Southwestern Ontario in motion

In motion

is a comprehensive, community-wide health promotion strategy that encourages everyone to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

As the lead agency, the South West Area Recreation Guild (SWARG) & Southwestern Ontario in motion will lead the collective action of community partners in creating a “culture of physical activity” in the tri-county area.

Through promotion and engagement in physical activity, SWARG will lead the collective action of community partners in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia Lambton and Windsor-Essex towards a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for all.

Why do we need to be "in motion"?
Epidemic in our Region:

48.6% of regional population, compared to 47.1% of Ontario population are physically inactive (LHIN, 2003).
52.9% of regional population, compared to 48.5% of Ontario population are obese or overweight (LHIN, 2003).
35.2% of population compared to 40.2% of Ontario population consume fruits & vegetables 5 or more times per day (LHIN, 2003).
The rate of Type-2 Diabetes, largely due to excess body fat and physical inactivity, is higher in W-E than the provincial and national averages
Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes; one in three children born since 2000 will likely develop diabetes
Chatham-Kent was cited as a “hotspot” for heart disease by the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2002

Southwestern Ontario in motion Operating Principals:

Physical activity will be the key component to the “whole body” wellness strategy.
Initiatives will be achieved through a collaborative approach with private, public, and volunteer sectors in the communities of Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex.
Focus will be on a proactive approach to health versus a reactive one (i.e. health promotion and illness prevention versus treatment).
Equitable choices and opportunities will be available throughout the tri county, initially through a targeted approach moving towards inclusiveness.
SWARG and its partners will determine and establish priorities for physical activity initiatives that meet the established criteria. Priority will be given to sustainable initiatives and programs.
Regional marketing and communication campaigns will reflect consistent messaging as it relates to in motion and the promotion of physical activity.

The Southwestern Ontario in motion partners in your community are:

Regional Partners:

^{Ministry of Health Promotion South West Area Recreation Guild}

In Chatham-Kent

^{Chatham Kent Public Health Unit Chatham-Kent Rec. Facilities Chatham-Kent Rec. Programs}

^{Healthy Living Chatham Kent YMCA Chatham Kent}

In Sarina-Lambton

^{City of Sarnia Community Health Services Dept. Healthy Living Lambton}

^{St. Clair Township YMCA Sarnia-Lambton}

In Windsor- Essex

^{City of Windsor Heart Health Action Windsor Essex Municipality of Leamington}

^{Town of Essex Town of Kingsville Town of Lakeshore}

^{Windsor-Essex Active Living Coalition Windsor-Essex County Health Unit} ^{Windsor-Essex YMCA}

_{City Centre Health Care}

Community Contributors:

^{Bulimia Anroexia Nervosa Assocation Gesstwood Camp University of Windsor}

Please contact us if you or your organization is interested in becoming involved.

Media Support

The Southwestern Ontario in motion Health Promotion Strategy has recieved a wonderful welcome and wealth of support from local media outlets across the tri-county area and we thank you.

We would also like to acknowledge to support of those media who have made a committment as contributing partners in support of in motion's efforts to promote healthy active lifestyles including:

(click logos to visit our media partners)

Blackburn Radio

TVCOGECO Chatham-Kent

For more information on how your media outlet can become a contributing partner to in motion, or for media inquires, please visit our CONTACT PAGE for links to our chairperson and community representatives.