Vol 6, No. 2
Summer 1996

In This Issue...

Regional Coalition News

Eastern Newfoundland Heart Health Network Workshop

"Getting to the Heart of the Community" was the theme for the third conference of the Eastern Newfoundland Heart Health Network held in Clarenville on May 3rd and 4th. Approximately thirty people attended the 1 ½ day workshop.

Keynote Speaker, Idar Hillersoy, started Friday night with an address entitled "Heart Health in Norway". Idar's native country enjoys a lower rate of heart disease than Newfoundland. Health care in Norway is the responsibility of municipalities which are more in touch with the needs of the community. He described Norwegian foods and the peoples lifestyle. Despite weather similar to Newfoundland, Norwegian families tend to be more active. Mandatory sidewalks on Norway's roads makes family outings, to walk or ski, much safer.

Peggy Johnson and Betty Ryan, from the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association, gave presentations on the new support program for tobacco reduction called "Coping Without Smoking" C.A.N. DO (Clean Air Now), an environmental health program launched in Ontario last year, and "Baby's Coming Smoke Free Home", a pilot project of Community Health St. John's Region.

After Fridays official events, Donna Noseworthy and the husband and wife team of John and Mary Hyde did a skit with some pretty fancy line-dancing. We recognized Donna but couldn't tell if the one with the sexy legs was John or Mary.

Saturday's first presentation, by two dietitian's from the "Mainland", was about "Traditional Newfoundland Foods". Even though they were not from the rock, they felt that with a combined 10 years experience in Newfoundland they could give conference participants a few tips to take home. Linda Scott spoke first about the role healthy eating could play in reducing the risk factors for Heart Disease. Then Jennifer Hemeon discussed ways to modify some of Newfoundland's traditional foods to help make them lower in fat and salt. Jennifer (alias Alex Trebek) also hosted the game of "Jeopardy" that followed. The game between John Hyde, Glen Littlejohn, and Jackie Hobbs was truly 'intense', once they stopped 'Alex' from laughing.

David Doyle, from the Recreation and Sport Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, spoke about the upcoming "Summer Active" Program and the "Active Age" and "Seniors Leisure" Programs. He displayed many useful resources that people could obtain through his department or federally. Regina Guinchard (Burin), and Patricia Jones (C.B.S.) won Summer Active T-Shirts while Florence Peach (Arnold's Cove) and Marion Kenway (Baine Harbour) both received fanny packs from the Corporate Participaction Challenge.

A working luncheon followed the mornings activities. Helen Hoskins, a volunteer from Arnold's Cove, was introduced as a new member of the Network Planning Committee. It was also announced that Bernadette Doyle had agreed to become Membership Chairperson while Jennifer Hemeon and Linda Scott had volunteered to be responsible for Public Relations. A pamphlet explaining the functions of the Network has been developed to help attract new members.

Eva Laing presented certificates of appreciation to three volunteers - Marion Kenway, Patricia Gaulton, and Hilda Norman. They had participated in training for Lifestyle Clinics and will be holding Lifestyle Clinics in their communities.

The final presentation was made by Neil Tilley on "Community Capacity Building". He emphasized that we already have many skilled people within the Network and encouraged us to avail of their skills.

Thanks to the planning committee for their efforts in organizing an exceptional conference.

Heart Health in Labrador

Heart Health in Labrador is building recognition and momentum. The region has vast cultural diversity and issues differ from community to community. As a result of this awareness, our coalition is hoping to set up core groups in communities that express an interest in healthy heart activities. Labrador City has been our first community to take the plunge. This group has representatives from different age groups. The youth representative has been planning and implementing heart health activities for youth. Also stemming from this core group have been requests to present heart health information to Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro employees in that town. The organization works within the corporate health model and we applaud them for their initiatives in heart health.

On April 15, 1996 our regional coalition collaborated with the provincial Heart Health Program, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association to present "Heart Health in the Workplace", to the employees of Health Labrador Corporation (HLC). HLC is one of the largest employers in our region, and has staff in every community. We had multidisciplinary representation, from both our larger institutions and our isolated nursing stations. We had an interesting full day session, in which we discussed the benefits of heart health for employees, and reviewed the corporate health model. Following this workshop a meeting was held with the CEO of HLC, a summary of our discussions was presented as well as a brief overview of the corporate health model. He was very receptive of the idea, and we are now at the stage of obtaining further information for the board of directors and senior managers. The spin off from this will be very exciting for our region.

