Program Goal Prevent cardiovascular and other chronic diseases by addressing the 3 primary risk factors for major chronic diseases:
- Physical inactivity;
- Unhealthy eating;
- Tobacco use and exposure
Program Description The Northwest Healthy Living Project (NWHLP), under the auspices of the Ontario Heart Health Program- Taking Action for Healthy Living, is a partnership between the Ministry of Health Promotion, the Northwestern Health Unit and a variety of community partners.
Programs and Activities: - Workplace Wellness:
- Development of a comprehensive workplace wellness program that includes access to healthy living resources, skill-building opportunities and support for policy development.
- Integrated Healthy Living:
- Turn Off the Screens Campaign
- Breathing Spaces Campaign
- Eat Smart Program
- Summer Active
- Training in Brief Intervention Cessation
- Healthy Living in Schools:
- Teen Quit & Win Contest
- Joint Planning for Schools (REACH Box, REACHing You Newsletter, Annual Report Card and Brochure)
- Nutrition Month activities
- Healthy Living School Policies
- Capacity Building with Health Professionals:
- Work with Health Professionals to determine needs for resources, training and/or skills development.
Northwest Strong - We've got what it takes for healthy living
- Northwest Strong is designed to celebrate all that Northwestern Ontario has to offer in terms of healthy living.
- Northwest Strong is about getting communities to participate in healthy living activities.
- Targets residents of Northwestern Ontario, and families in particular, who are moderately to very interested in improving their health and participating in community-based events and activities that contribute to good health. More details to follow.
- Community Contribution Program:
- Community organizations put forth proposals and, based on selection criteria, are provided with program funds.
Community Coalitions
Dryden Area Heart Health Coalition
The Dryden Area Heart Health Coalition promotes healthy eating, physical activity and smoke-free living through local activities. Some initiatives are funded by the Northwestern Healthy Living Project (Community Contribution Program).
Membership consists of representatives from: Dryden Regional Health Centre, Job Connect Employment Program, Heart and Stroke, Dryden Recreation Complex, Dryden Food Bank, and Northwestern Health Unit.
Ear Falls Heart Health/Good Food for Kids Coalition
The mission of the Ear Falls Heart Health/Good Food for Kids Coalition is to encourage healthy behaviours and lifestyles by promoting conditions in which people can achieve an optimal level of health.
Membership consists of representatives from: Ear Falls Community Health Centre, Ear Falls Public School, Ear Falls 2000, Inc., Faith Community, and Ear Falls Chapel Youth Group.
Emo-LaVallee Healthy Communities Coalition
The Emo-LaVallee Healthy Communities Coalition is comprised of community members interested in providing opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle within their communities.
Participation includes representation from local law enforcement, schools, businesses and community members.
Green Thumb Garden Club
The Green Thumb Garden Club is a group of volunteers from various walks of life who work to beautify Ear Falls by planting and caring for the community flower gardens.
Members include community volunteers and representatives from: Ear Falls 2000, Inc., Heart Health Coalition, and Township of Ear Falls.
Healthy Communities Coalition of Rainy River and surrounding area
The Healthy Communities Coalition of Rainy River and surrounding area encourages all community residents to adopt and maintain healthy, active and safe lifestyle practices within a supportive environment.
Membership consists of representatives from: Rainy River High School, Riverview School, Rainy River Town Council, OPP, Rainy River Toy Library, Our Lady of the Way School Council, Pinewood Recreation Board, Barwick Recreation Board, Rainy River Recreation Board, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, Northwestern Health Unit, Rainy River Health Centre, Big Grassy First Nation, and Big Island First Nation.
Heart Health Coalition
The Heart Health Coalition in Kenora works with a variety of community groups to plan events and initiatives that will encourage healthy and active lifestyles. The Coalition wants to promote wellness through activities that are community-driven and will change behavior over time. This can be achieved through personal skills development, creating supportive environments and health services, and strengthening community actions.
Membership consists of representatives from the hospital, recreation center, Seniors Coalition and Multicultural Centre.
Northwestern Healthy Living Partnership
The Northwestern Healthy Living Partnership (NWHLP) works under the auspices of the Ontario Heart Health Program - Taking Action for Healthy Living. The group works toward preventing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in the catchment area of the Northwestern Health Unit by addressing the 3 primary risk factors for major chronic diseases: 1) physical inactivity; 2) unhealthy eating; and 3) tobacco use and exposure.
Membership consists of representation from a wide variety of community partners including recreation, education, health and social services.
Northwestern Healthy Living Project - Heart Health Coalition
The Northwestern Healthy Living Project Heart Health Coalition promotes healthy lifestyles and the prevention of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in Atikokan. Projects are variable and membership fluctuates depending on the projects undertaken from year to year.
Membership consists of representation from: Northwestern Health Unit, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan Parks and Recreation Department, Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives, Atikokan Municipal Township, Sundog Parenting Resource/Early Years Centre, and Community Counseling.