THUNDER BAY - A new multi-media campaign encourages adults in Thunder Bay and the region to eat better, become more active and make small lifestyle changes over time for better health in the future.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's Are You In? campaign features local residents making healthy choices and inviting others to do the same.
Recent data showed that the area has the second highest rate of diabetes mortality in Ontario and that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.
During the launch of the new program on Thursday, Medical Officer of Health Janet DeMille noted that district residents continue to have high rates of preventable disease including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
According to a health unit news release, research that was done while developing the campaign revealed that "although many people want to take action to improve their health ... the over-abundance of wellness information—which often lacks supporting evidence—is making it difficult for them to know what is good for their health."
With that in mind, the campaign will focus on some basic lifestyle messages:
- Skip the juice and choose fruit instead.
- Put more produce on your plate.
- Sit less and move more often.
- Do what moves you.
- Small changes today, a healthier you tomorrow.
"We want adults to adopt healthy lifestyle habits when they are at home and at work...We also see adults as role models for children," said Lynda Fraser, a health promotion planner at the health unit.
The cornerstone of the campaign is a brief video that can be viewed at tbdhu.com and on social media channels.
Prizes are being offered through challenges and contests connected to the campaign.
The project will be rolled out incrementally over the next 10 months
Public engagement in the campaign will be measured through participation online and at special events.
