Did you know?

1. Physical inactivity levels in Middlesex-London continue to be unacceptably high fluctuating between 43% and 50% (2003 – 2010) ²
2. There is well established scientific evidence that regular physical activity is health enhancing and an important component in maintaining health ¹

In an effort to improve physical activity levels in Middlesex-London, the Healthy Communities Partnership Middlesex-London, a community partner initiative of the Middlesex-London Health Unit, has identified the endorsement of the international Toronto Charter for Physical Activity as a key strategy in reaching this very important goal!

Did you know the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity?

• Is an international charter that can be used by any jurisdiction in the world as a guiding document for local action plans
• Is a comprehensive set of guiding principals including a framework for action
• Was created with input from 55 countries and launched in the city of Toronto in May 2010 by the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health

The Healthy Communities Partnership Middlesex-London will be seeking endorsement of the international Toronto Charter for Physical Activity by London City Council in 2012.

If endorsed, the international Toronto Charter for Physical Activity will:

• Be a guide for decision making around increasing physical activity levels in the City of London
• Provide a framework for policies, programs and services

References:

1. Bull, F.C. (2011). Global Advocacy for Physical Activity – Development and Progress of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action. Research in Exercise Epidemiology, 13(1):1-10.
2. Statistics Canada (2010). Canadian Community Health Survey. Proportion of Middlesex-London population (age 12+) being moderately active or active during leisure time, 2003-2010. http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a05?id=1050501&stByVal=1&lang=eng

More information about the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity

Want to Make a Difference in YOUR Community?

By endorsing the international Toronto Charter for Physical Activity, there will be increased momentum to support existing as well as develop new local initiatives, particularly policies, which will work towards creating a sustainable physically active community in the City of London.

Want to register YOUR support for the endorsement of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity:

• As an ORGANIZATION
• As an INDIVIDUAL
  

Now more than ever, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada needs your support in our quest to continue our work with the federal government to implement the first-ever Heart Health Action Plan to combat heart disease and stroke in Canada. Heart disease and stroke costs Canada a staggering $20.9 billion a year in health-care costs and lost productivity.

The Heart Health Action Plan calls for the federal government to invest in:

• Lifesaving defibrillator machines and CPR training to help Canadians revive and restart the lives of friends, colleagues and loved ones in communities across Canada.
• A national public awareness campaign for women, especially for multicultural and Aboriginal women, to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke is their number one cause of death and what they can do to prevent it.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada needs your help.

Please write to the federal minister of health and your local federal Member of Parliament to request that the government implement this action plan to combat heart disease and stroke or use the sample letter found here: You Can Make a Difference NOW!!

Youth exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a SERIOUS health concern since increased exposure before the age of 18 can increase a person's risk of developing skin cancer both early and later in life.

Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for young adults. With over 50,000 high school-aged youth in Ontario already having used artificial tanning equipment, it's VITAL that we minimize any unnecessary exposure.

YOU can add your voice to that of other Canadian Cancer Society supporters and send an electronic SOS - Save Our Skin! template message encouraging your local Member of Provincial Parliament to enact legislation that bans the use of artificial tanning equipment by youth under 18 years of age.

Find out what YOU need to know...

Visit the Canadian Cancer Society to find out more.

Contact YOUR local municipal, provincial or federal politician and let them know your thoughts on topics that are important to you:

• City of London Councillors
  
• Middlesex County Councillors
  
• Local Provincial MPPS 
• Federal MP 

Please note, when visiting the Federal MP web page, you will see a list of all members of parliament in Canada. Simply sort by province to obtain information related to Ontario Federal MPs.