Building Healthy Communities with the Dual Goal of Chronic Disease Prevention and Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Canada and Jamaica

 

Heart attacks and strokes, known as cardiovascular diseases, are largely preventable and treatable. These chronic diseases often begin in childhood, through poor diet and low levels of outdoor active play. Taking steps to promote healthy eating and physical activity early in life can contribute to preventing these diseases in adulthood. However, we are seeing an increase in the prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes in young people, especially in urban environments.

This project aims to prevent the development of risk factors for future heart attacks and strokes in young people, and reduce the impact of producing and eating highly processed foods on the planet's climate, by encouraging consumption of locally and sustainably grown or harvested fruits and vegetables and safe outdoor play. The study will use data collected from national surveys and involve community engagement (including young people) to develop a multi-pronged intervention to improve their health in a way that is environmentally friendly. The interventions will be tested in cities in Canada and Jamaica. If the interventions prove successful, local governments and policymakers will be engaged to support a scaling strategy to implement similar interventions in additional communities.