Anand, S.S., Davis, A.D., Ahmed, R., Jacobs, R., Xie, C., Hill, A., ...Yusuf S. (2007). A family-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles in an aboriginal community in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 98, 447-52.
Pearson, J.A., Burkhart, E., Pifalo, W.B., Palaggo-Toy, T., & Krohn, K. (2005). A lifestyle modification intervention for the treatment of osteoporosis. American Journal of Health Promotion, 2, 28-33
Matson-Koffman, D.M., Brownstein, J.N., Neiner, J.A., & Greaney, M.L. (2005). A site-specific literature review of policy and environmental interventions that promote physical activity and nutrition for cardiovascular health: What works? American Journal of Health Promotion, 19, 167-193.
PDF file, 229 pages Published: Sep 2010 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This is a user-friendly resource to link teachers, youth coaches, and community instructors with the multitude of resources available across Canada to support healthy and active school communities.
A hard copy is also available at the Centre Library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1311.
Action Schools! BC is a best-practices model. This program helps schools create individualized action plans to promote healthy living and provide more opportunities for more children to make healthy choices.
Established in 2000, Capital Health's Active Anytime Anywhere program is designed to enhance active living programs for older adults with low incomes in their communities. One of the program’s goals is to support and encourage the older adults' desire to embrace an active lifestyle.
The program also aims to improve communication among organizations and leaders with an interest in active living and older adults, and to increase knowledge and confidence of existing leaders to deliver programs.
The program’s webpage provides program, resource and registration information for older adults and fitness/active living leaders.
69 pages Published: 2007 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This report is the result of consultations across BC to see what barriers or gaps exist in community supports to seniors, identify services that help them stay active and strategies that include tools and promising practices.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Group--Older Adults, ID #1266
html file, 1 page Published: Aug 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over a two-year time period (2008 to 2010), students at the 10 participating APPLE schools had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, lower caloric intakes, were more active and were less likely to be obese. These positive changes in health behaviours were also seen when compared to students elsewhere in the province. Nine of 10 schools implemented nutrition policies, and all 10 schools adopted daily physical activity policies.
Byers, T., Nestle, M., McTiernan, A., Doyle, C., Currie-Williams, A., Gansler, T., et al. (2002). American Cancer Society guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention: Reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 52, 92-119.
Skinner, K., Hanning, R.M., & Tsuji, L.J. (2006). Barriers and supports for healthy eating and physical activity for First Nation youths in northern Canada. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 65, 148-161.
The Building a Healthy, Active Australia initiative helps tackle the growing problem of declining physical activity and poor eating habits among Australian children.
This website provides access to practical information and updates, and news for families, parents, older Australians, and teenagers and children.
You'll find information on healthy eating, regular physical activity, overweight and obesity (particularly for children and adolescents) and active living.
You can order a print copy of the latest Canada's Food Guide or use the many features of the web-friendly resource.
People don't make food choices in isolation. As a leader, you can support your clients in using the Food Guide as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Resource for Educators and Communicators will help you understand the influence that family, friends and surroundings at school and work have on what we eat.
The Guide provides background information, tips and tools to complement each recommendation in Canada's Food Guide.
pdf file, 41 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: National
These guidelines update the weight classification system used in Canada since 1988. The guidelines identify health risks associated with body weight in individuals and populations and are aligned with World Health Organizations recommendations.
Resources include
a technical report;
a quick reference tool for professionals; and
questions and answers for both the public and professionals.
This resource guide encourages health care providers in Aboriginal communities to promote healthy lifestyles in Aboriginal communities through physical activity and healthy eating.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1284
pdf file, 127 pages Published: Mar 2006 GeoOrigin: National
This comprehensive manual will help you develop programs in First Nations and Inuit communities that encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
The manual is broken down into six sections:
Facts about physical activity and healthy eating.
Identifying and addressing barriers.
Learning from successful programs.
Developing a successful program and examples of successful programs.
Resources for different groups and ways to connect with organizations that can help.
html file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2003 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article summarizes the results of a study of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors, who were two, five, and 10 years after their first cancer diagnosis.
