Vol 7, No. 2
Summer 1997

In This Issue...

Regional Coalition News

News from the St. John's Heart Health Coalition

Camera - Lights - Action
The Heart Health Coalition - St. John's Region completed the taping of the Cable TV series during August 1997. Members of the Coalition put the content of the shows together and many of them also sat as guests on the shows. The series "Heart Health for Life" will include five shows. The first show is an introduction and each following show will promote one of the key heart health messages: healthy eating, active living, controlling blood pressure and being smoke free. The series will be shown on Cable 9 during Heart Month. So turn your TV in February and watch some of your colleagues in action!

Ticker Tom's Heart Health Week

This summer St. John's Heart Health Coalition - has been busy working with recreation leaders to spread heart healthy messages to children and youth.

A Heart Health Workshop for Recreation Leaders was held on June 20, 1997 to launch the summer project and to generate ideas for a heart health event. Consequently, the Coalition together with the St. John's and Mount Pearl Departments of Parks and Recreation designated the week of July 14-18, 1997 as Ticker Tom's Heart Health Week.

It was a terrific week! Over 500 children from 12 different recreation sites participated in heart health activities, with an emphasis on active living, healthy eating, and being smoke free.

On Friday, July 18, 1997 Coalition members visited each site to view heart health murals and listen to songs prepared by the children for an end of the week celebration. The children were very enthusiastic and were awarded prizes in recognition for their efforts. A good time was had by all and the Coalition was successful in furthering its mission of working with individuals and communities to promote heart health.

Most of the responsibility for this project rested with Susan Hann, A Health Education student from Dalhousie University, as part of her twelve week work placement. Susan initiated contact with the recreation leaders and helped to organize and facilitate the Heart Health Workshop. She also selected and compiled the heart health activities to be used by recreation programs this summer and arranged most of the details for Heart Health Week. The mascot Ticker Tom was readily accepted by all!

The Coalition was fortunate to have Susan's expertise to help oversee the project and looks forward to her final report. Good luck in your future endeavour Susan!

Here is a song written by Discovery Day Camp, Mount Pearl Parks and Recreation (9-12 years).

Community Health Western and The Western Heart Health Coalition Welcome the Matthew

As the Matthew sailed into Corner Brook, Community Health Western and Western Heart Health Coalition were busy getting their booth in shape for the celebration on the waterfront, Over 500 people visited the booth during the three days of celebrations.

A healthy heart ball toss was the main attraction of the booth and staff were kept busy asking each participant a qualifying question on issues related to heart health. Prizes were awarded to successful participants and draws were held on each of the three days of the event. In follow up to this activity, the Western Heart Health Coalition is holding a "name the heart health clown" contest for Community Health staff in the Region to name the mascot. Ruby Baker won the contest with her name "Good Heart"

News from Central Heart Health Coalition

Central Heart Health Coalition has been very busy in initiatives for Heart Health. Members of the Coalition met on April 23, 1997 to report on their initiatives with local cable stations in the region. It is quite evident that coalition members have risen to the challenge of introducing the NLHHP Community Television Kit to cable stations in the region. In Springdale Karen Melindy and Kim Oldford Pynn have organized and participated in 2 live shows and the station has continued to show pre-taped material from the kit. Triton Cable Station through the efforts of Lilly LeDrew has initiated the airing of monthly health themes using videos from the kit and health facts on a scroll up screen. Gander Cable Station with the support of Lucy Sagar and Isabelle Hall has also shown heart health facts on a scroll up screen and has agreed to air segments of a grocery store tour conducted by Lucy and Isabelle. In Lewisporte, Sandra Carpenter has organized a local committee that has been instrumental in having 6 live shows and one pre-taped show aired on the local station. During February Heart Month the local cable station in Harbour Breton under the direction of Louise Price aired weekly videos from the kit along with scroll up heart health tips. Likewise in Centreville Margaret Burry facilitated the airing of heart health videos and scroll up messages with local stations in the area. In Grand Falls / Windsor plans are underway to have heart health programming aired in the fall. Many thanks to the volunteers and staff of cable television stations in central who have worked so collaboratively with coalition members to spread the heart health messages.