As always Active Living is alive and well in Labrador. Goronwy Price, Regional Consultant Recreation and Sports, and his team have once again proven that we can get people active in all our communities, with the Labrador Challenge. In the Labrador Challenge each community in Labrador competed for the greatest percentage of participants who have completed at least 15 minutes of physical activity in that day. Once again a great success, a job well done.

Community Television Kits have been received in our region. One of our coalition members has accepted the task of presenting to local cable companies within the region, and initiating some heart health programs. We feel this will be very successful in this region, as the local station is viewed by a large part of the population.

A major focus of the regional Labrador Heart Health Coalition is reduction of tobacco use. It is recognized that there are many issues related to addictions in this region. Tobacco being no exception. We are researching programs that have already been established in regions with similar demographics as Labrador and hope to plan a workshop on tobacco reduction strategies for our region in the fall.

It is a very exciting time for Labrador. With the great work of our coalition, and the wonderful diversity of our population, anything is possible!

Central Heart Health Coalition Holds Its First Regional Workshop

The first community workshop sponsored by the Central Heart Health Coalition was held in Grand Falls-Windsor on Saturday, June 1, 1996. There were 52 participants at the workshop representing a variety of agencies, interest and communities.

The workshop began with an informative and enthusiastic welcome by Isabelle Hall, a member of the Coalition Planning Committee. Isabelle provided an overview of the formation, objectives and history of the coalition. Participants got to meet each other through an ice breaker structured around the major risk factors for heart disease.

Neil Tilley lead the group through a presentation entitled "Community Capacity Building - Taking Heart Health Home." He encouraged participants to take a look at themselves and their communities to identify the assets and strengths that they bring to each initiative that they undertake.

After a Heart Smart Lunch, Dave Feener, Consultant with the Department of Tourism, Sports and Recreation, spoke to the group on "Building An Active Living Community." The concept of what constitutes active living was portrayed in a fun and interesting manner. Dave Feener outlined a model for building an active living community.

Next, everyone moved into action as Lucy Sagar, member of the Coalition Planning Committee, lead everyone in a walking technique seminar. An added bonus was that the sun had come out and this session could be facilitated in the great outdoors! Everyone enjoyed Lucy's demonstration and was keen to improve their technique.

A major goal of the planning committee was to have all participants go away from this workshop with a plan of action as to how they or their group could have an impact on heart health through active living or other heart health-related behaviours. This goal was accomplished by participants working in small groups, looking at an action plan or strategy they could take away from this session and identifying the support they needed to carry it out.

As each participant works on their personal or group strategy over the summer, a fall teleconference is planned to follow up on progress.

This workshop was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Update from St. John's Regional Heart Health Coalition

Community Heart Health Information Sessions are being conducted in various areas throughout the St. John's region. The sessions provide a worthwhile opportunity to share information about heart health and for coalition members to find out about activities that are ongoing in the community.

An application has been made to the federal Human Resources Department to hire a summer student to assist with the work of the coalition.

The coalition co-sponsored a representative to attend the National Heart Health meeting in Calgary on May 22-25, 1996.

Various Heart Health activities have been initiated at the local level. In the community of Ferryland the Cable TV Kit is being used to show heart health videos. An application has been made to HRD to hire summer students to do some heart health programming in the area. Other activities being considered in Ferryland include the Heart Smart Cooking Course, vegetable gardening and a walking program.

The Parks and Recreation of Mount Pearl are incorporating heart health messages and resources into their established programs such as their Indoor Walking Club, Active Living initiatives and Canada Health Day.

Heart health messages were promoted during the Health Fair that was held on Bell Island for Canada Health Day May 12, 1996.

St. John's Health Care Corporation incorporated Heart Health messages into their Canada Health Day activities and the Heart Smart Restaurant Program has been promoted in cafeterias.

Northern Heart Health Coalition Activities Get Going

Members of the Northern Heart Health Coalition have formed small working groups throughout the region and are initiating activities to encourage community residents to get involved.

A Health Fair was held at the local Co-Op Supermarket in Flowers Cove on May 9, 1996 and was deemed a great success.

Heart Health Awareness Day at Foodland Supermarket, Roddickton included Grocery Store Tours, a Heart Health Display and Blood Pressure Checks. Over 160 people participated.

Lifestyle Clinics have been initiated in two new areas of Castor River South and Reef's Harbour.

