Talking Transportation

Today's weather is pretty windy and wet.  Given the geography of this region, it prompts discussion on the importance of transportation to ensuring healthy communities.  Physical environment is one of the determinants of health and transportation is one aspect of our physical environment.

This region does not have public transportation which can certainly be a barrier to getting access to services.

The need for good, safe roads is also important as people need to be safe as they travel and the roads get us to the services that we need.

Or may be if communities were designed differently, we could avoid the use of cars and be able to bike or walk places which would have an impact on our health.  This can also lead to a discussion about the pollution caused by cars and trucks and the impact that that pollution has on our health.

A Different Route to Health:  Implications of Transport Policies is a great article which summarizes the importance of transportation on our health.

Speaking with the College of the North Atlantic

One of the key informants identified for our needs assessment is the College of the North Atlantic.  In this region, there are two campuses:  Clarenville and Bonavista.  The College has been asked to participate in the needs assessment process based on their knowledge of education as a determinant of health as well as their knowledge of the youth population.

In addition to their educational role, the College also plays a role in social supports.  Many of their Continuing Education courses bring people together who may not otherwise know each other.

Education contributes to health by giving people knowledge and skills for problem solving, and helps provide a sense of control over their life. It increases opportunities for jobs and income security, and job satisfaction. It improves people's ability to access and understand information to help keep them healthy.

According to Census 2006, 33.7% of people 18 to 64 years of age in the Discovery Zone do not have a high school diploma compared to 25.1% of people in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  About 8.1% of people aged 25 to 54 had a Bachelor's Degree or higher in 2006 compared to 15.1% in the province.  About 79.1% of people 25 to 34 years of age in the Discovery Zone had at least a high school diploma. This compares to 85.4% in the entire province and 89.1% for Canada.

Welcome, Advisory Committee

Our Advisory Committee for the Community Health Needs Assessment of the Discovery Zone had its first meeting today. 

Members of the committee are:  (back - left to right)  Bernice Clements, Camilla O'Shea, Gerald Giles, Rev. Don Stiles, Cal Cole; (front - left to right) Barbara Ann Humby, Janet Fisher (Eastern Health), Susan Khaladkar, Lisa Browne (Eastern Health).  Missing from the photo are Daphne Smith and Wayne Miller (Eastern Health).

Our first meeting was an opportunity to introduce everyone and to have a discussion about the determinants of health from the region's perspective.  This committee will meet every six weeks during the needs assessment process.

Happy Nutrition Month!

Did you know that March is Nutrition Month?  The theme this month is Celebrate Food...From Field to Table.  The Dietitians of Canada have a great website that is a tremendous resource to people.  It offers everything from games to recipes to nutrition challenges.  Also included on the website is the Eating + Activity Tracker (EATracker).  EATracker assesses your food choices and provides personalized feedback on your total intake of energy (calories) and essential nutrients.  This is then compared to what is recommended for your age, gender, and activity level. It also determines your body mass index (BMI) and provides information to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  Check it out!  Healthy eating and physical activity are key determinants of health!

Visiting Community Youth Network - Bonavista

In an earlier post, we referenced the Community Youth Network - Clarenville as being newly established.  One Community Youth Network in this region that has been operating for a while is the one in Bonavista.  This intiative was introduced in August 2007.

The space itself is very large with a number of different areas, including an area for playing instruments and one for playing pool.  There is also a seating area and a computer area.

Art plays a big role at the centre with a number of floor mats painted onto the floor.  There's also a large pot of aluminum cans cut as flowers (pictured above)!

Referred to as BAYNet (Bonavista Area Youth Network), this organization covers the geographic area from Bonavista to Charleston, 37 communities in total.  They offer a variety of programs and activities, from a tutoring program to Battle of the Bands!

Visiting the Community Youth Network - Clarenville

We have identified a number of people considered "key informants".  These are people who have a broad, regional perspective on health and community services in the region. 

For example, the Staff Sgt of the RCMP would be considered a key informant.  Interviews are now taking place with key informants.  One of these interviews took place with the Community Youth Network - Clarenville.  This is a group that is in the beginning stages and will be opening their facility in the next several weeks.  Here's a sneak peak at their new facility. 

Reviewing Advisory Committee Applications

The Steering Committee, made up of Eastern Health staff and managers, has reviewed the applications that have come in from people wanting to sit on the Advisory Committee for the needs assessment.  It was a very difficult job, reviewing the applications and putting together a committee that offers lots of different perspectives based on the determinants of health.  We have identified eight people who will be invited to sit on the committee.  Advisory Committee members will be joined by Eastern Health employees Lisa Browne, Planning Specialist, and Janet Fisher, Primary Health Care Co-ordinator.  All those who applied will be contacted within the next few days.  Judging from the applications, there are lots of talented people in our region!  Many thanks to all who applied!