Tuesday, January 20, 2009
First Physical Activity Network Conference for Renfrew County
On October 23rd, 2008, the participation of 72 community leaders in the first Physical Activity Network Conference for Renfrew County was a clear and strong testament of our commitment to improving the mental and physical health and well being of County of Renfrew residents and visitors.
Opening the day, the County of Renfrew’s Warden, Janice Visneskie, imbued us with her thoughts on leadership and innovation. Warden Janice Visneskie stated: “I believe that your leadership is the key to mobilizing our neighborhoods and community groups toward a shared goal of promoting wellness through physical activity programs. We have the ability to create a new social-norm of physical activity in Renfrew County through the promotion of daily movement, recreation, play and exercise. This behavioral shift will have a profound impact on future generations.” These words set the stage for a day of thoughtful presentations, calls to action and insightful expertise.
We can be very innovative, exemplary and effective in the ways in which we address the staggering statistics clearly presented by Dr. Andrew Pipe. “Eastern Ontario is confronted with levels of health risk, mortality and morbidity that are not only the highest in Ontario, but may very well be the highest in Canada”.
Dr. Pipe implored us to not make assumptions. Simple access to medical care does not determine the state of our health. Those determinants extend broadly into the social services, education, environmental and economic sectors. The natural, built and family environments, economic status , social well being, education and recreation opportunities are among the many factors that make up significant determinants of health. It is through each of these avenues that we will affect change. Prevention and rehabilitation through increased daily physical activity is critical to improving the quality of our lives. Increasing opportunity, access and awareness are the first steps in being proactive in our own health and that of our communities.
We contribute to the factors and forces that shape the health of our community members. It is through the collaborative work and action backed strategies of the Physical Activity Network that Renfrew County can successfully foster opportunities for everyone to integrate physical activity into their daily lives, improving their overall health and well being.
Reflecting a few of Dr. Andrew Pipe’s words – our call to action speaker on Oct. 23rd, 2008 – we would like to move forward and respond to the unique challenges and abundant resources of Renfrew County. “You are surrounded by some very imaginative, very energized people . . . respond to the challenge - mindful of the fact that our leadership can serve as an example to communities elsewhere in Ontario, elsewhere in Canada, elsewhere in the world. The Renfrew Model . . . in which every child (person) has access to purposeful, passionately fun filled physical activity.”
“The Renfrew Model – it changed the lives and health of our community.”
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