May 10, 2011

Western Health is recognizing Canada Health Day by offering support to community groups and schools through healthy activity grants. This year’s theme “Celebrating Staying Healthy…Together” will be demonstrated through community walks, swimming and bowling parties, lifestyle clinics, education sessions and various healthy lifestyle activities throughout the region.

Canada Health day is a national celebration of the contributions and successes of public health in Canada. “We encourage residents throughout the region to participate in these activities and learn more about healthy living,” says Michelle House, Vice-president of Population Health.  “Incorporating healthy eating and regular activity in our lives is important not only on Canada Health Day, but throughout the year.”

The Canadian Healthcare Association (CHA) and the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) have worked in partnership for 30 years to make Canada Health Day a celebration of public health in Canada.

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For further information:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca

Backgrounder:  Canada Health Day 2011 Activities

Ages in Action – Reidville - June
A community day to be physically active with activities for residents of all ages. Event meant to encourage residents to get off the sofa and come together to share a great day of physical activity – something for everyone - toddlers, youth, adults, and seniors.
Contact: Helen Reid
Town of Reidville at 635-5232 or townofrediville@nf.aibn.com

Bowling Party for Seniors – St. George’s - May 12
Local seniors will be invited to participate in an afternoon of bowling at the nearby Bowling Alley.
Contact Mary Hynes 
Twilight 50+ Club at 709-648-2688 or marychynes@gmail.com

Canada Health Day Walk – Cow Head – May 12
All students, staff, and residents are invited to participate in a walk on Canada Health Health Day. Bottled water to be provided to all participants. Participants can enter for a chance to win a prize.
Contact Cecilia Gaulton & Mr. Richard Parsons
Long Range Academy  at 243-2252 or gaultonc@hotmail.com

Community Walk and Healthy Eating Session – Port Saunders - May 17
Residents of all ages are invited to participate in a community walk,  An information session on healthy eating will be delivered by the Community Health Nurse. Heathy snacks will be served.
Contact Marie Smith
St. John the Divine Anglican Church at 861-3339 or emarie.smith53@yahoo.com

Community Walk – River of Ponds - May 12
Residents are invited to walk the existing walking trail in the community. Individuals, who are unable to walk the trail, are invited to participate in exercises being led via DVD in the Anglican Church basement. Refreshments and snacks are being served at the Anglican Church basement after the walk/exercise.
Contact: Jean Hoddinott
River of Ponds Ladies Group at 225-4471 or jchddnt@nf.sympatico.ca

Education Session & Walk – Hampden -  May 12
Youth and  adults are invited to participate in an education session on healthy eating and  take a hike around town. Activities to be held at the Town Hall if weather is not suitable for an outdoor walk.
Contact Ruth Jenkins
The Salvation Army Youth Group at 709-455-4212 or Jackruthjenkins@yahoo.ca

Exhibit and Information Session – Norris Point - May 14
Members of the Good Sheppard Senior Youth Group will host an information session and exhibit on healthy eating for members of the general public. Healthy snacks and refreshments will be served.
Donna Daley
PHC Nurse Practitioner, BBHC at 458-2211, ext. 267 at donnadaley@westernhealth.nl.ca

Free Swimming Party – Rocky Harbour for
Residents of St. Paul’s to Bellburns  – June 10
Residents of St. Paul’s to Bellburns are invited to participate in a free swimming party and pool-side lifestyle clinic being hosted by the Community Health Nurse.
Contact SueAnn Collett
Public Health Nurse at 709-243-2129 or sueanncollett@nf.sympatico.ca

Free Swimming Party – Rocky Harbour –June 6
Residents of Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, and Sally’s Cove are invited to participate in a free swimming party and pool-side lifestyle clinic hosted by the Community Health Nurse.
Contact Allison Carpenter
Community Health Nurse at 709-458-2381, ext. 264 or allisoncarpenter@westernhealth.nl.ca

Healthy Activities for Students and Staff – Port aux Basques - May 9-13
Grades 5 and 6 students will participate in an information session regarding cyberbullying and appropriate use of social networking such as Facebook. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will participate in a fitness activity followed by healthy snacks. Staff will participate in : a pedometer challenge, a yoga class, a relaxation exercise with a registered massage therapist, and a lunch and learn session delivered by Mental Health staff at Western Health.
Contact Denise Francis at 695-3186 or denise.francis@wnlsd.ca

Healthy Luncheon - Port Saunders - May 12
Staff from the Dobbin Building (Port Saunders) will sample healthy lunch options and compare healthy lunches to the lunches usually brought and consumed by staff.
Contact Trudy Barry
Victims Services at 861-2147 or trudybarry@gov.nl.ca

Healthy Recipe & Taste Testing – Norris Point - May 12
Members of the Bonne Bay Nutritional Wellness Program will try new new healthy recipes, foods, snacks. The recipes will highlight foods known for medicinal benefits/health benefits. Session hosted by the local Dietitian.
Contact Colin Edgecombe
Dietitian at 458-2211, ext. 261or colinedgecombe@westernhealth.nl.ca