The Northern Coalition has purchased 200 Heart Health T-Shirts which will be used to promote Heart Health and to raise funds for Heart Health events in the region.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation held their annual CPR Conference in St. Anthony this year from May 31 to June 2. Trudy White, Co-Chair of the Northern Heart Health Coalition, provided a presentation on the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program and the activities of the Northern Coalition. A demonstration of NLHHP's Home Page on the Internet was given.

Activities will continue at the local level throughout the summer and a one day regional workshop is being planned for the fall.

Community Action for Heart Health

Healthy Public Policy Results in Less Tobacco Smoke

Three great success stories have come our way

• The Newfoundland Kennel Club has adopted the Heart Health T-Shirts for use with their "Drill Team." These keen volunteers incorporate active living into their lives as they walk with their dogs and demonstrate "obedience" skills. The Kennel Club has also adopted a Smoke Free Policy for all of their public functions. Congratulations to both owners and dogs and thanks for the clean air.
• The Reid Centre in Mount Pearl has kept its Smoke Free status and reports no loss in revenues. It appears that over time people adjust to not smoking and people who couldn't enjoy events because of tobacco smoke can now participate.
• The Avalon Consolidated School Board has banned cigarettes on school grounds. This is a positive step towards helping our youth stay Smoke Free and its a great role model example.

Forming Partnerships in Heart Health

The Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association held their 25th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Gander from June 6 to 9th, 1996. Lucy Sagar, Health Educator with Central Community Health, was invited to speak on the Provincial Heart Health Coalitions/Networks. Lucy highlighted the Development of the coalitions/networks through an overview of the 1989 Heart Health Survey and Provincial Heart Health Projects. A list of provincial coalitions/networks was made available to session participants and all conference personnel. The rationale behind the formation of the coalitions/networks was discussed, with an emphasis on resource accessibility.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Community Television Kit was available for review along with the Community Kitchens video and manual and the Community Action for Heart Health video and leaders' manual.

All participants were very interested in the coalitions/networks. They were encouraged to contact their local Community Health office and become part of our growing Heart Health network movement across the province.

Volunteers Trained for Healthy Heart Program

A group of 17 volunteers in the Tri-town area were recently certified to conduct Lifestyle Clinics in their communities. The certificates were presented on June 10, 1996 by Ruby Crewe, Community Health Nurse for the area, during a Healthy Heart Fair held at St. Barbe Manor for seniors in Port Saunders. The fair was conducted by the volunteers and the three nurses who provided the training for the volunteers, Ruby Crewe, Karen Tulk and Tracey Ellsworth.

The fair provided information about eating healthy, being active, not smoking and knowing your blood pressure. It also included music and dancing, a healthy heart lunch and an exercise session led by Patricia Banett, one of the volunteers.

Other volunteers certified were Velda House, Carolann Mochon, Hallis White, Mary Lowe, Catherine Ryan, Evangeline Barrett, Elizabeth Pritchett, Helen Gould, Alma Gould, Ella Noel, Helena Moores, Darlene Young, Mary Gaslard.

These volunteers are now eager to carry Heart Health Programs into the future. Among activities that will be carried out in the Lifestyle Clinics are blood pressure screening and body mass index (BMI) screening.

Congratulations to Tri-town area volunteers.

Eastern Heart Health Network takes part in Canada Health Day Fairs

The Eastern Heart Health Network participated in Canada Health Day Fairs in Bay Roberts on May 9th, 1996 and Bonavista on May 13th, 1996. John Hyde and Kevin Bennett, who are members of the network, manned the network's display at the Bay Roberts fair, while John attended the one in Bonavista. The display featured the Heart Health Community Television Kit and played tapes from the kit during the fair. The displays were very well attended, the one in Bonavista with over 500 people. This provided an opportunity to promote heart health, the Eastern Heart Health Network and resources available to promote heart health.

Information Corner

A Nutrition Survey Is Underway in Your Community

A province wide nutrition survey designed to describe the dietary practices of 2000 adult residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador started in May 1996. The results will be used by health professionals and community agencies to plan programs aimed at health promotion and prevention of such conditions as heart disease and cancer. Information obtained from the study will therefore benefit all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and add to the data available on nutrition at the provincial and national level.

Funding obtained jointly from the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences at the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada, the National Health Research and Devleopment Program of Health Canada, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Bliss Murphy Centre have enabled us to join Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Alberta and PEI in conducting the first nutrition survey in three decades.

