HEALTH PROMOTION
  |
The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has taken on new meaning in the 21st century: health care costs are rising and Ontario’s population is both growing and aging, and health care costs for chronic diseases are rising.
The significant rise in Ontario’s obesity and chronic disease rates among adults, youth and children is of great concern.
We are currently facing a health care crisis due to:
- an aging population,
- tobacco use,
- sedentary lifestyles,
- longer commutes and work hours,
- access to more pre-packaged and ready made foods, and
- increased consumption of fast food.
They are all taking their toll on our bodies and the health care system.
Living a healthy, active life now can help lead to a longer life. Whether you eat healthy, are active several times a week and avoid substances like tobacco, alcohol or drugs, studies continue to show long-term positive impacts.
Did you know that:
- Physical activity, diet and maintenance of appropriate body weight can prevent between 30-40 per cent of all cases of cancer;
- Physical activity helps to reduce the risk of falls and fractures and prevent further bone loss from osteoporosis;
- Obesity costs Ontario $1.6 billion: $647 million in direct costs and $905 million in indirect costs;
- Smoking costs Ontario $4.3 billion: $1.7 billion in health care costs and $2.6 billion in lost productivity.
That is why the Ministry of Health Promotion is committed to creating and promoting programs and policies that encourage Ontarians to make healthy choices at all ages and stages of life to improve their own personal health to live longer, healthy lives.
To reach the 12 million people in Ontario, the Ministry of Health Promotion works with provincial Public Health Units, health and education agencies, voluntary associations, charitable and community-based organizations, stakeholders, and with other ministries and levels of government. By working together, we are developing new health promotion policies, creating and providing access to programs and local resources to build healthy environments in communities throughout Ontario.