On May 24th the coalition sponsored a workshop in Grand Falls / Windsor. The theme of the workshop was Healthy Eating and included presentations on Shopping for Heart Health, Community Kitchens, Community Gardens and Recipe Modifications. Activities also included a Healthy Eating Bingo and a simulated Grocery Store Tour with five dieticians available for advice. Thirty four community residents participated in the workshop which was deemed by all to be a tremendous success.

Community Action for Heart Health

Western Region Celebrates Canada Health Day

This year to celebrate Canada Health Day, Community Health Western in partnership with the Western Health Care Corporation, encouraged schools, local businesses and other community groups to team up and organize a "Walk for Health" in their communities.

The Canada Health Day Committee felt this was a great way to celebrate health, heighten community spirit and promote active living.In various communities across the Western region, the celebration began with the Mayor officially proclaiming the day "Canada Health Day". After the walk the general public was invited to view displays, enjoy refreshments and take part in a chance to win Canada Health Day prizes. Other activities included radio health quizzes, and media interviews.

In Corner Brook Priscilla Boutcher, Deputy Mayor proclaimed Canada Health Day and urged all citizens to participate in healthy activities to make this an important day. Twenty staff of Community Health Western and Western Memorial Regional Hospital took part in a walk around Corner Brook which included a trip to the Glynmill Inn Pond. The walk finished up at the hospital where staff enjoyed displays, refreshments and a chance to win prizes.

Dr. Minnie Wasmeier, Chief Executive Director of Community Health Western, who participated in the walk stated "This is one great way for us to celebrate health in our communities. This walk will heighten community spirit and, at the same time, promote and involve people in active living".

In Stephenville more than 100 people joined in a walking event called Focus on Community Health. The walk started at the town hall where Mayor Cecil Stein led the walk. It ended at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital where healthy snacks were served, donated by Versa foods.

In Flat Bay the students and teachers of St. Ann's Elementary school were joined by parents and pre-schoolers in a two kilometre "Walk for Health" to celebrate Canada Health Day. The walk to Big Pond and back to St. Ann's was full of excitement and laughter as children carried signs they had made to take on their walk. At the end of the day the children left the school excited with their achievement of Walking for Health.

In the Bay St. George area staff and residents of the Bay St. George Senior Citizens Home joined Mayor Urban and other citizens of the community in the Canada Health Day Walk.

Dunfield Park's Community Garden

Violet Colson, Coalition member and Dunfield Park Community Centre manager is happy with the third annual Dunfield Park Community Garden. Interest in the garden is high with 10 families currently involved in the garden. As of the end of July, a crop of green onions was harvested and rows of potatoes are in flower awaiting harvesting. The local CBC radio station interviewed some garden members again this year. The garden keeps getting better each year and while Violet suggests they are still a group "greenhorns", the gardening families at Dunfield Park are quickly becoming "green thumbs".

Primary Health Care Nursing Project in Dunfield Park

Members of the Dunfield Park Community Committee participated with two students, Ivy Lewis and Trudy Read over the summer in a Primary Health Care Nursing Project. This community group and the two nurses conducted a community needs assessment and then planned, implemented and evaluated the actions taken.

Violet Colson, Dunfield Park Community Centre manager was instrumental in helping to contact community members to ask for participation at all levels of the project. Anne Lynch, Nutritionist with community Health Western also became involved, acting as a consultant on many needs including nutrition, heart health, lifestyle issues and community development. Violet and Anne are members of the Western Heart Health Coalition.

