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Getting fit with modern technology

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release *********************** Take Heart, a program through the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, has launched an innovative challenge using Global Positioning System Technology (GPS) in par
Kate Adams


North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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Take Heart, a program through the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, has launched an innovative challenge using Global Positioning System Technology (GPS) in partnership with the Canadian Ecology Centre. The “Geocaching” Challenge encourages people to use GPS technology to do an “active treasure hunt” throughout the region.

The geocaching website, www.geocachingontario.com, makes it easy for participants to join the treasure hunt. The website lists the treasure hunt caches and provides an electronic reporting form. Participants who report their cache “finds” can also win prizes at the end of the year!

“Geocaching is a great way to get people active, while using our local trail systems,” said Josée Bisson, Health Promoter with the Take Heart Partnership, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. “The handheld GPS devices direct participants to different locations where code words are hidden in caches, making it an enjoyable and energetic activity. People get out, get active and have fun!”

“There is no doubt geocaching is an outdoors activity,” said Bill Steer, product developer for Geocaching Ontario. “This activity promotes the wise use of trails and complements many other outdoor activities. Participants simply walk, snowshoe, paddle or bike to destinations while using this mainstream gadget.”

The Geocaching Challenge is open to youth groups and they can get the GPS kits on loan from the Canadian Ecology Centre. This provides great outdoor education and skills development with new technology.

The Take Heart Partnership is a community collaboration promoting healthy eating, active living and smoke free lifestyles, funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion.

For more information about the Geocaching Challenge, contact Bill Steer at (705) 744-1715, ext 570, by email: [email protected] or Josée Bisson, at (705) 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, ext 2371 or [email protected].

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