion school?

When schools register for the Healthy Schools in motion program, they provide a brief description as to how they will be working toward the goal of 30 minutes of daily physical activity for every student. Upon registering, schools receive a Healthy Schools in motion resource manual, activity bin, and other resources to help implement more physical activity opportunities in the school.

Schools are encouraged to introduce Healthy Schools in motion to their staff and students, form a planning committee, and develop and implement a school action plan.

Registered in motion schools are profiled on our website and continue to receive ongoing support and resources from Healthy Schools in motion. They also receive an annual certificate of participation.

What is the goal of Healthy Schools in motion?

Our goal is to have every school in Manitoba be a Healthy School in motion. A Healthy School in motion values the benefits of physical activity and ensures that it is a visible priority in the daily life of the school. There is a commitment to work toward the goal of 30 minutes of physical activity every day for every student. This is achieved through any combination of physical education, physical activity breaks, physical activity programs, intramurals, and special events.

Q.	What percentage of schools in Manitoba is involved in this initiative?
A.	There are over 530 schools (>50%) registered for the Healthy Schools *in motion* program. We expect to see many more schools register as awareness increases.

Q.	Who can register for Healthy Schools in motion?
A.	We encourage anyone in the school community, whether it be the school administrator, librarian, teacher, or parent, to take the first step and register to become a Healthy School in motion. For more information please feel free to contact us at (204) 945-3648 or toll-free in Manitoba at 1-866-788-3648, or Contact Us online.

Q.	Who should I ask to be Workplaces in motion Leaders?
A.	Any person within your organization who will champion in motion. This person should be well known and well liked within the workplace. They should have interest in physical activity and its benefits and be ready to promote physical activity within the workplace.

Q.	Will there be help to develop our workplace action plan?
A.	Yes, a Resource Manual is provided to all workplaces that register. As well consultants are available to discuss ideas for your action plan.

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