The Healthy Living Chatham-Kent Coalition is an enthusiastic, diverse team of community representatives working together to support and develop activities and initiatives that promote healthy lifestyle choices for the people of Chatham-Kent. Healthy Living Chatham-Kent is funded through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care - Ontario Heart Health Program.

Several years ago the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care realized health strategies needed to change from focusing on individual diseases, to a more general approach of disease prevention and health promotion. That meant taking a look at the risk factors that could potentially lead to a variety of illnesses. Some risk factors we can’t change: our age, gender and family history.  Other risk factors we can change, called modifiable risk factors, include: nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, and smoke free living.  Because Chatham-Kent has high rates of certain chronic health problems such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, it is important for individuals to look at the risk factors they can change. 

Individuals should start by looking at their lifestyle and assessing how they are doing with the modifiable risk factors.  There is a great deal of information available on exercise, eating and the effects of smoking but it is best to look for reliable scientifically based sources. When in doubt, Health Canada is a dependable reference with current information and recommendations for individuals of all ages. 

Once individuals see what they need to work on, they should make a plan but this can be tricky for those that don’t feel ready. There are phases we all go through when altering our “normal” behaviour or attitudes.  This process usually starts with a tiny spark of realization that maybe they should pay attention to what the “experts” are saying.  This is usually followed by information gathering and making a plan.  The final stages include putting the plan into action and then making it a normal part of their lifestyle.  People move through these phases at different rates and sometimes even go backwards.  Some people are ready to move right away and others need time to think. Wherever you are and whenever you are ready, a plan to Eat Well, Play Well, Rest Well, and Be Smoke Free is the goal. 

Healthy Living is now considered “state of the art” when it comes to preventing chronic diseases.  If changes need to be made in their present health habits, individuals should start with one small step and gradually build on their success. 

If help is needed, contact the Health Unit at 352-7270 or click the links below.

Remember….Healthy Living…..it’s for life!