Around the Regions

Eastern

Researching Heart Health Issues in the Eastern Region

Heart disease continues to be a significant health concern for both community members and health professionals in our province. Newfoundland and Labrador, compared to the rest of Canada, experiences higher than average death rates due to heart disease.

In the Fall of 1999, Health and Community Services - Eastern initiated a research project to better understand some of the risks for heart disease among the residents in their Region. This project also intended to provide community members an opportunity to say what they would like to see in their communities to help promote healthy living. Interviews were conducted with adults in 1,269 households representing 20 randomly selected communities across the region. The research results were shared with community members through a variety of discussion groups.

Results of the study showed that approximately 6 in 10 adults are not exercising during their leisure time at the recommended levels (30 minutes or more at least 3 times a week). While some people find it difficult to get motivated to exercise, many reported that just finding the time to exercise is a problem. Women, who often carry the most responsibility for childcare and other tasks, found finding time to exercise even harder.

The study also showed that walking is a very popular activity in communities, however, people expressed a need for safer places to walk, especially during the winter months.

In response to the survey, people seem to be more aware of healthy eating as almost half of those surveyed said they had changed their eating habits in the past two years. Of significant concern is the finding that only one in ten adults reported eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day (the recommended amount). In the discussion groups, community members said the cost of fruit and vegetables, along with poor quality and selection, are among the reasons it is difficult to eat the recommended amount.

Smoking rates continue to be fairly high amongst the adult population in the Eastern Region. Approximately one third of respondents reported they are current smokers. Exposure to second-hand smoke is also high with at least half of the people saying they were being exposed on a daily basis (most often when visiting friends or relatives or when at home). About one third of homes in the Region are completely smoke-free. Overall, community members felt that, while things are moving in the right direction, more needs to be done to educate people; to support people in making their homes smoke-free; and, to make public places smoke-free.

A complete report on the findings from this study will be available soon. The valuable information provided by community members will be useful for community groups and health organizations when planning services and programs to help support healthy lifestyles.

For more information on this research initiative, please contact your local Health and Community Services Eastern office.

Sneaker Day in Holyrood and Clarenville

On Sneaker Day, May 12, 2000, a number of Health and Community Services staff in Holyrood participated in a health hike. The energetic group set out from the Hawco Building in Holyrood and made their way to the top of George Cove Mountain.

Staff at Health and Community Services in Clarenville gathered in the parking lot at Park Place to celebrate Sneaker Day with a "Super Nurse Relay Race". Four relay teams competed despite the rainy weather that day. Participants were required to wear a "Super Nurse" costume while speed walking the course! A great time was had by everyone!

Sneaker Day Relay Race, May 12, 2000, Parking Lot Relay, Clarenville

Heart Health in Carbonear and Harbour Grace

Eastern Heart Health Network member, Alice Blundon, is busy promoting heart health in Carbonear and Harbour Grace. Alice continues to offer blood pressure and weight checks at all aerobics classes held at the Carbonear Pool. Alice also leads the Fun and Fitness Group in Harbour Grace and has given Women and Heart Health presentations to this group, as well as the Women's Institute and the Tops Group. Alice was involved with the "Stitch in Time" Quilt Project by promoting the project in her community and adding a few stitches herself!

Thanks Alice for your continued support of the Eastern Heart Health Network. You are truly an inspiration!

For more information on the projects mentioned, please call Alice Blundon at (709) 596-2358.

World Health Day in Placentia

Health and Community Services staff members, Tammy Tucker, Michelle White, Annie Patterson, Gillian Pike, Jill Reese and Edna Mullins celebrated World Health Day on April 6, 2000, by organizing a community health event in Placentia. People of all ages were in attendance as social worker, Tammy Tucker, provided a presentation on stress, and guest speaker, Dr. David Keegan, spoke about wellness. The Community Health Nurses performed blood pressure, glucose and weight checks as well as BMI readings for those in attendance. There were several informational displays on hand including: nutrition; sun health and fitness; information on heart health; women's health; child health; and, safety. Participants in the event were also treated to a healthy snack.

Overall, the event was a big success. Thanks to the efforts of the organizers and to the donations provided by community sponsors. For more information on this project, please contact Michelle White at (709) 227-3641.