TORONTO – Canadians believe there are four main factors that need attention to ensure good health, according to a new report.
Released by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Tuesday, the findings state that proper and adequate income, housing, nutrition and food security and early childhood development are key factors affecting Canadians’ health.
READ MORE: Canadians see income, education as determinants of good health: report
We take a look at some ways individuals, governments and health care providers can work together to ensure Canadians live healthier lives:
Be educated about dietary needs and nutritional content of food
CMA said that while governments have an obligation to provide Canadians with guidance on healthy eating, individuals must also take the responsibility for making healthy choices that can easily be incorporated into their daily lives.
Individuals are encouraged to read nutrition labels on food products and, when available, caloric information on restaurant menus. Experts said that by taking the step to ensuring one is informed when dining out, individuals can monitor their caloric count, sodium, trans-fats and protein levels.
The recommendation, however, may not be easy for individuals to follow.
Many restaurants still do not provide nutritional information and products that do contain labelling are often hard to read and understand.
A 2009 Health Canada review of research on nutrition labelling indicated that those with little nutrition knowledge have difficulty using the tables found on products and are unable to relate the information they contain to their own dietary needs. The study also found that while foods carrying health-related claims are seen by consumers as healthier choices, the myriad of different claims can be confusing and may, in fact, draw attention away from the less healthy characteristics of a food, or oversimplify complex nutritional messages.
Schools are also encouraged to ban the sale of high-calorie and nutrition poor foods in all primary, intermediate and secondary schools in order to ensure health food consumption.
A junk food ban in schools is already in effect in several provinces across Canada, including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Be active
The CMA said that Canadians should receive at least 30 minutes of active daily physical activity.
Adults, for example, are encouraged to participate in “active transportation” by walking or cycling to and from work and other destinations and limiting their use of vehicles, when applicable. Employers can encourage their employees to be more active by providing showers, bike racks and other amenities for employees who want to make physical activity party of their daily work routine.
Daily physical activity doesn’t only apply to adults but to younger generations as well.
CMA said that governments in particular should provide financial support to schools to help them implement health and physical education programs.
Provide a healthy environment in the community
In June, Toronto officially launched its first dedicated bike lake on Sherbourne Street in the city’s downtown.
READ MORE: Toronto officially launches first dedicated bike lanes on Sherbourne Street
Experts said that communities need to provide residents with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly intersections, as well as bike lanes, paths and parking spaces, trails, parks and green spaces.
“Canadians need communities that make it easy to be physically active in their daily living,” said CMA in a report.
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