Strategies were planned and implemented with a great deal of input and participation from the Dunfield Park citizens in a spirit of self-determination. Community members participated by writing up flyers, and delivering these flyers to the homes. Other participated by sharing first hand personal experiences of these health issues, and how they dealt with them. Other community members worked at the organization of the various information sessions that were held. Special thanks go to Susan Diamond for conducting sessions on women's health issues and to Linda Stuckless for helping to organize the sessions. This project built on the many activities ongoing at the centre such as aerobics, walking club, community gardens and community kitchen. An evaluation of this project indicated a worthwhile endeavour. Community residents were very pleased to have participated in the events and are now organizing sessions for the fall.

Many thanks to Dunfield Park citizens for their involvement in the project, and congratulations for the commitment to continue.

Bear Cove Walking Club

In October 1996 residents of Bear Cove having heard about the success of a walking club in their neighbouring community Plum Point met to form a club of their own. The club led by Joyce Mehan started out with 30 people and has since increased to 60 people.

Organized walks take place daily at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and participants record the distance they walk on a chart. Many other people walk on their own and keep a record of their distances in a log book. Monthly meetings are held where all club members compare the distances walked and provide support for each other.

Since the club has been formed the walking trail in Bear Cove is frequented by all ages. The enthusiasm has spread to a nearby community Deadman's Cove which is hoping to develop a walking trail to meet up with the Bear Cove trail.

Heart Health in Ramea

Residents of Ramea on the South Coast of Newfoundland have taken action for Heart Health. Volunteers, Sue Giles, Brenda Kendall, Peggy Sibley, Effie Hardy, Marlene Augustus, Olenda Green and Wilfred Cutler attended training by Public Health Nurse, Darlene Kavanagh to conduct Heart Health Lifestyle Clinics. On July 23rd they held their first clinic in the fire hall in Ramea. Over 100 people attended the clinics to have their blood pressure checked, body mass index measured and to receive information on Heart Health. Congratulations Ramea!

Successful Workshop in Port Blandford

On June 9, 1997 approximately 25 people gathered at the Port Blandford United Church Hall to participate in a heart healthy nutrition workshop organized by the Port Blandford Heart Health Committee. Donna Noseworthy, Regional Nutritionist from Community Health, Janice Smith, owner of the Spice of Life in Clarenville and Kelly Sullivan, Dietetic Intern , were on hand to guide participants through three interactive nutrition displays.

At one display, participants could learn about label reading by using labels from commonly used food items. A second display showing many varieties of spices, herbs, pastas and beans provided people with a chance to talk about low fat cooking alternatives. A third display demonstrated some of the ways recipes can be modified to make lower fat desserts and treats.

After much discussion at each display, everybody gathered to sample some low fat snacks: a variety of delicious low fat muffins, provided by Janice Smith and Sherry Harris, along with a chick pea humus and cranberry fizz punch provided by the Heart Health Committee. Donna Noseworthy presented Janice Smith with a Nutrition Month apron as a "thank you" for her participation. The evening finished with a draw for two Nutrition Month aprons (provided by the port Blandford Heart Health Committee) won by Evelyn Penney and Joanne King.

Making a Difference

In April 1997 Charmaine Wight and Lorraine Ryan from Community Health Central facilitated workshops for 34 students from Botwood Collegiate, Grand Falls Academy High School St. Michael's High School and F. G. Bursey Memorial Collegiate. These workshops used the Allied Youth Making A Difference Program to train senior youths to deliver smoking prevention sessions to their younger peers.

Through the workshop students learned skills to help them make responsible choices . They gained information regarding the damage caused by smoking (physical and financial) and used skits to show how some youth decide to start smoking.

The program is available upon request to schools and other groups by contacting Regional Community Health Offices.

News from the Single Parent Association (SPAN)

SPAN's Community Kitchen Program has continued to be a success over these past five years and this fall will be expanding. The Program has been awarded funding from the St. John's Maple Leafs which will be used to organize and run fifteen kitchens. Plans are underway to establish a few kitchens outside of St. John's as most of SPAN's efforts to date have been within the city.

Best wishes to SPAN in your new venture.

