Groups Promote Children's Healthy Eating

HEALTH/CANCER CARE N.S.--Groups Promote Children's Healthy Eating and Activity

HEALTH/CANCER CARE N.S.

The eating and activity habits of children between the ages of 10 and 13 years were the focus of a meeting in Dartmouth on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The meeting was sponsored by Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Public Health and Health Promotion division of the Department of Health.

The outcome was an alliance formed by concerned groups and individuals to strongly promote healthy eating and physical activity, with an initial focus on children and youth.

Health Minister Jamie Muir applauded the initiative. He notes that the enhanced focus on prevention and health promotion are an important step toward addressing the growing rates of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

"Promoting and supporting healthy eating and physical activity are key to building healthier communities," said Mr. Muir. "Joining together, through this alliance, will help us reach this all-important goal."

Organizers say that the strength of this partnership will lead to consistent messages and more community-based action to promote physical activity and good nutrition.

Organizations and individuals are particularly concerned about the eating habits and lack of physical activity among Nova Scotia children. A Canadian Medical Association Journal article released Monday, Nov. 27, stated the rate of obesity among Canadian boys between the ages of seven and 13, nearly tripled between 1981 and 1996, while the prevalence of obesity among girls of the same age more than doubled. Overweight children have a greatly increased probability of health problems in their adult lives and often suffer low self-esteem.

Two of the major lifestyle causes of obesity are unhealthy eating and inactivity. Although figures for Nova Scotia children are not readily available, there are reasons to believe the same trend holds true here. For adults between the ages of 20 and 64, the rate of obesity has doubled in Nova Scotia from 1985 to 1997.

"One out of five cancers can be linked to diet, particularly cancers of the breast, colon, mouth, stomach, pancreas and prostate," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner of Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "There is also a link between physical activity and colon cancer. Given the connection between diet, physical activity and cancer, as well as other significant illness such as heart disease and diabetes, it's important to pool the resources of many people to make a positive, meaningful change. We need to prevent these diseases from becoming entrenched in our society because of inactivity and poor eating. Starting with our children makes sense."

The alliance and its initial focus on children and youth are results of a conference held in March, titled Collaborative Action for Healthy Weights in Nova Scotia. The group includes health-care organizations, health charities, professional associations, education organizations, recreational groups and food retailers. Others are welcome to join.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the provincial Department of Health. Its mandate is to co-ordinate, strengthen and evaluate cancer services in Nova Scotia through integrated prevention, education and treatment programs.

The Public Health and Health Promotion division supports local Public Health Services in their mandate to work with communities, families and individuals in preventing illness, promoting health and achieving well-being.

NOTE TO EDITORS -A fact sheet on the eating habits and activity levels of children between the ages of 10 and 13 is available by e-mailing <[email protected].>