BCHC Newsletter - March 2013

THE NEWS

Funding Opportunity for Local Governments to Develop Healthy Communities

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) is currently accepting applications for small grants (up to maximum $5000 per community) to support local governments to engage in the development of healthy community partnerships and to build their capacity for healthy community leadership and action.

Funding permitting, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous intake basis up until June 30, 2013. Eligible activities must take place before March 31, 2014. To find out more please visit our local government funding page or read the official news release here.

‘Strengthen Resilience’ Webinar Recording Now Available Online

In March local governments and community members were invited to join the webinar ‘Strengthen Resilience’ to explore the key characteristics of resilient communities and opportunities and strategies to strengthen resilience at the local level.  Two webinar sessions were hosted as part of the ‘Building Resilient Neighbourhoods Project’ in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria, Transition Victoria and Smart Planning for Communities, Fraser Basin Council. The webinar resources and recording are now available online here. To learn more about the Resilient Neighbourhoods project please visit the website here or contact Stacy Barter at stacy@bchealthycommunities.ca.  

THE COMMUNITY

Welcoming and Inclusive Communities. A Snapshot of the Legacy Initiative
by Jodi Mucha

Over the past 3 years, BCHC has worked closely with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and several other partners (Big Brothers, Big Sisters Fraser Valley, Abbotsford Community Schools Society, Abbotsford School District and WJ Mout Secondary School) to support welcoming and inclusive communities in Abbotsford.  This work has had a particular emphasis on capacity building and leadership development for immigrant and newcomer youth (INY) and has helped us identify key “tipping points” for immigrant and newcomer youth integration in Abbotsford.

Some exciting outcomes of the work in Abbotsford include:

• Support more multicultural involvement through revising existing Go Girls/ Game On curriculum (program offered by Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley);
• Hosted 3 Dove Self-Esteem programs at Abbotsford Middle School, Centennial Elementary and Godson Elementary;
• Hosted a Family of Schools Gathering and Character Council Leadership Summit;
• Grand Opening of Reimer School HUB. Reimer principal, Reg Gabriel, emphasized the importance of bringing its neighbours inside the doors of the school, even while classes are ongoing.

“The big thing for middle school philosophy in general and in this community is a sense of belonging,” said Gabriel. “And that really meshes well with the neighbourhood feel we’re creating here.” (Abbotsford News)

The project also supported the development and implementation of a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) that works on proactive, youth engagement activities in partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library.  Some of the activities undertaken included a multicultural tea party and a holiday event night, called ‘Spooktacular Halloween Party’ hosted in partnership with the Clearbrook Library; and a Youth and Community Scrabble Tournament hosted at The Old Spaghetti Factory. TAG has contributed significantly to youth achievements in Abbotsford and will remain active in the community.

As a way to encourage and provide youth business opportunities a multicultural business group was established that serves youth (ages 19-30) through a local chapter of the Junior Chamber International (JCI). The group focuses on training, local community contribution business networking, fellowship, and local, provincial national and international experience. 

Overall the true legacy of this project will continue to be seen for years to come, as relationships deepen and champions continue to develop.

THE ARTICLE

Leading Through Relationships with Youth and Seniors
by Krissi Spinoza

BCHC was recently invited to talk with local government leaders at the Local Government Leadership Academy 2013 Leadership Forum in Richmond. The theme of the event was “Leading through Relationships” and BCHC was invited to facilitate two sessions on how to lead through relations with youth and seniors. Since building strong relationships with local governments, community members and other stakeholders is at the heart of all of our work it was inspiring to hear about the work local government leaders are doing with young people and seniors in their communities. We heard about youth-driven skateparks, super successful lunch clubs for seniors and other activities that engaged and involved both younger and older people.

It was great to learn about the work going on throughout the province and the many benefits that had resulted from including young people and seniors in project development and delivery. One of the key benefits highlighted was the expertise and energy that community members provided thus ensuring that projects were tailored to the target demographic.