Heart Health and Cabot Celebrations in Port aux Basques

Public Health Nurses took advantage of the Cabot 500 Celebrations and the Matthew's visit to Port aux Basques by having a Healthy Heart Display at the site of the celebrations.

Posters and literature were used to spread heart health messages. Blood pressure checks and blood glucose screening were also carried out. Approximately 250 people visited the Heart Health tent during the festivities, many of whom were from out the province.

This was a unique opportunity to promote Heart Health in a very festive atmosphere. Thanks to the Cabot 500 Committee for this opportunity!

Heart Health in Labrador Straits

Each year the Bakeapple Folk Festival is a highlight of the season in the Labrador Straits. This summer staff at the health center in Forteau seized this opportunity to promote Heart Health by having a booth at the festival.

On August 9th and 10th hundreds of local people as well as many tourists visited the booth to receive information on health topics such as healthy eating, active living, and smoking. Over 160 people took time to have their blood pressure checked and entered their name to win a prize (Heart Health T-shirts and lunch bags). This Heart Health booth was such a success that it will continue each year as part of the annual Bakeapple Folk Festival.

News from NLHHP

NLHHP 1997 Exchange Workshop

The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Project held its third Exchange Workshop on May 2 and 3 at the Airport Plaza, St. John's with over 50 participants in attendance. The workshop Celebrating Success, Planning Future Direction, opened with greetings from Honorable Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Health, who commended participants for their efforts.

The workshop agenda continued with updates from regional coalitions, community-based projects and special provincial projects.

Plenary and concurrent sessions provided participants an opportunity to update their knowledge and skills while the group activities provided a venue for discussing the challenges faced and strategies to meet these challenges.

The thirteen displays from community-based projects, regional coalition and partner organizations were a hub of activity during morning and lunch breaks as participants shared information and ideas.

Drawing of door prizes helped to end the workshop on a positive and light-hearted note as participants went away with gift certificates for Heart Smart Restaurants and fitness classes, heart healthy cookbooks, T-shirts and hats.

Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Participates in the 4th International Conference on Preventive Cardiology.

From June 20 to July 3, 1997 Canada hosted the 4th International Conference on Preventative Cardiology in Montreal, Quebec. With over 2700 delegates from 80 countries attending the conference NLHHP had an opportunity to share our successes with health professionals from around the world. Catherine Donovan and Eva Laing represented NLHHP at the conference with two presentations on the program and a display in the exhibit area. NLHHP's display was part of the Canadian Heart Health Hall of Provinces, a very impressive display which was organized by a national committee, chaired by Eva Laing and included each province's initiative.

Information Corner

June was Stroke Awareness Month

A stroke can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. Risk of having a stroke increases a great deal if you have high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries heart disease or diabetes. Smoking and family history of heart problems may also increase the risk of stroke. Anyone with these conditions should see their doctor regularly and follow their recommended treatment very carefully.

Over the past 30 years, deaths from stroke have dropped by 50%. In the last year alone, important new treatments to prevent stroke have become available. Anyone who experiences the warning signs of a stroke must go to the hospital immediately to receive the full benefit from these new treatments.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador has established a Stroke Education Committee who have been extremely busy working on a newsletter, "STROKE MATTERS" which was distributed in June. This committee also addresses some of the educational needs of stroke survivors in this province. A provincial door-to-door campaign was conducted in June and the 6th annual "Stroke for Stroke". Whaler Boat Races were held on September 6th, at Quidi Vidi Lake.

If you would like more information about stroke contact Paul Ewing, Health Promotion Co-ordinator, Heart and Stroke Foundation (709) 753-8521).

Smoking and Youth Help Wanted!

Have you noticed that many young people have taken up the smoking habit?

Your observation is "spot on". According to two recent surveys, smoking rates among youth have increased. In 1994 the Youth Smoking Survey showed a 22% daily smoking rate amongst our province's 15-19 year olds. In 1996 the Student Drug Use Survey showed a daily smoking rate of 29% among grade 7-12 students in the province. That's a 7% increase.

How do youth get their cigarettes?

