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Population healthThe goals of a population health approach are to maintain and improve the health of the entire population, and to decrease inequities in health status among various population groups. This approach focuses on the interrelated conditions or determinants that most influence health, and applies the evidence to suggest broad priority areas for action. Intersectoral action is one of the key directions for improving the health status of the population adopted by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health in Strategies for Population Health: Investing in the Health of Canadians The need for intersectoral action recognizes that key factors which determine population health fall within the purview of many sectors in addition to health. Only through action within and between sectors at the local, regional, provincial and national levels will it be possible to influence the social, economic, and environmental conditions that enable and support the health and well-being of Canadians. The influence of the working environmentPoor working environments and employment conditions can have a negative impact on health. It has been proven that people who have more control over their work environment and fewer job stress-related demands tend to be healthier. Thus, safe, healthy, and supportive working conditions and environments are being recognized as important elements that contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians. Health Canada is working with many partners in many sectors to facilitate the creation of supportive workplace settings, and healthy physical environments both at home and work. This can only be accomplished through a combination of research, knowledge synthesis, information dissemination, and inter-sectoral collaboration. Health Canada is promoting active living at work as a key component of its population health strategy. The data that are available on this web site has been collected to give businesses a helping hand in establishing active living work policies and programs for their employees. As well, this web site aims to promote best practices and provide businesses with ideas on how to get started, how to promote physical activity in their work environments and how to capitalize on the benefits associated with active living at work. Health Canada's Healthy Living UnitThe Healthy Living Unit has the lead responsibility within Health Canada for delivering on the federal government's role in physical activity. The work of the Unit is based on an approach to partnerships that is multi-sectoral, multi-level, and multi-disciplinary. The goals of the Healthy Living Unit are:
Federal Role in the Promotion of Physical ActivityThe federal government has a key role to play in several areas: strategic leadership and policy development, knowledge development and information dissemination, partnership building, and the general promotion of physical activity. In keeping with the population health approach, emphasis is placed on the determinants of health within specific life stages and across the life span. 1 - Strategic Leadership and Policy DevelopmentAddressing the determinants of physical activity in a coordinated and cost-effective way requires Health Canada to play a leadership role with other federal departments and the governments of other countries as well as a shared leadership role with provincial/territorial governments, national voluntary organizations, and the private sector. This federal leadership role includes identifying emerging issues and establishing policies and plans which enable all Canadians to have access to equitable opportunities to be active. To this end, it is recognized that additional support may be needed to address the systemic barriers to physical activity which are particularly apparent among Canadians with a disability, girls and women, older adults, and Aboriginal Peoples. 2 - Knowledge Development and Information DisseminationResearch, knowledge development, and information synthesis are key elements of evidence-based planning and policy development. As well, authoritative information must be provided to the general public, and to professionals and government policy makers in physical activity, health and other fields in order to enable informed choices. This information will advise them of the recommended levels and types of physical activity to achieve health benefits and the many other benefits of physical activity for individuals, for society, and for the environment. On-going monitoring and periodic evaluations are also necessary - to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of programs. 3 - Partnerships and AlliancesFederal policy places a major emphasis on working in collaboration with partners. Social and physical environments affect the choices available to Canadians for integrating physical activity into daily life. A number of disciplines/fields have an impact on the availability of opportunities, including fitness, recreation, and sport education, urban planning, transportation, workplaces and health. Action is also required to develop and implement strategies that increase awareness about the important contribution of physical activity in addressing issues in other fields, such as youth at risk, transportation and protection of the environment. Collaborative partnerships are needed with the public, private, and voluntary sectors in these fields to achieve common goals. The federal government has a role in contributing financial assistance and strategic advice to national organizations which further health objectives. Working in collaboration increases the critical mass for addressing national problems. Click here to see a list of our partners. 4 - Promoting and Communicating the Benefits of Physical ActivityThe federal government has a role in communicating the important benefits of physical activity and the health risks of physical inactivity to Canadians, and working with provincial and territorial partners to foster consistent national messages. Media campaigns promote awareness of issues, influence attitudes, reinforce individual choices and lend support to other strategies. As well, celebrations and special events can be a cost-effective way of attracting corporate sector support in order to raise the profile of physical activity and to mobilize hundreds of communities to promote a variety of opportunities to be active. Promotion, mass media awareness campaigns, and events are not sufficient in themselves to provide an on-going supportive social environment for Canadians to be active. They can, however, be a potent force if combined with complementary strategies which encourage supportive physical and social environments. Tell us what you are doingWe would like to promote best practices and innovative initiatives on this web site. Tell us what you are doing and your organization could be featured as a case study for leadership in the field of active living at work. Write to us at:The Business Case for Active Living at Work or E-mail us at: Business_case@hc-sc.gc.ca or Call us at: 613-941-0377 |