A Woman on a Mission!

Margaret Wallis-Duffy wants to give Brampton a health-makeover and she's called all health care workers to step up!

Earlier this year she piloted a workplace program through her wellness clinic, Wallis For Wellness (celebrated its 20th anniversary April 6, 2012!).

For eight weeks, they presented workshops and challenges to 100 health care workers, encouraging them to live a healthier life. She introduced the Live Right Now movement and challenged them to make changes.

As Margaret says, our health care workers are a precious commodity, and they don't spend enough time caring for themselves.

One initiative in particular challenged the workers to a pedometer contest. For every 75,000 steps a person took, they would be entered in a draw. In eight weeks, they clocked over a million steps - which means they collectively walked to Miami.

Margaret says she was overwhelmed by the results and personal stories flooding in from participants. One woman improved her dangerously high blood pressure, and a former figure skater was inspired to get back on the ice.

Margaret has also joined forces with four other companies to form Champions 4 Change, a movement that aspires to make Brampton - and Canada - a healthier place.

Together they convinced Brampton to pledge 125,000 pounds - as part of Live Right Now's Million Pound Challenge and have attempted two world records. (They're determined to be in the Guinness books this spring!)

Being an avid Live Right Now ambassador for Brampton, Margaret spreads the message wherever she goes.

Margaret's dedication to health and wellness is spawned from her own experiences. She underwent ten surgeries before the age of 25 and is one of the only Canadians to have a fecal transplant, which cured a serious intestinal infection.

"I've been dealt a lot in my own life. My purpose has been to get over it and teach others how to live well," she says.

Four years ago Margaret won a Zonta Women of Achievement Award. When asked how she's achieved her accomplishments, she said, "If you believe and keep your eyes on the prize, lead with your heart, it will come. It's taken 20 years but it's happening."

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