Ministry of Health Promotion supports healthy lifestyles locally for children and youth
Posted Nov 26, 2009 By EMC News
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EMC News - The Brockville and Area YMCA, in partnership with the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit and with support from the Upper Canada District School Board, will be implementing a project that presents healthy lifestyles to children and youth in a holistic manner.
Lynne Chagnon, St. Lawrence EMC
Barbara and Lou Giacomin of Kingston's Limestone Dancers joined square dancers from 14 clubs at the Presbyterian Church in Prescott Saturday night to raise $720 in cash and 370 food items for the local food bank. The hosts, the local Harbour Lites square dance group donated an additional $380 to the pot to bring the total to $1,100 in cash.
With funding from the Ministry of Health Promotion in the amount of $48,346, representing 60 per cent of the total project cost, seven schools in Brockville and area, will be offered the opportunity to engage in the "Children and Youth: Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle" project.
"The Ministry of Health Promotion's new approach to healthy communities is part of an evolving process that will position Ontario as a leader in health promotion. The Ontario government is committed to implementing a holistic and integrated approach that improves the health and wellness of Ontarians," states Susan Hreljac, regional advisor for the Ministry of Health Promotion. The Brockville and Area YMCA and the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit are covering the remainder 40 per cent of the cost to implement this project.
"Our plan is to engage the schools in the Brockville area in the process of information dissemination to their students and to encourage their students to participate in physical activities at the YMCA on their scheduled visits. As our partner in the delivery of this project, the Upper Canada District School Board will promote it amongst schools, and encourage all schools to ensure their weekly schedule includes participation in this program. With this support, our partner, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit, will be presenting their components on nutrition ("Nutrition Tools for Schools") and self esteem at all the schools in the Brockville area," says, Sandra Devaney, senior director of development and communications at the Brockville and Area YMCA.
She adds, "Part of the plan includes engaging students in grades 5-8 in our AIM program. Adolescents in Motion has proven to be an effective tool in instructing students on safe and effective use of cardio and conditioning equipment. This process encourages students to continue their involvement in physical fitness. Younger students will be given the opportunity to participate in aquatics activities."
The Brockville and Area YMCA is a charitable, not for profit organization with a vision to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