Randomly selected individuals, representing a cross section of the residents of this province aged 18-74 years, are being called by interviewers and provided with further details about the survey. Participation is strictly voluntary and those who are interviewed will not be identified by name. Each participant will be asked to complete three health related and dietary questionnaires. Residents representing many regions of the province will be requested to participate in the survey.

The survey investigators represent the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University. The Principal Investigator for the survey is Dr. Barbara Roebothan, Community Nutritionist with Memorial University. The other members of the project team are Eleanor Swanson of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Catherine Donovan of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Project and Dr. James K. Friel and Jane Aucoin of Memorial University.

An extensive 10 day training session, provided through Health Canada, took place at Memorial University prior to the start-up of the study. Interviews, conducted in participants' homes, started in May and conclude in the fall of this year. The questionnaires will then be sent to Health Canada for compilation.

For further information, contact the Nutrition Newfoundland and Labrador Office at Memorial University (709-727-8068)

Update from the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

Health experts, environmental experts, and millions of Canadians are concerned about the risks of air pollution. The Lung Association is committed to helping people take action to reduce those risks. That's why we've created C.A.N. DO, the Movement for Clean Air Now. In early Fall, 1996, the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will be launching this movement. The movement is aimed at anybody and everybody who wants to breathe clean air. C.A.N. DO will help you take real actions to improve the air you breathe. Since most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoors, that's where the air could have the greatest impact on your health. The good news is that indoors is also where you can do the most to improve the quality of the air you breathe. But there's a lot we can do together to improve the air we breathe outdoors, too. It's time to take responsibility for the air we share.

Baby's Coming - Baby's Home is a project of Community Health - St. John's Region in conjunction with the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. This project is a community action initiative to help prenatal and postnatal mothers and their families create smoke-free environments for their babies. Mothers will receive appropriate information, resources and supports from health care professionals and community agencies to help them understand the issues related to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the importance of creating a smoke-free environment. To assist mothers, health care professionals will receive inservice education and access to the resources.

Baby's Coming - Baby's Home is now entering it's third trimester. It is scheduled to be competed this coming Fall. Once completed, it is hoped that the positive results of this initiative will be incorporated into the existing, regular services for prenatal and postnatal women; and that it will continue in the St. John's region as well as be diffused to other regions in the province.

Mark your calendar for the following future events of the Lung Association:

• Lung Run - September 8, 1996

Corporate teams will be running and individuals will be walking to raise money to initiate new programs as well as continue with existing ones offered by the Lung Association. Excellent prizes to be won (large and small) by participants. Health resources on site. Huffin the Puffin's birthday party; kids of participants invited to this spectacular event and share some of Huffin's giant cake. Lots of surprises in store for all.

• Train the Trainer Session - Fall 1996

A full day workshop designed to train interested persons to be facilitators for smoking cessation groups. Hope to attract people from all areas of the Island to learn how to start smoking cessation groups in their area.

• Professional Devleopment Conference - October 3-4, 1996

A multidisciplinary conference open to respiratory health professionals and affiliated students. To be held at the Newfoundland Hotel.

• Benefit Concert 97 - January 30, 1997

To be held at The Arts and Culture Centre, St. John's. Featuring Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, The Debbie Jordan Band, Crooked Stovepipe and Me & Him. Tickets to be sold starting in October and will be available through The Lung Association.

For more information on any of the above projects or events, please contact Cathy at The Lung Association at (709-726-4664).

June was Stroke Awareness Month

On June 11th, 1996 at a press conference held in Toronto, the Heart and Stroke Foundation unveiled new stroke programs and resources, including the first ever "Canadian Family Guide to Stroke". Forty per cent of Canadians have experienced stroke in their family, but this is the first comprehensive Canadian resource for stroke survivors and their families. The book is available from the Heart and Stroke Foundation (cost $22.00). Throughout June, awareness and fund-raising activities took place in communities across the country.

On June 14th, 1996 the National Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation gathered at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's for a press conference to discuss the results of a recent poll carried out for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The national poll of 1, 389 Canadians found that only 9% know that weakness or paralysis, typically on one side, is a warning sign of stroke. No other warning sign of stroke was named by more that 20% (dizziness or lightheadedness, sudden or unusual headache, loss of speech or trouble understanding speech, or blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye). Almost half (47%) of Canadians admit that they wouldn't know what to do if they thought they were having a stroke. Canadians at the highest risk of stroke were no better informed than the general population.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador has recently set up a Stroke Education Committee to address some of the educational needs of stroke survivors in this province. We are also very active in fund raising specifically for stroke research and education. A provincial door to door campaign was conducted in June and the 5th annual "Stroke for Stroke" Whaler Boat races are scheduled for September 7th, 1996, at Quidi Vidi Lake. If you are interested in participating in this event, or would like more information about stroke contact Corinne Corining, Health Promotion Coordinator, Heart and Stroke Foundation (709-753-8521).

