February 2009 - Our Voice in Action

OPHA Takes a Multi-Faceted Approach to Fighting Childhood Obesity

OPHA has intensified its efforts to make childhood obesity issues a high priority for policy makers, public health professionals, and the population as a whole. Following the decision to form a workgroup dedicated to advocating for legislation to ban advertising and marketing of food and beverages to children (see January 2009 E-bulletin Hot Topic), the issue received widespread attention as representatives from most health units attended the Association of Local Public Health Agencies’ seminar "Food for Thought" on February 5th in Toronto, at which the afternoon session was devoted to the issue. Presenters included internationally renowned researcher Brian Cook who is currently managing this issue at Toronto Public Health, Harvard Professor and Psychiatrist Dr. Susan Linn, as well as Eve Bedard, a lawyer and journalist who has witnessed the success of similar legislation in Quebec, and Jeanette Longfield whose success on the issue in England earned her the distinction of Member of the British Empire.

This month OPHA’s Board of Directors has signed on to support the Together for Healthy Kids public awareness campaign led by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario (HSFO) that is planned to go into full swing this Spring.

In common with OPHA, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario believes that Ontario must actively take steps to create an environment where health flourishes — an environment that allows future generations to lead active healthier lives. To realize this vision, the HFSO is committed to addressing "the alarming rise in the number of overweight and obese children in the province. This is an imminent and preventable health crisis. The well-being of our children affects us all and there is so much we all must do".

Together for Healthy Kids is a core commitment of the HFSO. It aims to generate greater public awareness of the tremendous societal impact of this issue and inspires Ontarians to take action to create sustainable policy. The initiative:

  • Advocates to all levels of government and supports and facilitates community based action through Heart and Stroke’s Community Advocacy Fund;
  • Seeks to raise public awareness through a campaign including a province-wide print and radio, events and online communications. Campaign will launch late Spring 09;
  • Works in partnership with other organizations to facilitate greater impact and momentum.