44% of Interlake residents aged 19+ have a chronic disease
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Stonewall, Man., March 30, 2011—Over 100 people are anticipated to attend Healthy Living – The Power of Prevention Conference April 7 and 8 in Gimli, Manitoba. The Interlake Regional Health Authority (Interlake RHA) is hosting the event along with its community partners Healthy Living Youth and Seniors and the Interlake Municipal Recreation Association.
“Chronic chronic disease rates have become alarming. In the Interlake, 44% of people over the age of 19 have a chronic disease,” said Doreen Fey, vice president of planning with the Interlake RHA. “We are turning to our residents to work with us to reduce smoking, obesity and physical inactivity that are at the root of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. Chronic disease accounts for our greatest healthcare expenditures and it undermines the health of our communities. We wanted to give people a place to hear inspiring stories, share their experiences and suggestions, and take their new knowledge back home or into work where healthy changes can begin.”
Former Winnipegger, Dr. Ali Zentner is the conference keynote speaker. A physician who specializes in cardiac risk management and obesity in West Vancouver, Dr. Zentner once weighed over 300 pounds. Her path to a healthier life began by exercising five minutes a day and extending her work-out times longer and longer. She eventually lost 160 pounds and has competed in marathons and triathlons. She recently returned from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. |
Conference keynote speaker, Dr. Ali Zentner, carried the Olympic torch in Kamloops last year and provides medical expertise on the CBC reality series show Village on a Diet. Ten years ago she weighed in at 327 pounds. She has recently returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. |
Joining Dr. Zentner on the conference agenda are stories of success from the Healthy Together Now program that sees the provincial government fund community led health initiatives. Dr. Dexter Harvey, an award winning instigator of national and provincial efforts to increase public health, will chair a panel to explore the influence of healthy living programs in Manitoba. A former University of Manitoba professor, Dr. Harvey has led several collaborative research projects including studies on youth tobacco use, First Nations HIV prevention and a Manitoba heart health project that focused on getting communities active to help prevent heart disease.
Friday morning opens with a choice of three work-out sessions. The day’s breakout sessions feature tried and true tips on bringing about positive changes in people’s health. Topics include stress reduction, adopting healthy eating habits, fostering meaningful volunteer experiences, injury prevention with proper footwear and methods to improve the health of clubs and non-profit organizations.
The fee for conference attendance is $125 before April 1 and $150 after. Conference sponsors include the Interlake Regional Health Authority, the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba In Motion, the Interlake Municipal Recreation Association, Recreation Connections Manitoba and Canadian Footwear. For more information on the Healthy Living – The Power of Prevention Conference or to register, visit
http://tiny.cc/HealthyLiving2011 or call 1-877-979-WELL (9355) /
wellness@irha.mb.ca.
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Contact: Lauralou Cicierski, Public Relations Manager
(204) 467-4747, lcicierski@irha.mb.ca