An innovative measure for overweight people in Canada
It is clear that relevant initiatives often come from across the Atlantic and mainly from Canada. Quebecers are strongly involved in well-being and health . The proof is: a new innovative health strategy directly concerns the obese.
The urban agriculture support strategy
It was at the beginning of July 2016 that Mr. Pierre PARADIS Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food unveiled an initiative led alternately by the Quebec coalition on the problems of overweight, the Dietitians of Canada, Capsane, the food system, the urban ecology center of Montreal, the 5 spices workshop, the national grouping of regional councils, the Association for public health and Croquarium.
For all these little people, food is a key factor in the development of overweight: 57% of adults and 23% of the youngest are concerned. For the spokesperson for the “overweight coalition”, Ms. Couturier Clara, agriculture in cities would make access to local, nutritious and fresh products more accessible.
In fact, it is in a voluntary approach to sustainable health that this strategy was born. It has a positive effect in terms of nutritional security and encourages people to eat better thanks to the reduction of greenhouse gases linked to transport. It also allows, by increasing the number of green spaces in the city center, to restrict the places where excessive heat is created. Short cycles are favored .
A Quebec state of mind
For the managers of the organizations concerned by the problem of obesity and overweight, it is vital that the practice of urban agriculture be integrated by the inhabitants in order to facilitate economic access to healthy foods with flawless nutritional quality. . This initiative is meaningful in more than one way: everyone develops culinary skills, experiences the pleasure of vegetable gardening while realizing that industrialized products are too rich in sugars, saturated fats, salt and have a low value. nutritious.
This is what encourages associations to support municipalities and encourage families in this civic approach . However, the spokesperson is realistic about the projection of this initiative. She knows that much stronger actions must be taken by the government to improve the food supply and, through this, the state of health of the population of Quebec.
Always go further
In Canada, initiatives do not die in the bud. Clara Couturier asks that there be further reflection on the overall mode of food with a combined action of all the components to find a healthy and sustainable process in nutritional terms such as, for example, the implementation rapid introduction of reliable information on sugary drink packs, but also the firm and definitive elimination of so-called “trans” fat in snack bars and restaurants or even the establishment of real respect for food within schools while ensuring that no “American-style” fast-food establishments are in service in the vicinity.
In fact, it is indeed up to the government and the ministries to take charge, as a priority, of the state of health of citizens and no longer to serve, as was the case until now, the economic interests of food industry lobbying. For the institutions, this will be the opportunity to listen to the associative fabric so that other alternatives can reduce overweight and obesity in Quebec.
The good news will be valid for France. This protocol will most certainly be welcome and applied in schools and other outdoor centres.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.