In the Bonavista Area

Yesterday's focus groups in Bonavista and Port Union went well.  We had sessions with health providers, the Bonavista Area Primary Health Care Advisory Committee and community partners. 

During the community partners session, in particular, I was struck by how much people appreciated the opportunity to have a say into the health needs of their communities and how much they value the importance of working together to improve the health of communities.  It was a very snowy night and it was great to see that people made the effort to have their say and to participate in the process.

On the Road...To Bonavista

Off to Bonavista for three focus group sessions today. 

Bonavista has a tremendous history and it's one that they have managed to protect and it's also one that seems to be paying major dividends.  Bonavista is probably one of the most visited towns in the province.  Starting with its discovery by John Cabot in 1497, Bonavista's close access to the rich fishing and sealing grounds to the north of the peninsula made it the home to the Spanish, Portuguese, French and English during the 1500s. In the most recent past, with the challenges in the fishery, the town has suffered from declining population and high unemployment rates.  Many people see the tourism sector as a way to help address this situation.

Today, we'll learn what some people think of the health of their communities.

Why Focus Groups?

Tomorrow, we have a number of focus group sessions set up to discuss our needs assessment.  So what is a focus group and why use them during a needs assessment process?  A focus group is one way to get qualitative research.  Unlike a telephone survey, for example, which provides quantitative information (where we will be able to say x% of people have a family doctor), focus groups consist of a small number of people who are asked about their opinions and attitudes about a particular topic.  For the focus group sessions for this needs assessment, we have nine questions that we will be asking each session that we hold.   If we hear themes arising from all of these sessions, we can probably focus on that issue as being an important one. 

One of the greatest benefits of focus groups is having the group interaction.  Listening to others talk can spark thoughts in others and result in great discussion.  One of the challenges of focus group is keeping people on topic.  It's very easy to get distracted and start talking about another topic.  Tomorrow will be a busy day!

1000 Cities; 1000 Lives

Yesterday was World Health Day as proclaimed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with celebrations going on for the whole week.  This year's theme focuses on health and urbanization.  By 2030, six out of every 10 people will be city dwellers, rising to seven out of every 10 people by 2050.

As part of the theme, cities are invited to open a portion of their streets to people for a physical or mental health activity and close them to motor vehicles.  It could be an opportunity for  physical exercise, meeting family, friends and community, health checks, eating healthy local food or visiting local attractions.

The World Health Day has a goal of 1000 Cities: 1000 Lives:   get 1000 cities to sign up for the challenge and identify 1000 individuals who are champions of health in your community.   Who are the health champions in your community?  Could your community participate in an initiative like this?

Calls Complete

Part of the research that we have been conducting for our needs assessment is a telephone survey of people living in the region.  The calls ended last night.  We look forward to getting the results of the survey.  They will be part of the needs assessment report and, combined with key informant interviews and focus group sessions, will help to form the basis of the findings.

What Are You Eating?

Meetings seem to be a fact of life.  We have them at our workplaces as employees and in our communities as volunteers.  If you attend a meeting where a snack or meal is served, do you stop and take note of what you're eating?  If you're organizing the meeting, do you think about the snacks being ordered? 

One of the topics that's talked about a lot during our needs assessment is the importance of healthy eating.  Sometimes, we eat what's in front of us because it's convenient or it's a treat or it's just a habit.  Next time you organize a meeting, think about the food you provide and make healthy choices.  When we eat healthy, we have more energy and can be more productive.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• If you're providing vegetables and dip, ask for dips made with yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
• Always make sure water is available for drinking.
• Provide milk in addition to cream for coffee and tea.
• Ask for sandwiches on an assortment of whole grain breads, rolls, pitas, wraps, etc.
• Order green salads made with spinach, romaine lettuce or leaf lettuce rather than iceberg lettuce
• Offer fruit as a dessert alternative.

Becoming aware of our food choices can make us all healthier!

You Don't Need A Title to be a Leader

Mark Sanborn has written a book entitled You Don't Need A Title to Be a Leader.  Sanborn says leadership is shown through our everyday actions and the way we influence the lives of those around us.

Sanborn argues that leaders:

- act with purpose rather than getting bogged down by mindless activity
- Care about and listen to others

- Look for ways to encourage the contributions and development of others rather than focusing solely on personal achievements

- Create a legacy of accomplishment and contribution in everything they do

Sanborn states that influence and inspiration come from the person, not the position.  Are you a leader?  Who are the leaders in your community?