The study looked at the effect of positive lifestyle behaviours (e.g., not smoking, eating the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, and physical activity) on survivors' health-related quality of life.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Jun 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article (from the Dietitians of Canada) focuses on a study by the Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities and Dietitians of Canada on ways to create healthier school environments. The "SUCCESS" framework can help schools improve the nutrition offered to students.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Jul 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article provides an overview of the development and scientific validation of a survey to measure Canadians' nutrition behaviours and how these behaviours relate to their attitudes and knowledge around nutrition.
This survey is called the Canadian BANKS (Behaviours, Attitudes and Nutrition Knowledge Survey).
This resource provides information on diabetes and includes suggestions on how to deliver this information to youth in Grades 5 or 6. The information reinforces healthy lifestyles choices, including quality daily activity and proper nutrition.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1288
Lichtenstein, A.H., Appel, L.J., Brands, M. Carnethon, M., Daniels, S., Franch, H.A., et al. (2006). Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association nutrition committee. Circulation, 114, 82-96.
The 6th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. A key recommendation is to participate in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.
Visit the Dietitians of Canada website to try out their interactive resource, One Day @ a Time.
This feature presents healthy eating challenges and solutions, using nine different scenarios. This feature also offers healthy eating advice and tips for situations women find themselves in every day.
Other fun resources include the "Menu Planner" and the "Tip of the Day." Flash 4 Player is required to access this website, but can be downloaded for free.
pdf file, 80 pages Published: 2005 GeoOrigin: International
This is a detailed report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation identifying the barriers that American, Latino and Native American communities may face when developing physical activity and healthy eating programs.
11 pages Published: Sep 2006 GeoOrigin: International
Sugar-sweetened beverages account for a large proportion of added sugar in the diet. A number of studies are examined for the correlation between high-sugar beverages and weight gain.
Eat Smart, Play Hard is a national campaign in the United States designed to convey science-based, behaviour-focused messages about healthy eating and physical activity. Messages are "kid-tested" and based on the Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Eating right and being active are key components for cancer prevention. This booklet is geared toward adults of all ages. It's a great tool for you to share with your clients, patients and members. This booklet is also available in French, Chinese and Punjabi.
This website will help you check your food choices, activity patterns, and body weight.
The site also includes an online nutrition challenge and links to finding a dietitian near you. The website also includes personalized feedback to answer your questions and help you achieve your active living goals.
This booklet provides background information, tips and tools to complement each recommendation in Canada's Food Guide. This resource can be used to write and talk about the importance of eating well and develop or advocate for nutrition policies.
This resource is also in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Nutrition [file cabinet], ID #1168
This national food guide reflects the values, traditions and food choices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It includes foods such as moose stew, char and bannock!
pdf file, 60 pages Published: 2007 GeoOrigin: National
This resource guide for educators and communicators provides background information, as well as tips and tools, to complement each recommendation in Canada’s Food Guide.
This resource can be used to:
Write and talk about the importance of eating well
Sallis, J.F., McKenzie, T.L., Conway, T.L., Elder, J.P., Prochaska, J.J., Brown, M., et al. (2003). Environmental interventions for eating and physical activity: A randomized controlled trial in middle schools. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24, 209-217.
This Research Update article outlines baseline levels of dietary adherence among type 2 diabetes patients in the Edmonton area and explores possible barriers to healthy eating.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Jun 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article outlines the relationships between food accessibility and availability with glycemic control (lower hemoglobin A1c) and body mass index (BMI) in people with type 2 diabetes. The results show that people who spend more time shopping have better control of blood sugars and lower BMI.
The American National Institute on Aging has produced a guide for people taking their first steps towards an active lifestyle. This guide will show you how to include exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy as you age. The guide also offers useful tips on establishing and maintaining a regular exercise program.
This resource outline why overweight is a problem for children as well as adults in the US. It teaches about energy balance and provides tips to parents to help kids eat right and be more physically active.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity [file cabinet], ID #1250
This report is the result of two years of consultations among the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
The report on diet serves as the basis for developing a global strategy to combat the growing burden of chronic diseases. Recommendations for healthy diets are also included.
Pyle, S.A., Sharkey, J., Yetter, G., Felix, E., Furlong, M.J., & Poston, W.S.C. (2006). Fighting an epidemic: The role of schools in reducing childhood obesity. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 361-376.
Scroll all the way down to find this resource (you'll see some other great resources along the way).
The best time to learn basic movement skills, such as climbing, catching, throwing and jumping, is in early childhood.
This resource supports physical activity programs and helps to create a positive self-image in early learning and childcare settings.
