Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Healthy Eating Active Living Champions making a difference in our community
Ottawa – Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health, welcomed over 130 residents to the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Innovation Forum yesterday at the Ron Kolbus-Lakeside Gardens Centre. The forum featured Kent Van Dyk, a local high school teacher, whose work as a chef has been featured on the Food Network’s television show Eat St.
“Improving healthy eating and active living in Ottawa – through improved active transportation, better access to healthy foods and more supportive environments to help make the healthy choice the easy choice – has been a significant priority for the Board of Health over the course of our term.,” said Councillor Holmes. “By bringing together various levels of government, grassroots initiatives and residents, we are setting the stage for real changes to make Ottawa a healthier city.”
Local champions also shared their creative healthy eating and active living 'recipes for success’ including starting a workplace running club and setting up a community kitchen. Some of the inspirational initiatives, organizations and businesses that were profiled at the forum included Causeway Right Bike, Boomerang Kids Strollercise, West Carleton Country Kitchen, Hidden Harvest, Ottawa Walking/Running Program at Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Ottawa Citizens Corporation Rooftop Gardens, Brewer Park Community Garden Biodome and Stone Soup Food Works. Registration reached capacity one week prior to the event. The first 100 registrants received fresh local herbs from The Herb Garden and City of Ottawa fitness passes.
“Overweight and obesity, as well as physical inactivity, are complex health issues with many causes and contributors including the environments in which we live, learn, work, and play,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “The forum was an opportunity for local champions to share their stories and make new links with other community members about healthy eating and active living successes across our city”
In May 2012, the Ottawa Board of Health approved the HEAL Strategy that aims to create a city that supports healthy eating and active living for all residents. As a means to foster innovative initiatives in our communities, the strategy included celebrating local champions and profiling successes. Over the past year the Board has recognized over 20 Ottawa HEAL champions including local businesses, residents and community agencies.
For more information visit the OPH blog or call the OPH Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest for the latest public health information.
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