Intergenerational Activity – Woody Point - May 10
Youth and older adults will be invited to an Intergenerational Activity to pass on skills from older adults to youth. Story telling and craft making/baking will be included.
Contact Jacqueline Blanchard
Town Manager, Woody Point at 453-2273 or townmanagerwoodypoint@bellaliant.net

Lifestyle Clinic – Deer Lake - May 12
Lifestyle clinic for all Town of Deer Lake employees hosted by the Community Health Nurses. Refreshments served.
Contact Nadine Spence
Community Health Nurse at 709-635-7855 or nadinespence@westernhealth.nl.ca

Lunch and Learn Session for Western Health Staff – Stephenville Crossing – May
Western Health Employees from the Stephenville Crossing Office and Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre, are invited to attend a lunch and learn session.
Contact Danielle Shea
Primary Health Care Manager at 646-3727 or danielleshea@westernhealth.nl.ca

Marathon – Town of Glenburnie - Birchy Head – Shoal Brook - May 12
Marathon to include: walking, running, and cycling through the three communities that comprise the Town of GBS. Healthy refreshments and fellowship following the Marathon. 
Contact: Valerie Noseworthy
Town of Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook at 453-7220 or gbstownoffice@eastlink.ca

One Mile Walk -  Stephenville Crossing -  May 12
Students and staff from St. Michael’s Elementary School will participate in a one-mile walk. Milk and fruit will be served after the walk.
Contact Alex Parr
St. Michael’s Elementary School at 646-2822 or Alex.parr@wnlsd.ca

Open Swim – Stephenville - Week of May 8 - 14
Residents of the Bay St. George area are invited to participate in an open swim free of charge. Healthy snacks and information on healthy living will be provided after the swim.
Contact Danielle Shea
Bay St. George Community Advisory Committee at 646-3727 or danielleshea@westernhealth.nl.ca

Scavenger Hunt – Corner Brook - May 18
Members of the Homework Haven Group from Dunfield Park Community Centre are invited to participate in a Healthy Scavenger Hunt. Participants will hike the Corner Brook Stream Trail from City Hall to Margaret Bowater Park. While hiking the Stream Trail, participants will look for health clues for the scavenger hunt. In partnership with the Dunfield Park Community Centre.
Contact Julia Young
Community Health Nurse at 632-2836 or juliayoung@westernhealth.nl.ca

School Walk– Port aux Basques - May 19
Students and staff from St. James Elementary will go for a walk and return to the school for a healthy snack.
Contact Cindy Butt
Community Health Nurse at 709-695-4623 or cindybutt@westernhealth.nl.ca

Speech and Hearing Development Sessions for Parents – Port aux Basques, Stephenville, & Corner Brook – various dates in May
Speech and Hearing staff will visit Family Resource Centres and/or Child Care Centres to share information with parents regarding toys to support speech and hearing development in children. Demonstrations of various toys and loudness testing will be included in each session.
Contact Marita Wells
Speech Pathology and Hearing at 709-637-5374 or maritawells@westernhealth.nl.ca

Stretching & Relaxation Demo – May 12
Bonne Bay Health Centre Staff and friends of staff are invited to participate in a demonstration on stretching and relaxation techniques. Participants will also walk the Jenniex trail near the Bonne Bay Health Centre facility. Refreshments will be served.
Contact Susan Reid
Bonne Bay Health Centre at 458-2211, ext. 208 or susansreid@westernhealth.nl.ca

The Following two activities are a partnership with Woody Point Public Library & Tree House Family Resource Centre.
Tea Time at the Library - Woody Point -  May 12
Tea time will feature a variety of teas, as well as less commonly eaten healthy foods such as greek yogurt, avocado, mango, etc. Participants will learn how to prepare and serve these new healthy foods. Library patrons and participants are also invited to browse the Canada Health Day Display set up at the Library.
Activities at Family Resource Centre – Trout River - May 12
Children and their parents are invited to participate in making ribbon wands to be used in a physical activity session to the beat of age appropriate music. Participants will receive a copy of the CD to use again at home with their wands. Parents and children will prepare and enjoy a healthy meal. Participants are also invited to browse the Canada Health Day Display set up at the Family Resource Centre.
Contact Melissa Blanchard
Community Health Nurse at 453-2401 or melissablanchard@westernhealth.nl.ca

Yoga Sessions – Isle Aux Morts – Starting May 11
Students and staff at LeGallais Memorial School are invited to participate in Yoga sessions led by a local Yoga Instructor. 5 Sessions in total.
Contact Brenda Roberts
LeGallais Memorial at 698-3722 or
brenda.roberts@wnlsd.ca

Yoga Sessions – Burnt Islands – Starting May 12
Students and staff at Grandy’s River Collegiate are invited to participate in Yoga sessions led by a local Yoga Instructor. 5 Sessions in total.
Contact Brenda Roberts
Grandy’s River Collegiate at 698-3582 or brenda.roberts@wnlsd.ca