The Cambridge Rail Trail was the first railroad track in Southern Ontario to be built into a 17 km stretch of trail that is enjoyed by many walking, biking and jogging. The trail follows the old roadbed of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway, which was originally an electric train line built in 1915. In the 1960s, the line was converted to diesel locomotives. The trail is part of the Hamilton–Brantford–Cambridge Trails and connects to other trails in the area.
I was born and raised in Galt. I've spent the last 30 years enjoying the trail with my family and friends. Come and enjoy some fun with us!
Heart Health
Did you know according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart conditions, stroke, vascular cognitive impairment. In 2020, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Canada, while stroke was the fifth leading cause.
Over 60,000 Canadians experience their first heart attack each year. As well as 50,000 Canadians experience a stroke every year.
Women are more likely to die from stroke than men, and if they survive, they may have worse outcomes. Heart failure is a complex and incurable condition that is on the rise in Canada. Since 2022 in Canada alone there are 750,000 people living with heart failure and 100,000 people are diagnosed with this incurable condition each year.
Read further and educate yourself and loved ones on the risks @ heartandstroke.ca
Eat healthy, exercise, have regular health check ups.
Lung Health
According to the the Canadian Lung Association over 6 million Canadians are living with a serious respiratory disease: 3.8 million diagnosed, with millions more estimated to be undiagnosed.
In 2024, lung cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer death in Canada. 32,100 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. 14,800 men are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer and 17,300 women are expected to be diagnosed. 10,900 men are expected to die from lung cancer, while 9,800 women are expected to die.
Did you know that 1- 4 Canadians are expected to develop COPD in their life time. 53% of COPD sufferers live in long-term care or seniors homes. COPD is the leading cause of mortality in Canada.1 in 5 people will be diagnosed. Here @ Trailblazers we want to offer a free one time guided walk tour to anyone who is suffering from lung disease. Email: trailblazerstogether@gmail.com We encourage you and your loved ones to educate yourselves, avoid smoking, eat healthy, exercise and have regular medical check ups. Check out www.lung.ca
When we think of adding exercise to our daily routine it can seem overwhelming. The daunting task ahead of us, knowing it's good for us but we avoid it. It seems some of us are at different extremes in our life. Which I can relate to coming from a young housewife, raising babies, chasing kids, running to every task throughout motherhood. Then life changed into working as a single mom. I felt I was running a marathon my entire life so adding any kind of exercise to my routine was an exhausting idea when my body and mind were begging for relaxation and quiet. It's been a long journey for all of us. Some of us have found ourselves housebound and working remotely, health issues, or care giving. Some of us are running ragged from working overtime trying to make ends meet. Wherever you find yourself today, make today a small step to these simple changes to add health to your life.
Step 1 - Add steps to your day. I choose to park in the farthest parking spots each day. I park far from the front door of my home, work, and stores. I choose the stairs when available. These steps take time, add extra time to our schedule but remember your adding health to your body and mind. You are the only one who can do this for you. You matter, you're life is worth living.
Step 2 - I am not a good routine person. Life has it's up and downs. It's important to have a few plans that you can fit into the busyness of life. If you can set a time schedule for health and fitness that is great. Your body and mind will adapt to a routine and you will reap the rewards of doing so. I walk my dog everyday and during my lunch break I spend time swimming, walking or in the gym. It's hard, somedays I'm pretty cranky cause I'd just rather not move at all. But after my workouts I usually feel rejuvenated in my soul. I'm happier and ready to jump up for another few rounds of the world. Doing Yoga before bed helps me to let go of the stresses of the day. It's important even if its 10 minutes of deep breathing to release the negativity that is weighing on you.
Step 3 - With all the apps that are available now you can download an app that will measure the distance, activity, and heart rate during exercise. You can challenge yourself and watch your improvement. When I was an avid jogger I use to love to see how far I could go. You can also join a walking group in your area that meets on a regular basis.
Step 4 - Stay hydrated, dress for the activity n weather. Keep your cell phone with you in case of emergency.
Walking Tips
