Achieving Better Health in Lake of Bays Colleen Nisbet, Director of Clinical Service

A 160 year old movement Strategies focused on populations To prevent disease, and protect and promote health Public Health is….

Impact of Public Health Movement Beginnings of public sanitation movement in the 19th century –Municipal water sanitation and sewage systems –Improving incomes, housing, nutrition, –working conditions –Infection control practices: Water and food safety Health care –Vaccination (smallpox) Dr. John Snow, cholera and the Broad St. pump

We have achieved an unprecedented increase in life expectancy…

There is Still Room to Improve Health Social determinants of health account for 60% of variation in health status Tobacco –16% of all deaths Diet/Inactivity – 14% of all deaths, 1/3 of all cancers avoidable with optimal diet Alcohol – 5% of all deaths Infections – 5% of all deaths Injuries – the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 44 years; $14.7 billion annually in direct and indirect costs Others – Sexual behaviour, illicit drugs

What are the social determinants of health? Access to education, meaningful employment, sufficient income Secure access to basic material needs – living wage, housing, transportation (community design) Access to social networks / supports (community design) Early child development (prenatal factors, positive parenting, secure and stimulating environment) Freedom from discrimination

Scott Warnock County of Simcoe Vice Chair   Margaretta Papp-Belayneh, Provincial Appointee   Cal Patterson, County of Simcoe   Ben Rattelade, Provincial Appointee   Alicia Savage, County of Simcoe   Doug Skeaff, Provincial Appointee Our Board of Health in 2014 Barry Ward, City of Barrie Chair Members:   John Brassard, City of Barrie   Sandy Cairns, District of Muskoka   Steve Clement, District of Muskoka   Fred Hamelink, Provincial Appointee   Gord McKay, County of Simcoe   Gail Mullen, Provincial Appointee   Linda Murray, City of Orillia

Engagement with Municipal Councils HEALTH ISSUES AND ACTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

…On the Social Determinants of Health

… on Healthy Public Policy

… and on Healthy Built Environments

Need for Food Charters Help support regional culinary/food tourism Support farmland protection Promote food locally grown and produced in the District of Muskoka Help encourage safe, nutritious food and healthy food choices Help protect the environment

Who lives in poverty in Simcoe and Muskoka? All socio-demographic groups affected, but higher rates in:Children Aboriginal Recent Immigrants Lone-Parent Families Unattached

Promoting a Culture of Moderation on Alcohol Purpose –Raise awareness –Engage key stakeholders Target audience –Health and social service providers, education, police, municipal and provincial politicians, general public

The Prevention of Tooth Decay Fluoridation makes a contribution Oral hygiene – including fluoridated toothpaste (precaution re excessive quantities and swallowing in young children) Healthy diet – reduced sugar content Dental care – pit and fissure sealants, scaling, fluoride applications Social determinants of health – income, demographics, dental insurance coverage Community water fluoridation

A healthy community provides opportunities… For people to walk and cycle to work. For children to be able to walk and bike safely to school. To be connected to parks, other neighbourhoods and trails. To enjoy the natural environment such as water, farmland and green space. To have access to healthy foods that are fresh and affordable in every neighbourhood. To have sidewalks, pathways, trails and bike lanes that are inviting, accessible, safe and connected to amenities and public transit. For connection to community gathering places. Has sufficient density for these.

Final Thoughts People’s health has always been about their living conditions. There are challenges to population health in Simcoe Muskoka – and opportunities. Municipalities make a big difference with healthy public policy. SMDHU recommends that healthy communities be a priority for municipal councils.