Ontario s Ministry of Health Promotion Deputy Minister Bob Stark March 30, 2010 Food and Health Policy Workshop Richard Ivey School University of Western Ontario 1
Ministry of Health Promotion The ministry was created in June 2005 to: Be a catalyst for change Champion healthy living Lead the health promotion agenda by mobilizing partnerships 2
MHP - Vision & Mission Mission Champion health promotion across Ontario and inspire partners to create a culture of health and wellbeing for all. Vision Healthy communities working together and Ontarians leading healthy and active lives. 3
4 Why does Ontario need a Ministry of Health Promotion?
Alarming Statistics Only 51% of Canadians are active enough to benefit their health Nearly 4 million Ontarians over age 45 have a chronic disease or condition, approximately 70% of whom suffer from two or more 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 has or will suffer from osteoporosis 1 in 3 deaths in Canada are due to heart disease and stroke More than 5 million Canadians have high blood pressure 42% of these are not aware that they have it 1 in every 4 Canadians is likely to experience a mental health or addiction problem at some time in his or her life 5
Can eating healthy food and daily activity make a difference? Diet, activity and healthy body weight can prevent between 30 to 40% of all cases of cancer Approximately 50% of cancer deaths are related to tobacco use, diet and physical activity Researchers suggest that 90% of type 2 diabetes and 80% of coronary heart disease could be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating healthy food, avoiding smoking and drinking moderately Children and youth who eat fruits and vegetables at least five times a day are less likely to be overweight 6
Sharp incline in obesity levels in our children 1981 14-18 % 2004 24 26 % HSFO Annual Report Card 2010 Percent of Obese Children in Ontario 20-24% 10-14% <10% 0% 1981 2004 Years 7
MHP Our Foundation 5 action areas of health promotion principles - The World Health Organization building healthy public policy re-orientating health care toward prevention strengthening community action developing personal skill creating supportive environments 8
9 Collaboration is crucial - Some of our Partners
10 EatRight Ontario
EatRight Ontario Reliable nutrition information for families and health care providers through web and phone-based services for Ontarians. 11
12 EatRight Ontario Public Education
Healthy Eating: Northern Fruit and Vegetable Pilot I want to thank you again for this AMAZING opportunity in better equipping our students with nutritious and positive experiences that will help them to understand and maintain healthy choices for snacks during their life. Thank you! Laurie Bouliane, Principal of Echo Bay Public School 13
After-School Strategy Dixon Hall Smoke Free Poster Contest Minister Best presented the youth with gift certificates for healthy groceries as a thank you for their participation 14
After-School Program Minister s Event Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club Healthy Holiday Event Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School students and Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best prepare healthy smoothies during the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls After-School program. 15
School Nutrition What they re saying Real Food for Real Kids views this policy as an excellent framework on which we will build a healthier future for our children. Well done! David Farnell, CEO, Real Food for Real Kids Inc The School Food and Beverage Policy is a significant move toward creating healthier schools. We look forward to the collaborations between school boards and Boards of Health and public Health professionals to implement the nutrition standards. Cindy Scythes, MSc, Registered Dietitian, Manager, Nutrition Resource Centre Healthy food choices available at schools that reinforce a healthy eating classroom education Is a significant achievement that has the potential to have a broader influence in achieving a healthier population. Linda Dietrich, MEd, RD, Dietitians of Canada, Regional Exec.Director, Central and Southern Ontario 16
Strategic Directions Moving Forward Healthier Ontario Working together Reaching the under Serviced 17
18 Smoke-Free Ontario
Reducing Tobacco Consumption $4.6 billion less cigarettes consumed between 2003 and 2006 19
20 What are we working towards? Access to opportunities Service facilities close to work and home People who are connected to neighbours and community Recreation and social venues close to home, work and school Healthy affordable food
Next Steps Working together Healthier food Less salt Less fat More nutritious More consumer information Less advertising towards children 21
Over to you Ideas Innovation Initiative 22
Thank you Bob Stark Deputy Minister Ministry of Health Promotion 23
Defining Health Promotion Health promotion is everyone people, communities and governments working together to build a lifetime of good health for all. It is the art and science of enabling individuals to make healthy choices and enjoy healthy, active lives. It is also bold, collective action to create healthier homes, schools, workplaces and communities. 24