Carlson family farm receives Century Farm Award

from January 17, 2023 Country Booster

Wanda School on the move

Every step counts

By Lori Larsen

Counting steps has been a growing health trend over the last decade or so and has proven to be a successful way for people to track physical activity without being overly invasive to their daily lives.

While many people may not be ready or prepared to dedicate hours at the gym or running for miles, almost every person without mobility challenges can walk, and daily walking is easy, accessible and inexpensive.

According to the Health Hub, targeting 10,000 steps daily (approximately 8 kilometres) is commonly associated with a basic level of fitness.

A recent study in the Circulation journal of data from over 20,000 people in the US and 42 other countries determined that taking between 6,000 to 9,000 steps daily is linked to a dramatically lower risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults including heart attacks and strokes, by 40 to 50 per cent.

The study further revealed that each additional 1,000 steps, especially for people currently walking less than 3,000 step daily, marks a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk.

The incursion of fitness tracking devices has made it easy for people to keep track of, not only, the number of steps they take daily, but other health benefitting data including calorie intake, water intake, sleep activity and body vitals.

However, experts say that it is not that difficult to track one’s daily step counts even without a device. For example, a half mile equates to approximately 1,000 steps and brisk walking (considered to be a moderate-intensity activity) adds up to approximately 100 steps per minute.

Burning the fuel that fills us is another benefit to physical activity and according to the Health Hub it takes 20 steps to burn one calorie, therefore walking 10,000 steps burns off about 500 calories.

With a recommended daily calorie intake of approximately 1,800 for an average female and 2,200 for an average male, those 10,000 steps will burn off nearly a third or quarter of your calories.

With walking, something most people do subconsciously, there are ways to make your steps a little more fun or even a little more strenuous.

Consider the following suggestions to add a little fun to your walk. • Add some music. Music can add a little zip to your step which can quicken your pace and increase your fat burn. • Consider walking with a walking buddy or join a walking group. • Choose walking over other options such as using the elevator, or taking the bus or driving. • As you progress with your walking, add some other fitness challenges, such as push-ups at a bench, squats every 200 steps, or adding hand, wrist or ankle weights. • Consider purchasing a raised computer desk that allows you to stand instead of sitting, and then simply step from side to side while working. • Walk to co-workers’ desks or offices rather than emailing or telephoning them. • Place garbage/recycle bins or printers a ways away from your desk so you have to get up and walk to them. • Walk during your lunch hour and stand up while you eat. • Park a distance from your office or at the furthest parking stall in the lot to get in more steps. • Pace while talking on the phone. • Join or encourage a step challenge in the office.

The benefits of walking include: maintaining a healthy weight; preventing or managing health conditions such as high blood pressure, cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease; improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, improving sleep and energy levels and your overall well being, both physically and mentally.

One might say that counting your steps and making your steps count is a “no brainer”.

By Lori Larsen

The Province of Alberta honoured the Carlson family farm from the Meeting Creek area with the distinction of Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award.

The Award was presented to Margaret Carlson by Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely on behalf of the Province and the family was also recognized during a Century Farm celebration hosted by the County of Camrose on November 5.

“This land (farm) was purchased from the CPR in 1912 by grandparents John and Betty Carlson, who had just arrived from Sweden,” explained Margaret, one of two surviving members (spouse) of the original family.

John and Betty had 10 children, Einar, Edna (Bergstrom), Herbert, Howard, Soren, Helene (Bergstrom), Edward, Linnea (Nelson), Arvid and Winfrid Allen (who passed away at the age of 1 in 1927).

“Establishing the farm and raising the children was an amazing accomplishment,” said Margaret.

Most of the children of that family have descendants who still live in the Meeting Creek and surrounding area, continuing the strong traditions and values of John and Betty.

After the passing of John and Betty in 1967 and 1968 respectfully, Arvid, John and Betty’s youngest child, along with wife Margaret, purchased the land.

As is often the case with Century farm families, the family members remained close together in distance which further solidified their bond as a family. Edward (Vivian) farmed across the road, Edna (Everett were located a half mile down the road, Helene (Gilbert) were one mile away and Howard (Eileen) were only six miles away.

The farm was purchased in the mid-’90s by Arvid and Margaret’s children, Daren (Lynette) and Shelly (Carlson) and Marvin Collier.

“Roy and Bruce Carlson families have rented the land for the last number of years,” explained Margaret.

“We have been very fortunate to be in partnership with Roy and Bruce Carlson and families in supporting the farm and yard site,” said Daren during the County celebration. “Their efforts have made the farm a better place over the last 30 years and helped keep the traditions and memories alive.”

In remembering what it was like to grow up on the family farm, Daren related a few stories.

“Coffee was always on and as we grew up, it was a rare night that we did not have some family drop over for a visit. Family birthdays were celebrated for everyone by having the whole extended family come to the lucky house for a smorgasbord of food, including some traditional Swedish delights.”

Daren also recalled a few stories told by his parents of the happenings around the farm during their time as children. “One that we remember was that they took a horse upstairs into the house while John and Betty were away. How they got it up the steep stairs and down again, I do not know.”

Margaret and Vivian (spouses) are the two surviving members of the original family and now live in Camrose.

“The family is very thankful to have received the recognition and commemorative plaque,” said Margaret on behalf of the Carlson family.

Daren concluded a thank you on behalf of the family during the County celebration with a thought that should resonate with us all.

“As we think about the history and lessons that we can learn from the past, it’s clear that the focus was all about family. And while no family is perfect, as we all know, there was an effort to be together versus efforts to divide, which we see so much in today’s world.”