News from the NLHHP Provincial Office

Tribute to Dr. Andrés Petrasovits

Dr. Andrés Petrasovits passed away on July 24, 2001. Dr. Petrasovits made an enormous contribution to the Heart Health initiative across the country and around the world. His role in heart health promotion made a significant contribution, particularly in our province, where his efforts, in concert with others, have resulted in the development of sustained community capacity to promote health. Our condolences and gratitude are extended to his family.

NLHHP Journal Article

An article describing the NLHHP was recently published in a special edition of the journal Promotion and Education entitled Canadian Heart Health Dissemination Research. This supplementary issue contains background information on the Canadian Heart Health Initiative, including brief descriptions of all the provincial Heart Health Programs across Canada; their goals and objectives; theoretical models; evaluation approaches; barriers and facilitators; and, key outcomes. The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program is outlined as a success story that serves as a model for community based health promotion and disease prevention. For copies of the article, please contact Lorraine Holden at 729-2220.

Regaining Our Health

Physical inactivity in Newfoundland and Labrador is causing serious problems both for individuals and society. Latest research by the Canadian Fitness and Life Styles Research Institute indicates as many as 67% of our residents are insufficiently active; that is 2 out of 3 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are still not active enough for optimal health benefits.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Federal Government and the other provinces/territories, are committed to reducing the number of inactive citizens by 10% by the year 2003. But the government cannot do this alone. We need to work together to reduce the incidence of inactivity and its negative consequences.

The Provincial Advisory Committee to Reduce Physical Inactivity by 10% is comprised of recreation and sport consultants; fitness leaders; health and school educators; inclusion educators; physicians; professors; and government officials. The NLHHP is represented on this committee by the program manager.

The objectives of the committee are:

• To encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become more physically active
• To provide the opportunity for Newfoundlanders to become more physically active
• To create an environment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become more physically active

What can you do?

Log on to Canada's Physical Activity Guide Web Site: www.paguide.com for more information on how to make physical activity part of your daily schedule.

Talk to your school about Quality Daily Physical Education for your kids or contact your local recreation agency.

For more information, please contact the Provincial Advisory Committee on Reducing Physical Inactivity at 729-5281 or 729-3892

Diabetes Update

In the spring of 2001, a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy was developed to contribute to the prevention of type 2 diabetes across the province. The Strategy was developed using a population health approach and based on the determinants of health.

As a follow-up to the development of the Strategy, five Regional Heart Health Coalitions organized and facilitated Type 2 Diabetes Planning Meetings in the fall of the year. The purpose of the meetings was to provide an opportunity to discuss and make plans around the use of the Strategy in the regions. A total of 100 people attended the meetings including: recreation specialists; public health nurses; regional nutritionists; educators; physicians; community groups; professional associations; diabetes educators; community volunteers; and, people with type 2 diabetes.

The meetings met with much interest and enthusiasm and were a great way to enhance inter-sectoral, community-based action around the prevention of type 2 diabetes through community mobilization; the promotion of healthy lifestyles; and, healthy environments.

Thanks to the Heart Health Coalitions in St, John's, Eastern, Western, Northern and Labrador for organizing these health promotion events.

News Flash...... The NLHHP Web Site Gets a New Look

The NLHHP web site is sporting a new design, along with new and revised information and resources. One of the new features on this web site is the Regional Heart Health Coalition home pages, where specific information on each Coalition will be made available.

Visit our web site at www.sji.ca/providers/nhhp. The web site can also be accessed through the Department of Health and Community Services home page under health links. Comments and suggestions on the new site are always welcome. Thanks to our skilled web designer Dave Vere-Holloway for his top notch work on the NLHHP site.

News from the Teen Tobacco Team

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, has announced the newest members of the Teen Tobacco Team for Newfoundland and Labrador. During her address at the Annual General Meeting of the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) in November, Minister Bettney introduced the 11 provincial representatives.

"Government is not only interested in sending out anti-tobacco messages to our youth," said Minister Bettney, "but also in hearing what the youth of our province have to say about tobacco use. Therefore, it is essential to have the Teen Tobacco Team assisting us in the development of tobacco strategies that meet the needs of youth."

This year's team is comprised of four continuing members, and seven new members. The 11 members of the Teen Tobacco Team are: Melissa Long (Paradise, Grade 10); Ryan Stratton (Goulds, Grade 9); Ryan Cole (Winterton, Grade 10); Karyn O'Brien (Dunville, Grade 8); Scott Sacrey (Grand Falls-Windsor, Grade11); Chelsea Howard (Baie Verte, Grade 8); Brandi Benoit (Corner Brook, Grade 9); Greg Spencer (Kippens, Grade 12); Brad Rowsell (St. Anthony, Grade 10); April Campbell (Wabush, Grade 11); and, Desiree Wolfrey (Rigolet, Grade 10).

The Team is in the process of developing an action plan for the coming year and are eager to set it in motion.

Smoke-Free Changes

Since 1995, under the Smoke-Free Environment Act, there has been a complete ban on smoking in public places such as day cares, schools, retail stores and transit buses. On January 1, 2002, government took its legislation one step further placing a total ban on smoking in all food establishments and public places where children and youth under the age of 19 have the right of entry.

Children and youth are the most vulnerable people with respect to the adverse effects from exposure to environmental tobacco. The intent of these regulations is to reduce the potential exposure to second-hand smoke by the public, specifically children. Second-hand smoke is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, breast cancer, as well as a number of other respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. The ban on smoking in food establishments and other public places where minors frequent will significantly reduce the risk of children and youth being exposed to second-hand smoke.

A heart-felt thank you to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its commitment to protect the children of this province from the ill effects of second-hand smoke.

Recovery Road

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with the Cardiac Program at the Health Care Corporation of St. John's, are piloting a secondary prevention strategy for cardiac survivors and their families. This pilot involves delivering an in-hospital education resource developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation entitled Recovery Road. The pilot project will begin February 4, 2001 and continue throughout the spring. Once the evaluation is complete, it is hoped to make this resource available to the entire province.

The goal of Recovery Road is to contribute to the recovery and education of cardiac patients, as well as act as a source of primary prevention for the patients' family members.

If you would like more information on this pilot project please contact Paula Ewing, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, at 753-8521.

Logging On

For information on heart disease and stroke, log on to the new Heart and Stroke Foundation web site at www.heartandstroke.ca You can customize the information for you and your family by building your own heart/stroke risk profile.