The toolkit provides research, a resource list, great ideas for activities, a fact sheet and interactive CDs, food guides and, of course, a beach ball.
You can order the toolkit (for a cost). However, you are able to download the content (in pdf) for free from this site. Great for parents, teachers and daycare providers!
HealthierUS.Gov provides credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives. This major web site links to other American government programs and campaigns providing information about such topics as nutrition and physical activity, diabetes, healthy aging, and obesity.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Sep 2011 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article describes the role played by exercise specialists in delivering the HEALD-PCN program and outlines which variables will be tracked to determine the success of the program.
Healthy Eating Is in Store for You is a national program to help consumers interpret food labels.
This program, funded through Health Canada's National Diabetes Strategy, helps consumers make healthy food choices using the nutrition information now required on packaged foods.
This website features a virtual grocery store, information about the Canadian Nutrition Labelling Policy, and healthy eating events.
This reports demonstrates to Manitobians how to help children and young people enjoy the best possible health now and into their adult lives. The All-Party Task Force was particularly interested in factors that affect children's health in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and injury prevention.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth, ID #1294
PDF file, 4 pages Published: Jun 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This article Research Update discusses the PANDA research team’s
approach to developing interventions, using a “4-A
Framework” (food adequacy, accessibility, availability and acceptability) as a guide to
understanding environmental factors affecting the ability of people to change their health behaviours.
Hamilton, S., Martin, J., Guyot, M., Trifonopoulos, M., Caughey, A., & Chan, H.M. (2004). Healthy living in Nunavut: An on-line nutrition course for Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63, 243-250.
Healthy Measures is a comprehensive campaign targeted at women 25-45 years of age that provides consistent messaging on healthy eating, physical activity and self-esteem.
Information for both consumers and health professionals is available on this website.
The "consumer" section includes tools such as self-assessment quiz, affirmations, tips, and a progress-monitoring chart.
The "health professional" section includes resources such as, step-by-step guidelines to launching a campaign, working with the media, advocating for the initiative, and other resources. (Also available in French.) You do have to register to get access to these free resources.
Healthy Measures is a campaign (aimed at women 25-45) that provides consistent messages about healthy eating, physical activity, and self-esteem.
Click on "Consumer" to access a self-assessment quiz, tip sheets, and a progress monitoring chart.
Click on "health professional" to register and download the toolkit for health professionals that includes a step-by-step guide to launching a campaign, working with media, advocating for the initiative, and other resources.
Cardiovascular disease or heart disease is the number one killer in Canada. This disease is also the most costly disease in Canada, putting the greatest burden on our national health-care system. Top risk factors include smoking, diets rich in saturated fats, physical inactivity, stress, family history of heart disease, and being overweight. Please visit the Health Canada web site for more information and heart healthy tips.
Discusses weight control and the significant impact that healthy eating and increased physical activity have on it. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Bauer, K.W. (2004). How can we stay healthy when youre throwing all of this in front of us? Findings from focus groups and interviews in middle schools on environmental influences on nutrition and physical activity. Health Education & Behavior, 31, 34-46.
This resource kit provides strategies and resources service providers can use to create environments in which older adults can lead healthier lifestyles. The kit is not a comprehensive guide, but is a supplemental resource that focuses on physical activity, nutrition, falls prevention, and weight management.
This unique online tool helps take the confusion away by allowing you to compare the nutrition information on packaged foods to the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines.
This fun, interactive tool allows you to personalize the information in Canada's Food Guide. In a few short steps, you can create a guide for healthy eating and active living that is customized just for you.
In addition to English and French, you can print this resource in:
This resource is designed as an educational tool for health professionals, and educators working in a variety of settings. It should be of interest to community leaders and any other person who wishes to learn more about native food habits.
Rev. ed.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #754
html file, 2 pages Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article describes a workshop to improve the effectiveness of Alberta dietitians in physical activity counselling, using Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living as a key educational tool.
Partners in the workshop included the University of Alberta's Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, and provincial Be Fit for Life Network.
Developed by Alberta Milk, this is quick and easy resource is designed to help health professionals share the importance of healthy nutrition. This resource brochure can be downloaded directly from the website or ordered for free online.
Evidence-based policies and programs that support healthy eating and enhance population-health require relevant and current research and the capacity to measure progress and outcomes.
