Healthy Eating Habits at Work
In This Issue
Project Health Update
Happy New Year everyone! It is hard to believe that 2006 is already upon us! As usual, the New Year brings a time for us to get organized, get back on track, set new goals and move forward.
Thanks to all who participated in our Networking Luncheon on November 24th. It was great to have you all together in one room and talk about your involvement in the project – I hope you found it worthwhile as well. Your participation, input and feedback has been extremely valuable in helping us evaluate the usefulness of the toolkit. Based on your feedback, we will have a new Project Health Toolkit resource for you at the next Networking Luncheon. In addition, we have re-organized binder 1 to include all the PH tools and we think it makes much more sense. We will bring it to the next luncheon for you to see, but in the mean time, you may want to grab a big binder, some dividers and do this for yourself.
Need inspiration or support? Remember, the listserve is available to you to share ideas and ask questions. All you need to do to use the listserve is send a message to projecthealth@together4health.ca. In addition, your Together 4 Health liaison is available to guide you to resources and supports as well. Your liaison will be in touch with you soon to check in, but please don’t hesitate to contact them directly if you have a question or need some support planning your activities for 2006.
Mark Your Calendars: The next Project Health Networking Luncheon is planned for Thursday February 23, 2006 from 11:30 – 2:30 pm. If you are interested in hosting this event at your workplace or have ideas for a theme, topic or speaker for the event, please let us know. We are currently planning the details of the luncheon and will let you know the specifics early in February.
Quick Fact: Healthy Eating Habits at Work
Why should a workplace be concerned about healthy eating?
Together - healthy eating and active living - combined with a positive outlook can lead to:
- Reduced risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.
- Elevated mood, energy and self-esteem.
- Reduced anxiety and stress.
Opportunities to spend enjoyable time with family and friends.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/healthyeating.html
Mark Your Calendars
February is Heart Month
Every February during Heart Month, something heart-warming happens—across the country, tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and community organizations come together to show their support for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Join them this February and help impact the lives of almost 70% of Canadians.
February 28-March 6, 2006 WinterActive Pilot Initiative
Key elements of the 2006 WinterActive pilot initiative will include a comprehensive web site (not yet available), including downloadable electronic leader & public promotion material and the opportunity for Provincial and Territorial governments to profile existing/new winter physical activity/recreation/healthy living opportunities in each jurisdiction; an incentive prize program for participants and leaders; and, a media support strategy to garner earned media to call attention to physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco cessation and sport participation opportunities at the local level as part of the 2006 WinterActive pilot. Check out the Winteractive toolkit at the link below for great activity ideas for you and your family.
March Nutrition Month
The 2006 National Nutrition Month® Campaign will encourage and support Canadians in making wise healthy eating choices where you shop, work, learn and play.
April 7, 2006. World Health Day - Working together for health
In 2006, World Health Day (celebrated annually on 7 April) will be devoted to the health workforce crisis. On this day around the globe, hundreds of organizations will host events to draw attention to global health workforce crisis and celebrate the dignity and value of working for health.
April Cancer Awareness Month
Daffodil Days kicks off a month of cancer awareness and fundraising. Check for updates on events and how you can help by visiting.
Resource Links
Nutrition Index Page
Healthy eating and watching your weight are important to help manage your diabetes. This section will help you to develop a basic understanding of concepts such as carbohydrate counting, reading food labels, and artificial sweeteners.
Remember to see your dietitian who can help you to develop or update your personalized meal plan.
Workplace Healthy Eating Blues
Under workplace pressures, good nutrition often gets thrown overboard. Many people skip lunch and work on through until their head aches and their vision blurs. This is no way to spend a productive afternoon. Get in the habit of taking time out for lunch.
Healthy Choices Catering Form
Make healthy eating a part of your meeting! Use this form to help you give your meeting guests food and beverage choices they'll thank you for. Heart healthier choices are identified by the heart shaped check boxes.
Healthy Snacking in the Workplace
Offering healthy snack food alternatives is an easy start to showing your commitment to Workplace Wellness. Keep records to see that they are actually being used. Make sure the supply is fresh, clean, and attractively presented. If necessary, charge a fair price, but remember that the continued wellness of your employees impacts morale and your bottom line.
The Eat Smart! Workplace Cafeteria Program
The Eat Smart! Workplace Cafeteria Program is an Ontario Award of Excellence program for workplace cafeterias that meet high standards in healthy food choices, food safety, and non-smoking seating.
Fast Food Frenzy
While 80% of Canadians agree that food and eating are an important part of their lives, 63% of Canadians say that they do not worry about nutrition when they eat out. Eating out is an important part of our enjoyment of food.
5 Tips to Healthier Eating in the New Year
Is eating healthier one of your new year's resolutions? This is probably one of the top 3 resolutions for most of us. It's easy. Simply try to incorporate the following eating habits to improve your health!
Tips from the Dietitians of Canada
Eating breakfast every day can help improve concentration, reduce hunger and maintain a healthy weight. Look for fast and easy choices such as whole grain breads and muffins, cereal with milk, fruit and fruit juice, yogurt and yogurt shakes, cheese, and eggs, or be creative with last night's leftovers.
For more information or to suggest topics you'd like addressed in future bulletins, please contact Heidi Schulz of Together 4 Health's Workplace Wellness Work Group at (519) 742-1481 x 225 or by email at ebulletin@together4health.ca.
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