Progress Report 2008: Health

     

Health: Staying healthy at every life stage

Making good choices everyday will help keep your family healthy and happy.  Easier said than done?  There are things you can do now to ensure everyone thrives at different life stages. By the way — this means you too!

Children

Good health begins with prevention. That’s why we’ve made vaccines available to Ontario families for a number of infections, including measles and HPV.

With obesity rates at an all time high among children, it’s important to get them moving. Encouraging kids to exercise now sets the stage for good habits later. 

In Ontario, we’ve brought back physical activity in elementary school.  Educators see the difference twenty minutes of activity can make:

“Daily Physical Activity improves our student’s ability to focus in class. We have found it improves their sense of self esteem, it really does. And it keeps them engaged, and therefore we’ve also noticed improved overall student behaviour at our school.”

Anthony (Tony) Morsillo, Principal, Holy Child Catholic School

Teens

Teens start to really focus on their interests.  They’re balancing life with after-school jobs, academics and sports. For athletes competing provincially and nationally and who want to take their sport to the next level, coaching and support is available to help them follow their dreams and be their very best.

“This money (Quest for Gold) has paid for new skating equipment such as blades, suits, and gloves and also in the future it will allow me to go to some extra competitions. I'm getting somewhere and with the help of the Quest for Gold funding I could go far in achieving my dream of becoming a champion.”

Quest for Gold Athlete Quote – Keri Morrison

Adults

Being an adult means sometimes putting your own needs last. But that strategy only goes so far. Taking care of yourself now means getting screened for any early signs of disease.

"As far as I’m concerned, I’m healthy and feel great but the colonoscopy was a life saving treatment. I’m so grateful I went through it — I saw the immediate benefits and it saved my life."

Joe Hrechanyk

Seniors

For many people, life begins at 65! Connecting with friends and family, volunteering, or going back to school are just some of the enriching activities seniors are doing. Getting the support they need when they need it helps seniors stay vibrant.

“I’m 87 and I’ve been living in my house for 46 years. I’d never move, but since I had my stroke, I don’t drive anymore and work around the house is too much for me. I’m lucky to have good neighbours that help out, and the SMILE program now takes care of things like yard work and transportation to appointments. It’s allowed me to continue to stay independent.”

Catherine Michalski

Enjoying life begins with good health. Caring for each other at every life stage strengthens our families, our communities and our province. We hope to help make staying healthy easier said and done.