One big source of smokes is local corner stores. In fact half of our store owners sold to underage youth during a 1996 Compliance Check on the new Tobacco Sales Law.

Older youth frequently buy smokes for younger kids (sometimes for a fee) and even family members do the so-called "favour".

Why do youth smoke?

We've all heard of "peer pressure" and it works well for smoking. Other reasons include "curiosity", "to be popular" and "because parents smoke".

Smoking continues to be glamorized through movies, T.V. programs, sponsorships and most recently the Cigar craze with its prominent role models appearing in glossy magazines and on the media.

Youth are aware of the potential negative health effects but sense that for them, that's a future worry and they'll quit when that time comes.

What can we do to help?

Both adults and other youth can participate:

• Lobby store owners not to sell
• Encourage schools and youth groups to implement prevention programs and to offer support for those who want to quit.
• Encourage families to adopt smoke-free homes and vehicles, or at least smoke-free spaces in homes.
• Work together with other health and youth agencies as well as your local Community Health office.

Good luck!

Commentary

The Youth Smoking Survey included 2466 youth between the ages of 15 and 19 years in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Student Drug Use Survey included 3613 students in Grades 7 to 12 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Both surveys include youth between the ages of 15 and 18. Since smoking rates increase with age one would anticipate a lower rate for the 1996 Student Drug Use Survey since it includes a greater number of younger youth. On the contrary, there is a 7% increase in the smoking rate from 1994 to 1996. This is a great concern and represents a major challenge for Community Health programs.

Heart Health Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls Recipe

Everyone loves sweet and sour meatballs. These are made using lean ground chicken and turkey and are just as delicious. Serve them over rice, couscous or orzo and steamed broccoli.

Makes 6 servings

Sweet & Sour Sauce:

1. In large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, egg whites, bread crumbs ¬cup / 50 mL ketchup, slat, pepper and parsley. Shape into 1-inch /2.5 cm balls. Reserve.



2. To prepare sauce, heat oil in large non-stick saucepan. Add garlic and onion. Cook on low heat until fragrant but do not brown. Add 1/2 cup / 125 mL ketchup, tomatoes and ginger ale. Bring to boil (if sauce is too thick, add about 1/2 cup/125 mL water or additional ginger ale). Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.



3. Add chicken balls to boiling sauce. Reduce heat and cook gently, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until meatballs are tender and sauce is thick.

Taken from More Heart Smart Cooking by Bonnie Stern. Available from the Heart & Stroke Foundation (709) 753-8521.

Heart Smart Restaurant Program

The Heart Smart Restaurant Program is on the move across the province. A number of new restaurants have signed up with the program from the Central and Western Regions and a lot of activity is taking place in Labrador to bring restaurants in the area on board. Thank you to all the coalition members who have promoted the program in their regions.

A new initiative for the Heart Smart Restaurant Program in the St. John's region this year is the introduction of the "Adopt-a-Restaurant" Project. This project is adapted from the Ottawa-Carlton Health region. It involves the training of volumteers to visit participating restaurants to promote and maintain the program. We look forward to involving more volunteers in the program and in increasing the profile and awareness of the Heart Smart Restaurant program.

For more informatiom on the Heart Smart Restaurant Program call the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 753-8251.

Food Services and Establishments Participating in the Heart Smart Restaurant Program

Restaurants

Bakeries and Lunch Counter

Cafeterias

Across the Province

Of a Personal Note

Lifestyle Changes - a Personal Story

Rose Ryan of St. John's is an example of how you can change your lifestyle. In her early fifties Rose in September 1996 made some changes in her life. With a family history of heart disease Rose had quit smoking, 8 years ago but up to September still had a problem with keeping her weight down. She also had high pressure and other medical problems.