We also really enjoyed the opportunity to share some of our work with the City of Victoria Youth Council, the Trust US project and Age-Friendly Communities. All of these projects involve working closely with local government and other partners to provide engaging community projects that make a difference to people’s lives.  For example, the Trust US project has been developing a guide to planning community gardens that are accessible and inclusive to everyone no matter what their age. By seniors and youth working together the Trust US project hopes to benefit the whole community. Showcasing the fantastic work and achievements of this dedicated group of people at the Local Government Leadership Academy was an honour.

BCHC would like to thank the Local Government Leadership Academy for inviting us to this event and thank all the attendees for sharing their knowledge and experience.

We understand that working closely with community members takes time and dedication but the feedback from local governments suggested that it can bring tremendous benefits to all parties. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to work with communities, if you would like to highlight the work you are doing with local communities or are interested in working with us then please get in touch bchc@bchealthycommunities.ca.

THE CHAMPION

Cheryl Ashlie – Maple Ridge

Cheryl is a Councillor for Maple Ridge, a community of approximately 76,000 that is situated on the shores of the Fraser River, 45 kilometers east of Vancouver. Cheryl has worked, lived and raised a family in Maple Ridge since 1995 and has been a Maple Ridge Councillor for the last 5 years.

Recently, Cheryl has been involved in developing a Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP) for Maple Ridge. This policy will help shape alcohol management practices at municipally owned and managed sites around the city. The process of developing the MAP included working with stakeholders and community members to discuss issues connected with intoxication and chronic alcohol use and planning on how to encourage moderation in drinking as part of helping people lead healthier and happier lives. As Cheryl says: “most of the population fits into the responsible drinker category. However, with escalating health related costs, if we don’t embark on a stronger program of prevention, like that done with tobacco, the social and financial fallout will not be tolerable.” This is borne out by the statistics; hospitalization rates caused by alcohol are projected to exceed those caused by tobacco by the end of the year. [1]

The collaborative process of developing the Maple Ridge MAP has been key in developing an approach that supports healthy communities and this process continues as Maple Ridge considers how to roll out the policy. Cheryl commented, “From a governance perspective, I believe in MAP as it shows leadership and modeling of expectations of reversing the trends that have become apparent in the health data. In regards to health, better health starts at home and living in a healthy community makes it even more achievable. Maple Ridge embraces a healthy community model and MAP is a natural fit.”

When she’s not working hard as a Councillor, Cheryl enjoys taking political science courses with the goal of achieving a degree, volunteering in the community, hiking and walking the dikes and spending time with family and friends.

[1] BC Centre for Disease Control and University of Victoria 2010

EVENTS

Summit ~ Surrey Community Summit

Where: SFU, Surrey
When: April 6, 2013, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What: The City of Surrey’s inaugural Community Summit will be a two-way dialogue where residents can discuss ideas, learn how to become more involved in their community, gather information on topics important to them, and learn more about their city. Learn more

THE READ

Report “Promote, Protect, Prevent: Our Health Begins Here”.
BC’s Guiding Framework for Public Health (the Guiding Framework)

The Ministry of Health recently published this new guiding document for the public health system. The Guiding Framework unifies resources and strategies that are in place to support public health and address key public health challenges. It defines a collaborative process to identify and set new priorities, make strategic investments and increase focus in areas that contribute to a strong, effective public health system. Furthermore, the Guiding Framework reinforces the importance of effective partnerships and strategic connections within the health system (particularly with the primary and community care sectors) and with external partners to support the broader population health approach.

Implementation of the Guiding Framework will be done in collaboration with key partners, reinforcing continuous quality improvement and ensuring effective and efficient resource use to support the overall health and well-being of British Columbians and a sustainable public health system well into the future [1].

To download the guide click here

[1] P.4 -“Promote, Protect, Prevent: Our Health Begins Here”. March 2013

BCHC Newsletter - February 2013

THE NEWS

The Loss of a Champion

We’re all very saddened by the sudden passing away of Clyde Hertzman this month. Clyde was the director of the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) and a Canada Research Chair in population health and human development in UBC's School of Population and Public Health.  Clyde was a real champion and influential person for population health and early childhood development.  Many will sorely miss him and our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and community.  Read more...

