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Youth asked: What are your healthy living tips?
Canada News-Wire, Thu 20 Mar 2008
McGuinty Government Promotes Healthy Eating And Active Living Contest
TORONTO, March 20 /CNW/ - Ontario is giving youth a chance to showcase their creative take on healthy living.
The Healthy Eating and Active Living contest will be hosted on MHP's youth website www.notgonnakillyou.ca which is an easy-to-access resource for young people seeking information on all aspects of healthy living, from healthy recipes to sports organizations.
Youth aged 12 to 15 are invited to submit poster and video entries. Winning submissions will be posted online and winners will receive brand new iPods. The contest closes on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
"This contest is a part of our government's priority in engaging youth to make healthier choices," said Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion. "Numerous studies have shown that people who eat healthy foods and are physically active when they are young are more likely to maintain nutritious diets and be active throughout their lives."
"This is a great opportunity to give youth a voice in the discussion about healthy eating and active living," said Chris Markham, Executive Director and CEO, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association. "It could reveal what motivates young people to make healthy living choices as well as barriers to making these choices."
"When I am training, I see a lot of young people working hard to achieve their goals," said Pierce Smith, National Junior Snowboard Champion. "This contest is a great way for all youth to speak up and motivate their friends to live active, healthy lives."
QUICK FACTS
- Nearly one third, 29 per cent, of youth aged 12 to 17 are overweight
or obese, according to the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey.
- Increases in obesity rates are contributing to a dramatic rise in
illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke,
hypertension and some cancers.
The contest supports the goals of Ontario's Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. For details, read Ontario's Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Action Plan http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/HEAL/default.asp
Get access to trusted health information, services and advice for healthier living at HealthyOntario.com.
For healthy eating and nutrition information, call one of EatRight
Ontario's Registered Dietitians toll-free, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET at 1-877-510-5102, or visit Ontario.ca/EatRight
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