Positive Mental Health-Mental Health Issue

Talking About Mental Health

Our mental health is a crucial determinant of our overall health, yet we often do not talk about it. But with the help of prominent figures like Clara Hughes, Daniel Alfredsson, and Margaret Trudeau, the importance of talking about mental health openly and directly is coming out of the shadows. We all know someone who has been affected by a mental health issue, so let’s play our part to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health and well-being. Attaining positive mental health is something that we can all strive to achieve. Here are 10 easy tips we can all use to help us attain this:

• Make time for Family and Friends
• Eat healthy and Exercise
• Enjoy hobbies
• Set personal goals
• Share humour
• Volunteer
• Create a meaningful budget
• Give and accept support
• Learn ways to cope with negative thoughts
• Build self confidence.

For a look at Ottawa data on mental health, and to see what Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has been doing to make Ottawa a mentally healthy and suicide safer community, please see the By The Numbers Factsheet.Photo source: cbc.ca/sports read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Physical Activity-Ottawa Residents-Nutritious Food-Healthy Choices-Healthy Eating

Board of Health approves a new healthy eating and active living strategy

On May 7, 2012 the Ottawa Board of Health approved a three-year Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) strategy in order to help residents make healthier choices about food and physical activity. The strategy is supported by community and municipal partners, and focuses on three determinants of healthy weights: poor nutrition, inactivity and the societal pre-occupation with weight.“We are aware that our residents are not eating enough vegetables and fruit, that they are not getting enough exercise and that the settings Ottawa residents live, learn, work and play in do not consistently support Healthy Choices and behaviours,” said Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health. “The implementation of the HEAL strategy will support residents to eat healthy, be active and maintain a healthy body image.”[[MORE]]Increasing access to nutritious food, nutrition skills, active transportation and physical activity will remain strategic priorities of Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and the Board of Health.In the short-term, OPH will focus on:

• Reducing consumption of foods that lack nutritional value and are high in calories and sodium, and increasing access to healthier foods;
• Increasing physical activity and active transportation; and
• Dispelling myths and biases around obesity by changing social and physical environments.

OPH is working with a number of partners in order to achieve the changes outlined in the strategy. “In order to reduce the obesity trend, it is key that organizations and policy-makers work together to make changes so that people have greater access to healthy affordable foods and physical activity,” said Christina Marchant from Centretown Community Health Centre, host of the Ottawa Good Food Box program.“One key way to improve the food environment is for restaurants to disclose calorie and sodium information on menus,” said Bill Jeffery, LLB, from Centre for Science in the Public Interest. “This will help people make healthier choices and spur restaurants to make their food more nutritious. We look forward to working with OPH on this valuable initiative.”For more information on the HEAL strategy or the Healthy Eating, Active Living and Healthy Weights in Ottawa, 2012 report, visit ottawa.ca/health or call OPH Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information.Resources:
Ottawa Public Health 2011 Annual Report
Healthy Eating, Active Living and Healthy Weights, 2012 read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Ottawa Public Library-Physical Health-Type 2 Diabetes-Bike Trails

Walk or Bike Your Way to Health

Over the last 25 years, many of our daily routines have become less and less active.  In fact, 68% of Canadian men and 69% of women spend the majority of their waking hours sitting, an average of 9 hours a day. Think about your daily work routine and add-up the hours. Does it take a long time to drive into office?  Is it a series of meetings or long stretches in front of a computer screen?  Being physically active is good for your mental and physical health, it reduces your risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and breast and colon cancers.  [[MORE]]Employers are starting to encourage more physical activity in the workplace.  They see the benefits of good health for their employees, the environment, and they see increased productivity, less absenteeism, and fewer injuries. One way workplaces can help is encourage employees biking or walking to work. Why not talk with your boss about starting such a program. It will change your day and your co-workers.  Here are a few things to consider:

• Contact the  EnviroCentre to  find out more or even plan a Bike to Work program in your workplace
• Racks for locking up bikes
• Facilities for lockers and showers or somewhere close-by to use like a gym
• Maps posted of the local bike trails and footpaths
• Support groups to set up a buddy system for walking or biking to work
• Information for travel planning and being safe
• Information on bus routes for co-workers who wish to use the bus as well as walking and biking
• Borrow a pedometer from any branch of Ottawa Public Library and to motivate yourself and your colleagues by counting steps.

For more information, call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca. read more..

source:ottawa.ca