Health behaviour change is hard Health behaviour change is hard. Our lifestyle and outlook shape our health, which is why being active and having a positive outlook is so important. Today, we have access to plenty of resources telling us what changes are necessary to achieve optimal health. So what’s missing?..... Evidence-based resources that support how to achieve those changes. Health behaviour change is hard – and what has been missing are free, easy to access, evidence-based resources that not only offer the what, but the how.

The Fountain of Health (FOH) exists for this reason The Fountain of Health (FOH) exists for this reason. It is a national brain health promotion initiative with a website that allows the public as well as clinicians to access evidence-based information on brain health, health behaviour change tools and materials to facilitate FOH workshops. FOH can be considered an example of positive psychiatry in action. It provides evidence-based information on 5 key areas that act as protective factors for brain health across the lifespan. It also offers the public and clinicians easy to use tools for health behaviour change. These tools are based on cognitive behavioral strategies and were developed with input and piloting from physicians and nurse practitioners. Finally, the FOH offers to clinicians and the lay-public access to materials to facilitate a FoH workshop either in the community or in health care centers. Before we get into the FoH’s 5 key areas, behaviour change tools and workshops, I will share a little bit on its development.

How has the FoH developed? Founded in 2011 in Nova Scotia, developed in 4 phases: I. Evidence on key modifiable factors in brain health & resilience (2011-12) II. Key messages, website development, national speakers’ bureau (2013-15) III. Pilot projects (2016-17) 1) Family Physician engagement project and 2) Senior Peer Leader project. IV. Clinician tools being shared, Workshop programs implemented (2017-18) The Fountain of Health (FoH) was founded in 2011 by the Geriatric Psychiatry Program at Dalhousie University in the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Led by Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy, Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry and Clinical Academic Director of Dalhousie Geriatric Psychiatry, the FoH is a national non-profit organization based in Nova Scotia. (Read last phase in slide) What is happening right now? Expanding the availability of Fountain of Health resources across the country, developing the The FoH Wellness App, How-To Toolkits, FOH SMART! Thinking wellness plan for university students and furthering tool development for clinical use.

Who’s Behind the FOH National Leadership Team Canadian Academy for Geriatric Psychiatry Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health Who is Involved? The FOH has both provincial & national teams. It has stakeholders in healthcare, government, non-profit organizations, family medicine, and psychiatry. The team members have greatly contributed to the development of the FOH from their expertise and academic knowledge. The FoH has representatives from local and key national organizations that are outlined on the slide. The FOH is extremely grateful for their investment in terms of time and energy. International Longevity Centre Canada Canadian Medical Association Canadian Geriatrics Society

What the FoH Offers 1. Evidence-based information 2. Health behaviour change tools 3. Health promotion tools for use by Clinicians 4. Resources to facilitate FOH workshops Back to what the FOH offers. The FOH is one of the first educational initiatives of its kind in the world, as it translates current science on brain health, wellbeing and resilience and offers practical tools to improve health outcomes over the lifespan. It offers; 1) evidence-based information in 5 key areas that act as protective factors for brain health across the lifespan. 2) Health behaviour change tools for the public to use for themselves 3) Health Promotion tools for Clincians to use with their patients/clients 4) resources to facilitate a FOH workshop either in the community or in health care centers.

1. Evidence-Based Information The Fountain of Health Prescription: The 5 Things You Can Do FOH website offers evidence-based information on these basic healthy behaviors and attitudes as a starting point Positive Thinking Social Activity Physical Activity Brain Challenge Mental Health As an example: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY has been proven to be the best promoter of brain neuroplasticity All forms of physical activity help And it Treats mild - moderate depression

2. Health Behaviour Change Tools Specific - What concrete step will you take? Measurable - How can success be measured? Action-Oriented - What action or behaviour is needed? Realistic - How realistic is it to accomplish? Time-limited - When will it be done? (what time, day, how often) …A S.M.A.R.T. goal sets us up for success The FOH’s Health behaviour change tools are easily accessible to the public through; The website and web-based App The public can also access the behaviour change tools by attending a FOH workshop or with the support of a clinician that uses, or is open to using, the FOH health promotion tools. The Health Behaviour Change tools are based around SMART goal setting. the FOH website offers a health and resilience quiz that determines a persons baseline, it offers sample ideas for goals in the 5 key areas, and invites you to set a small attainable SMART goal. The Web-based App offers all of this, records your goal and is able to send reminders to keep you on track, if you so wish!

3. Health Promotion Tools for Clinicians in Front-line Care The FOH invites Clinicians to use the health promotion tools with their patients/clients. There is an international call for health promotion, yet clinical tools to support this work in front line care are lacking. Introducing FoH health promotion tools, intended for use by any healthcare provider with any adult patient in whom health behaviour change is a desirable goal. These tools offer quick 10 minute CBT-based interventions to promote health and resilience, prevent depression and anxiety, and reduce the risk of dementia. The FoH Health Promotion Tools are evidence-based, quick and easy to use in routine practice (2 or 3 x 10 minute visits), and based in principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with  “S.M.A.R.T.” goal-setting. These health promotion tools and guidelines are all accessible on the FOH website. The Web-based App allows clinicians and patients/clients to record their new goals with ease and offers help with accountability.

4. Resources to Facilitate a FOH Workshop Finally, the FOH offers the lay public or clinicians the resources to facilitate a 4 week FOH workshop either in the community or in health care centers. The FOH offers simple to use slides and facilitator guides so facilitators can educate participants with ease! The slides and guides are accessible on the website. The workshops cover the evidence-based information in the 5 key areas and invite participants to set and work on a SMART goal over the weeks.

www.fountainofhealth.ca Email: info@fountainofhealth.ca The FOH initiative for optimal aging was developed through Dalhousie Geriatric Psychiatry in 2011. Now in 2018, FOH is a national health promotion project designed to help adults of all ages optimize mental and physical health across the lifespan and to provide clinicians with evidence based tools to help activate healthy aging. Remember, no adult is too old or too young to make behaviour changes for a healthier and happier life. No goal is too small and each step makes a difference!