THE COMMUNITY

Building Resilient Neighbourhoods

As part of BCHC’s partnership with Fraser Basin Council’s Smart Planning for Communities (SPC), SPC is collaborating with the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria and Transition Victoria on the Building Resilient Neighbourhoods project.  

Over the past 5 months, the project team hosted a 5-part workshop series on neighbourhood resilience, and building capacity to pro-actively respond and adapt to social, environmental and economic challenges. Through the workshops, participating community members and organizations throughout the Capital Region have been exploring ways to meet our basic needs closer to home through expanding local, co-operative, and self-reliant community networks, strengthening social ties and community cohesion, and operating in greater harmony with ecological limits.

In the next phase of this project, the partners will continue to offer regional learning events through a Resilience Learning and Action Table. They will also be selecting and working with one “resilient demonstration neighbourhood” in the Capital Region to engage citizens in a comprehensive assessment, planning and action process related to building resilience. To learn more about these opportunities, click here.

For more information or to register for the upcoming March 5th provincial webinar “Strengthening Resilience: Opportunities for Local Governments & Communities”, click here.

THE CHAMPION

Greg Goldberg

“I made a promise that if I got healthy again, I’d do everything I could to give back to brain injury survivors and make the journey as smooth as I can.”

In 1998, Greg Goldberg suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a gravel truck hit his car. One way that Greg was able to release the tension and stress of what happened was to keep a journal." Keeping a journal was such a release and outlet that I decided to write a fictional book based on my real life experience," states Greg. Greg's book 'The Organ of Intelligence' is a dark comedy, the farcical story of Reuban Cohen. The book follows Reuban's journey from injury to a new identity throughout his various struggles (losing his job, his marriage and life as he knew it before the accident). 

Today, Greg uses his experience of living with a brain injury to fuel his compassion and passion to help others with similar experiences.  He contributes countless volunteer hours to many important causes, such as the Victoria Literacy Program teaching adults how to read and he also donates a portion of proceeds from book sales to Brain Injury associations and support groups all across Canada. Greg delivers motivational talks and also hosts a TBI Gameshow.

His latest project, “helmet hair,” is an effort to raise awareness about wearing a helmet while cycling and engaging in other risky activities. His inspiration emerged from a news article about people refusing to wear bike helmets for short trips, as it messed up their hair.  These days he’s spreading around stickers bearing “Helmet hair or long term care” and “Helmet head or hospital bed,” and is speaking at elementary schools across Greater Victoria.  For more updates on Greg please visit his website here.

Note: The B.C. Brain Injury Association estimates about 22,000 people in B.C. suffer brain injuries each year. A 2011 study by the Cridge showed at least half of the homeless population have brain injuries, and most of those suffered the injury before becoming homeless.

References:

• Saanich News Article: 'Brain injury survivor works hard to give back'
• Greg Goldberg:  http://www.tbitalks.com/
• Photo Reference: http://www.tbitalks.com/about.html

THE ARTICLE

Nutrition Information in Restaurants –Feeding the “Educated Consumer”

By: Amanda Ng, Graduate Student at the University of Victoria – Master’s in Public Health and Social Policy

Did you know that healthy adults should aim for approximately 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (Health Canada,2012)? The average Canadian currently ingests approximately 3400 mg of sodium on a daily basis, which is nearly double the amount we need.

Did you know that healthy adults should aim for 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day? Although individual needs vary depending on age, activity level, and gender, we tend to consume way more calories than required.

Excessive calories and sodium are linked to obesity and high blood pressure, respectively, which costs the Canadian healthcare system billions of dollars each year in healthcare and related costs. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease. Reducing sodium intake could prevent up to 23, 500 cardiovascular events annually and generate direct healthcare savings of $1.38 billion annually (Healthy Canada, 2010). It is apparent that a healthy diet and adhering to healthy intakes of both calories and sodium can save lives and save dollars for our healthcare system.

