Health and Wellness Program for African Canadians in Peel

GOALS:

This is a health and wellness program funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion. Its goal is to promote healthy eating and physical activity among African Canadians in Peel. The program is targeted to newcomer youth, children and families to reduce the incidence of the risks factors for health issues in the community including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other diseases associated with limited participation in physical activities and unhealthy eating habits and food choices.

OBJECTIVES:

• To increase the level of participation in physical activities among youth, women, men and families in Peel
• To encourage and promote healthy eating habits in order to reduce the most prevalent risk factors for health and wellness including risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, obesity etc.
• To educate the target community on relevant health issues related to diet and physical activity.
• To improve access to health information and resources and refer clients as necessary
• Identify, design and implement physical activities and healthy eating activities for clients

ACTIVITIES

• Workshops and group sessions on healthy eating and physical activity
• Community kitchen activities to demonstrate and train participants on how to prepare meals and diets for healthy eating
• Participation in physical/Active Living activities in Peel
• Field trips to local grocery stores, community gardens, recreational facilities, health Fairs etc.
• One-on-one counselling and support on healthy eating and physical activity
• Referrals to community health and physical activity resources

BENEFITS / OUTCOMES

• Clients acquire increased knowledge of healthy eating practices
• Greater awareness of the risks associated with lack of physical activity
• Enhanced exposure to the health benefits of leading active lifestyles
• Enhanced awareness of cultural, religious and attitudinal barriers to healthy eating and active lifestyles and an enhanced desire to change those attitudes
• Awareness of available community resources and enhanced access to those resources including community health and physical activity programs
• Enhanced long-term health and wellness

For more information, please contact us at 905-460-9514 or Fax 905-460-9769.