New Healthy Lifestyle Campaign Asks, “Are you in?”

#LSN_Health  Health Unit asks  “Are you in?”

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  -  September 16, 2017   (LSN)  The Health Unit’s  a new multi-media campaign was unveiled to encourage adults in Thunder Bay and District to eat well, be more active and make small changes over time for better health in the future. 

Are you in? features local residents making healthy choices and inviting others to join them in the healthy living movement. With most recent data indicating that the Thunder Bay District had the second highest rate of diabetes mortality in the province and cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death, the campaign is one component of a comprehensive plan to promote health and reduce chronic disease for all residents in our region.

“It’s encouraging that we already see many people enjoying various outdoor activities and striving to eat well,” says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “Yet, we continue to have high rates of preventable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease in Thunder Bay and across our district. The benefits of eating wholesome foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and being more physically active are universal and essential for lifelong health.” 

Although many people want to take action to improve their health, research into the development of the campaign revealed that the over-abundance of wellness information - which often lacks supporting evidence - is making it difficult for them to know what is good for their health. To support them in making meaningful changes, Are you in? focuses on a few effective back-to-basics lifestyle messages on how to achieve better health:

• Skip the juice and choose fruit instead.
• Put more produce on your plate.
• Sit less and move more often.
• Do what moves you.
• Small changes today, a healthier you tomorrow.

“We want adults to adopt healthy lifestyle habits when they are at home and at work so they are better able to maintain optimal health for years to come,” says Lynda Fraser, Health Promotion Planner. “We also see adults as role models for children and when they make healthy choices, they support our efforts to promote health for the next generation.”

The cornerstone of the campaign is a short video that can be viewed on the Health Unit’s website at TBDHU.COM and social media channels. The campaign also features posters and displays, as well as social media challenges and contests that offer prizes. As a kick-off to the project, the public is encouraged to visit the Health Unit’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TBDHealthUnit and like and comment on the video post saying how they “are in” for a chance to win a prize. The campaign will roll out incrementally over the next ten months. Public engagement with the campaign online and at events will help to measure its success.

- 30 -