The Stelmach government's decision to launch a comprehensive new program aimed at reducing obesity in Alberta is a worthwhile and much needed effort that will help tackle a growing and troubling trend affecting many communities and families, including right here in West Central Alberta.
If it succeeds in its far-reaching goals, the financial, health and other benefits of the groundbreaking program will be well worth the multi-million dollar cost.
The five-year Alberta Health Services Obesity Initiative will help Albertans manage weight control issues and at the same time provide new programs to prevent obesity in Albertans of all ages, say officials.
Perhaps most importantly the program will include school-based programs designed to address the growing problem of obesity among young people.
Affecting more than one million Albertans, obesity is certainly one of the most pervasive health concerns in the province, costing Alberta about $1.4 billion annually in terms of reduced quality of life and loss of workplace productivity.
Obesity has been linked to more than 20 chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, not only making the lives of those affected harder but in many cases putting their very lives in danger.
“One of the key goals of the plan is to support Albertans to live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life,” said Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky.
“This program will help us achieve this goal. However, in order to succeed we will need everyone to participate, including our families, our schools and our communities.”
Dr. Chris Eagle, the CAO of Alberta Health Services, says the new program represents a big step forward in the fight against obesity.
“What we are proposing is a more multi-pronged, comprehensive approach to care we know will ensure quality of care and better outcomes,” said Eagle.
While this new program is a good step on the road to freeing more Albertans, including children, from obesity and its related health concerns, it will hopefully also prompt other community stakeholders to help in the obesity fight.
For example, municipalities across the region should be encouraged to promote healthy lifestyles for their residents through the maintenance and proper funding of recreation facilities such as swimming pools, hockey arenas and other sports facilities.
Educators must also continue to make healthy food choices available to students of all ages, while at the same time ensuring overweight students are treated with dignity and understanding by the school community at large.
Reducing the instances of obesity across the province is something that will benefit taxpayers, families, students and the health-care system. This new initiative is a step in that right direction.
- D.S.