The  “educated consumer” is one of the top 10 food trends for 2013 (Lempert, 2012) as consumers become increasingly curious about where their food is coming from and what is in their food. On average, Canadians purchase a meal or a snack from a restaurant approximately 1.7 times a week (Canadian Foodservices and Restaurant Association, 2010). Compared to foods prepared at home, foods purchased outside the home tend to be higher in calories, of poorer nutritional quality, and served in larger portions. Nutrition labelling is only mandated on pre-packaged foods as a Nutrition Facts Table, consumers eating out at restaurants are stranded without nutrition information to help them make healthy food choices.

British Columbia is the first province to implement a voluntary nutrition information program in restaurants. The Ministry of Health officially launched the Informed Dining program in May 2012. Participating restaurants display the Informed Dining program logo and a statement on the menu or menu board advising consumers that nutrition information is available upon request. Calorie and nutrition information is presented in a separate brochure, menu insert, sign or poster upon request or before the point of ordering – so consumers are able to make informed menu decisions. The program currently includes participation from more than 300 restaurant outlets including independent and chain restaurant operators. The Heart & Stroke Foundation recently launched a new campaign ‘We want it’ with the focus on getting nutritional information into BC Restaurants. On this website people can tell BC restaurants to list the calories, fat, sugar, and sodium and other nutritional information for their menu items.

It has been argued that consumers tend to have the mindset to “splurge” when they eat out and as such, the availability of nutrition information in restaurants may fall short of successfully altering consumer behaviour in ordering healthier menu item choices (CFRA, 2010). However, while consumers may stay fiercely loyal to ordering their favorite dishes, perhaps it can influence what they will eat later on that day or at the very least, it will be available when they are ready to use it.  If restaurants are to provide full disclosure of the nutritional content of their menu items, it may cause them to think again before generously dousing certain menu items in salt or high caloric sauces or reducing portion sizes. 

The United States are at the forefront in menu labelling; the City of New York implemented mandatory menu labeling back in 2008 (Ries, 2012). Obama will be implementing a law that requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations to post calorie information of items on their menus/menu boards so that it is visible at the point-of-purchase (Liu et al., 2012). There is a growing movement among chefs and restaurant executives in the US in creating new menu items that are healthy and low in calories and fat, but most importantly, are as equally enticing and appetizing (Pizam, 2011).

To induce any type of behavioural change, it takes a considerable amount of time, coupled with patience, and an open-mind to inevitable failures.  For Canada, nutrition information in restaurants needs to start with baby steps and ripple out into becoming the norm.  The Informed Dining program is still within early stages of inception, however, it is certainly a big step in the right direction. 

References & Resources:

• Canadian Foodservices and Restaurant Association. (2010). Canada’s restaurant industry.Retrieved on February 11, 2013 
• Health Canada. (2012). Sodium in Canada. Retrieved on January, 28, 2013
• Health Canada. (2010). Sodium reduction Srategy for Canada. Retrieved on February 10,2013.
• Lempert,P. (2012). Top ten food trends 2013. Retrieved on February 10, 2013
• Informed Dining Program website
• We Want It website
• Liu, P. J., Roberto., C.A., Liu, L. J., Brownell, K. D. (2012). A test of different menu labeling presentations. Appetite, 59(2012): 770-777.
• Pizam, A. (2011). Menu labeling: The new trend. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 30(2011): 221.
• Ries, N. M. (2012). Encouraging health eating through legislation? Food and the Law. May/June 2012.
  K

THE PRACTICE

Start 2013 off the Right Way with Healthy Eating for the Whole Family

By: Laura Kalina and Cheryl Christian

In trying to juggle schedules filled with school events, practices and work family meals often don't happen. Each family member grabs food on the run with little time to think about nutrition and sharing time together. Yet there is more to family meals than what is on the plate.   

Research clearly indicates many benefits when it comes to eating together as a family. Children eat more vegetables and fruit, perform and behave better in school, and are less likely to smoke or use drugs. Preschoolers who are included in the family ritual of eating together show an increased vocabulary.

Canadians report eating together as their favourite time to interact, yet one quarter to one third of families indicate they never or seldom eat together, particularly as children get older. The challenges of conflicting schedules, busy parents, or working late are most often cited as the reasons families don’t eat together regularly.