Determined to make changes Rose began a regular daily exercise program and reduced the fat intake in her diet. Since September 1996 Rose has lost 30 lbs. and decreased her waist by 12 inches. She continues her dedication to healthy eating and spends an hour and a half six days a week at a fitness centre doing cardiovascular exercises and some light weight training Rose states she feels wonderful physically and mentally. Her advice: "exercise and watch what you eat. Avoid foods high in fat. Stay determined". Congratulations Rose Ryan!

Thanks, Bernie!

A great big "Thank You" goes to Bernie Weinheber for five years service as chairperson of the Port Blandford Heart Health Committee.

From day one, Bernie was, and still is, involved with the Heart Health Project which included- the meetings to apply for funding, the kick-off events, the many fall festivals and winter carnivals, provincial exchange workshops, regular committee meetings (and phone calls) and all the "behind the scenes" running around. Even more important than all of this is her continued interest in the well-being of the community, especially her concern about smoking. "Even though we tried several times to initiate non-smoking programs, our efforts were "dismal failures", says Bernie. Don't give up, Bernie, we are still working on this challenge".

Although no longer chairperson, Bernie is still actively involved as a member of the Port Blandford Heart Health Committee. Your interest and work and your continued support of heart health activities are really appreciated Bernie!

New Resources

The following resources are available from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, P. O. Box 5819. St. John's, NL A1C 5X3 Phone: (709) 753-8521.

Women, Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada: Issues and Options

Women, Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada: Issues and Options is a document developed by Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, which contains information regarding the problem of Heart Disease and Stroke in Canadian Women. It discusses the programs and strategies that are in place today and identifies future directions for prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke in Canadian Women.

Health Check Food Information Program.

Health Check, developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, is a comprehensive food and nutrition program based on nutrient criteria for total health. Health CheckTM guides consumers towards making wise choices based on an "on-pack identification", explanatory message and nutrition information on the packages of foods which have been analyzed and meet the Health CheckTM nutrient criteria. The program reflects federal guidelines and nutrition recommendations for general healthy eating, not only heart healthy eating, within the context of a total diet.

A Book on the Canadian Tobacco Industry

A first ever book on Canada's tobacco industry is now on sale. Written by lawyer Rob Cunningham, Smoke & Mirrors traces the history of tobacco issues in Canada, provides an expose of manipulative industry practices, describes the emerging tragedy in developing countries and in Eastern Europe, and presents a detailed action plan to reduce tobacco use. The book can be ordered from your local bookstore, or by calling Renouf Books at (613) 745-2665. ISBN 0-888036-755-8, $25, 364 pages, index, illustrations. Foreword by Jake Epp. Published by International Development Research Centre.

Quit 4 Life

"Quit 4 Life" is an information kit designed to help teenage smokers quit smoking. In order to appeal to teenagers, the kit elements are designed in a graphic style which reflects their lifestyle and language.

1. a self-help booklet that gives smokers options and solutions to help them through the quitting process;
2. a two-sided "wheel" that displays coping strategies that can be used to deal with withdrawal symptoms and information about money save by quitting smoking;
3. a tracking form, that fits into cigarette pack, to record cigarettes smoking and reasons for smoking;
4. a poster that provides tips on how a "support person", a friend or relative, can help a smoker through the quitting process.

Teen smokers who want to quite are encouraged to call the toll-free numbers to request a copy of the kit. The existing toll free numbers are 1-800-455-FINI. A kit will be mailed free of charge.

The Tobacco Reduction Division of Health Canada has reactivated the 1-800 line to take orders for the Quit 4 Life kits as of November 25, 1996. The line will be in operation Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM (Ottawa line).

A Quit 4 Life Facilitator's Guide has also been developed to complement the use of the Q4L kits in group programs. The Guide will be made available on the Health Canada Web Site through internet in the near future. The kit and guide is available from the Newfoundland and Labrador's Lung Association.

Coming Soon

A Resource for Professionals

A group of professionals in Grenfell Regional Health Services has been working with NLHHP to develop a resource which addresses a multifactorial approach to reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The resource will provide a quick reference for professionals in their interventions with clients. The resource will be piloted this fall and will be ready for distribution in the new year.