Score Your Child's Physical Education

Do parents know how physically active their sons and daughters are? Every now and then, parents get to see their children's report cards and find out how the school rates their performance in physical education. Perhaps it would be a good exercise to turn the tables around and grade the school for a change...

Take the following quiz to find out how your child's school rates in terms of its physical education program:

• Does the school provide your child with at least 30 minutes of instruction in physical education each day?
• Does the program include opportunities for participation in school intramural activities and student leadership opportunities?
• Is there a wide variety of physical activities offered?
• Does the program include a cardiovascular component (things like running, skipping, aerobic, dance or swimming)?
• Does the program encourage children of all body types and abilities to participate?
• Does the program emphasize fun, socialization and active living rather than just competition and traditional team sports?
• Are the teachers qualified?
• Does the school provide a safe learning environment for physical activity?
• Does the school make use of other facilities in addition to the gymnasium (i.e. school skating rink or community pool)?
• Does your child look forward to physical education classes and intramural activities? Yes No Don't Know

If all 10 answers are "yes" your child's school has an EXCELLENT program. If you have between 6 and 8 "yes" answers, the program is GOOD. If you have fewer than 6 "yes" answers, find out more about what the school offers and seek ways to persuade the administration to implement better programs. If you don't know the answer to some of the questions, the time to find out is now! Ask your child and principal (or some school representative) about the school program.

If your child does not look forward to physical education classes or intramural programs, find out why. Is it lack of interesting activities? Too much competition? Awkwardness or self-consciousness? A well-balanced, quality physical education program should offer a wide variety of physical activities. It should teach the knowledge and the attitudes necessary to develop efficient movement skills. Whatever your child's difficulty, see how the physical education program can be improved to meet his or her needs.

Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Participates in the 11th Canadian Heart Health Network Meeting.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program (NLHHP) was very visible at the 11th Canadian Heart Health Network Conference held in Calgary, Alberta, May 23rd to 25th, 1996. The theme of the conference was Building Connections for Action in Heart Health: "Working with the Media, Professional, Private and Public Sectors." A display booth by NLHHP attracted many conference participants. An oral presentation by Eva Laing, NLHHP Co-ordinator, focussed on NLHHP's Community Television Kit and was attended by a very interested and impressed audience.

The conference provided an opportunity to foster networking and exchange information as well as an opportunity to demonstrate our provinces innovative strategies.

Heart Health on the Agenda of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association

The Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association (NLHCA) has undertaken a Heart Health Workplace Initiative. The overall aim of this initiative is to encourage health organizations who are members of NLHCA to provide opportunities for their employees to address heart health issues. The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program has been collaborating with NLHCA in this initiatives. During the spring, seminars were conducted with representatives from health organizations in Labrador and Western regions. Plans are in place to continue these seminars in other regions of the province in the fall. Organizations wishing more information about these seminars can contact Evelyn House-Dupuis, Director Special Projects, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association (709- 364-7704).

New Resources

Coming Soon........

Women and Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease and stroke is the leading cause of death in women? In fact, women are eight times more likely to die from heart related diseases than from breast cancer. It is vital that women understand the conditions and factors that can increase their risk; and learn strategies that can be incorporated into their busy lives which may decrease risk.

A resource package is currently being developed through Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program to raise awareness and to introduce prevention strategies which are interactive and fun. Coming this fall, a unique resource for women throughout the province.

Also watch for September's issue of Chatelaine which will carry a twelve page supplement on Women, Heart Disease and Stroke.

Making a Difference Training Video

This is a training video which is being produced to complement the existing training manual for the Allied Youth Smoking Prevention Program. Making a Difference. This video can also be used at the beginning of each school year as a refresher training for peer leaders who have undergone training.

This video will be available in September through the Allied Youth Provincial Office (709-729-0725)

Newfoundland & Labrador Heart Health Lifestyle Clinic Resource Kit.

This kit has been developed for community volunteers and health professionals who are interested in conducting lifestyle clinics in their communities.

The kit includes:

a training component for blood pressure, height, weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) checks.

information on lifestyle issues that affect heart health.

guidelines on how to conduct lifestyle clinics.

This kit will be available in September from Community Health Regional Offices.