There are numerous reports including:
Guiding Canadians Towards Healthy Eating - National Nutrition Leadership
Action Towards Healthy Eating - Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating and Recommended Strategies for Implementation
The goal of the Nutrition Resource Centre is to strengthen the capacity of nutrition practitioners to deliver quality nutrition programming in a health promotion context.
Here you will find resources produced by the NRC, which may be useful in your work. You can also learn about initiatives taking place in Ontario.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Apr 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
On page 5 of this WellSpring issue, the article discusses the eating patterns of Alberta grade 7 and 8 students. Results came from the Beyond an Apple a Day (BAAAD) survey of Alberta youth's physical activity and eating habits.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight and obese Canadian children has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, many significant health risks are associated with being overweight during the growing years. This WellSpring article discusses obesity among children and youth, why it is a problem, and what we can do. The article also offers ways for parents, schools, and communities to support active living, healthy eating, and positive body images.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging physicians to try to prevent childhood obesity. Recommendations include assessing body mass index, promoting physical activity and healthy eating, and reducing "screen-time."
Tuomilehto, J., Lindtrom, J., Eriksson, J.G., Valle, T.T., Hamalainen, H., Ilanne-Parikka, P., et al. (2001). Prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. The New England Journal of Medicine, 344, 1343-1350.
The Prince Edward Island Strategy for Healthy Living, through its partners, will collectively encourage and support Islanders to take measures to address the common risk factors that contribute to chronic disease (tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity).
Faulkner, G., Soundy, A.A., & Lloyd, K. (2003). Schizophrenia and weight management: A systematic review of interventions to control weight. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 108, 324-332.
html file, 2 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This article from Research Update compares the low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diets popularized by Dr. Atkins vs. the low-calorie, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet conventionally recommended for weight loss.
This website offers a wide range of active living and healthy eating information for the public. It also offers information tools and resources for recreation facilities across B.C., and for program leaders in local government buildings in B.C. Information and resources for food and beverage suppliers is also provided. The website promotes a collaborative approach to promote a wider range of healthy choices.
PDF file, 8 pages Published: Dec 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This report summarizes key findings from research conducted through the Built Environment Edmonton Project (BEEP). The goal of this project was to explore the relationship between the neighbourhood
environment, physical activity, food choice
and obesity.
The Healthy Eating Manual has been developed for leaders who have the opportunity and desire to incorporate healthy eating information into programs they are currently running or planning.
The learning activities developed for this manual will appeal to anyone looking for fresh approaches to teaching nutrition and healthy eating.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Jun 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This article discusses the PANDA Project: community-based research to help people with diabetes live healthy lifestyles. Plans include developing an Albertan dietary plan and creating tools to promote participation in physical activity.
This report describes the findings of a literature review about how screen time affects children's health and well-being. It focuses particularly on screen time and how it may influence physical activity, dietary intake and body weight.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth[file cabinet], ID#1307
Here you will find translated versions of Canada's Food Guide.
It is available in 10 different languages: English,French, Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Farsi (Persian), Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Dec 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The long-term health risks for children with overweight or obesity have been well-established. Typically one thinks of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes, but one of the other significant risks is developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It’s estimated that 10-25% of children with overweight or obesity have NAFLD.
Currently, there are no evidenced-based guidelines for how to treat NAFLD in children. This Research Update article explores recent research in establishing healthy eating and physical activity guidelines for treating NAFLD in children.
This course concentrates on the strength-building and flexibility-improvement aspect of fitness. It also promotes a regular walking program, for muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, bone strength and the maintenance of a healthy weight and two sections on basic nutrition.
Revised ed. A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity) [file cabinet], ID #696
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer this excellent series for both practitioners and the lay audience about nutrition and weight management.
You will find fact sheets, power point presentations and brochures, and you will have access to various topics such as:
Can eating fruits and vegetables help people to manage their weight?
Do increased portion sizes affect how much we eat?
Does drinking beverages with added sugars increase the risk of overweight?
Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of pediatric overweight?
Shepherd, J., Harden, A., Rees, R., Brunton, G., Garcia, J., Oliver, S., et al. (2006). Young people and healthy eating: A systematic review of research on barriers and facilitators. Health Education Research, 21, 239-257.
The findings of this event can be summarized into three broad categories: youth access to physical activity programming; support for healthy eating approaches among youth; and internal and external influences which affect youth's activity levels and eating habits.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #725
