From Fraser Health. As we go about our daily lives, we make choices about what we eat, how we get to school or work and how we manage our stress. But is it really as simple as making good choices? Or does where we live determine the choices that are available to us?
Health experts increasingly point to the many aspects of community that influence our health and well-being. Transportation, community services, green spaces, and strong social ties with family, friends and neighbours are all connected to wellness.
Launched by Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and the UBC eHealth Strategy Office, the My Health My Community survey aims to understand how lifestyle, local environment, neighbourhood and daily interactions affect health over time. The information gathered through the survey can then be used by local governments and community agencies to shape future community programs and services. For example, information on busy roads, neighbourhood safety or nearby green spaces can help planners plot traffic patterns, parks or community facilities, and data on smoking and obesity patterns can aid health authorities in targeting disease prevention programs.
From Monday April 7th to Sunday April 20th, Fraser Health will be promoting a region wide My Health My Community contest with more prizes available to be won! During this period, when respondents enter promo code “MY HEALTH” they will be entered to win prizes, including iPads, iPad Minis and gift certificates from Best Buy and London drugs, valued up to $250.
“To create the best picture of current community health and well-being across the Fraser Health region, we need about 25,000 residents to participate in the My Health My Community Survey. So far, 7300 people have taken the survey. We hope this contest will get people excited about participating and providing their input for a healthier community,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Executive Medical Director, Population and Public Health for the Fraser Health Authority.
For more information about My Health My Community visit www.myhealthmycommunity.org.