If you want to make 2013 the year your family reconnects around the meal table, here are some tips:

1. Decide as a family that it is important to eat together and then aim for at least one family meal each day - breakfast, lunch or dinner. More...
2. Turn the TV off - the same goes for cell phones, video games and other distractions. More...
3. Involve the kids in preparing meals – they are more likely to eat foods they help shop for and make. Even young children can wash vegetables, tear lettuce for a salad, or use a plastic knife and cutting board to cut chunks of cucumber or peppers. Let your older kids (with supervision if necessary) choose a recipe one night a week and prepare it. You may find you've got a budding chef in the house.More ...
4. Give each family member a chance to speak and share the highlights of their day. More..
5. Keep meal times pleasant by avoiding the battles that can happen. Parents need to offer children healthy food choices, and allow children to decide which of the foods and how much to eat. More..
6. Use kitchen appliances to make life easier. A crock pot slow cooker means you can put everything into it in the morning when you leave the house. More...
7. Have the ingredients handy for two to three quick, easy meals. Have a few stand-by meals for when life is really hectic. Quick fix meals like scrambled eggs, sprouted grain toast, and fruit can satisfy hunger if you're in a rush. More...
8. Try the Quick-Prep Method!  Cook 3-4 protein sources and chop a variety of vegetables twice a week.  Place containers in fridge, ready-to-go for Mix and Match Meals. More...
9. Get together with friends on a Sunday afternoon and share recipes and have fun cooking together. You'll have a great time and meals for the rest of the week! More...
10. Check out community food and cooking events - maybe your city has a community kitchen where you can meet others who want to learn to cook and eat healthfully. More...

By sharing just one meal a day your family (or friends) will likely find better communication happening on a regular basis, and experiencing the benefits of healthy eating too! Now what's for dinner?

To find out more about the authors and their work please click here

References:

• American Dietetic Association Foundation:  Executive Summary of Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. 2003. The State of Family Nutrition and Physical Activity:  Are We Making Progress?
• Anderson SE, Whitaker RC.  Household Routines and Obesity in US Preschool Aged Children.  Pediatrics. 2010;125(3);420-428.
• Birch LL. Are Social Meals More Nutritious? Journal of Gastronomy. 1993:7(1).  
• Cason KL.  Family Mealtimes:  More than Just Eating Together.  J Am Diet Assoc.  2006;106(4):532-533.
• http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20341216,00.html
• Low GI Meals website - http://www.lowgimeals.com

THE EVENTS

Webinar ~  Strengthening Resilience: Opportunities for Local Governments and Communities

Where: Online
When: March 5, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PST)
What: A resilient community or neighbourhood has the capacity to respond and adapt to the social, environmental and economic challenges. Join us online at no cost for this interactive webinar exploring the key characteristics of resilient communities and opportunities and strategies to strengthen resilience at the local level. To register click here

Webinar ~ Guess Who’s Coming to Town: Health Impacts of Work Camps in Close Proximity to Communities
Where: Online
When: April 11, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PST)
What: This two-hour session invites dialogue from northern communities on specific topics that are critical to improving the health outcomes of northern people, recognizing that community and civic involvement is a cornerstone to healthy people and populations. To register click here

THE READ

REPORT ~ Global Ageing and Environmental Change: Attitudes, Risks and Opportunities

Global ageing and environmental change bring together two key policy challenges, which need to be addressed to ensure a safe, secure, equitable and sustainable future. Growing old in the twenty-first century will bring with it the unique challenge of a changing global environment with variable climate and weather patterns which will impact on all aspects of life.

In order to effectively manage the impacts associated with environmental change it will be necessary to confront and integrate social dimensions in adaptation planning. This requires a better understanding of the effects a changing environment will have on older people at the local, regional, national and international level and in different geographical and socio-economic contexts.

This study reviews the key issues relevant to global ageing and environmental change. It examines older people not only in terms of their vulnerability to environmental threats but as contributors to environmental sustainability.

To download the report click here

Source: Stockholm Environment Institute