The following was issued today by John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Nutrition month celebrates wellness

In recognition of Nutrition Month, I rise today to talk about and acknowledge something our government is taking very seriously � the health and wellness of our citizens.

Recent health indicators show our province leads Canada in obesity, smoking rates and lack of physical exercise. In addition, we have among the highest rates of childhood-onset diabetes and cardiac disease � chronic diseases that can be prevented and better managed through healthy and active living. The time has come to take back control of our own individual health.

That�s why government has dedicated $2.4 million for wellness initiatives in Budget 2005. This represents the single largest investment in health promotion in the history of the province. Just like the 3 Rs are the foundation for life-long learning; prevention, promotion and public health are critical to better health outcomes and keeping people healthy.

Building upon government�s Throne Speech commitment to keep people healthier, this spring government will unveil a wellness strategy to complement the on-going work of community organizations and the six regional wellness coalitions including programs like Moving for Seniors which promotes healthy aging for our seniors, or the Restaurant Heart Smart Program, launched with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to encourage healthier food choices.

Acting on the recommendations of the provincial Wellness Advisory Council, our wellness strategy will concentrate on improving healthy eating, reducing obesity, reducing smoking rates, reducing injury rates and increasing physical activity. These are all important in the prevention of chronic illnesses such as stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

As a government, we can and we will provide the tools for people to become better equipped to lead healthier lives. We plan to implement a Healthy Foods in Schools program including new nutrition guidelines for schools and a Healthy Schools Youth Summit in the fall; establish a community grants program to build on existing community wellness projects; enhance school food programs to improve healthy eating; develop a social marketing campaign to promote healthy living, create a Teen Wellness team to engage the participation of youth and strengthen the presence of wellness-dedicated staff in the new health authorities.

Today, I would like to issue a challenge to everyone to infuse a healthy culture in all areas of community life � in our families, in our schools, and in our workplaces. We all have the power to take real action to improve our health. I encourage people to look for opportunities each and every day to make an improvement in their own health.

2005 03 24                   1:55 p.m.