5 ways P.E.I. government hopes to improve wellness

P.E.I. Health Minister Doug Currie delivered the government’s new three-year wellness strategy Friday, which included five points of emphasis.

“Our wellness strategy will build on the strides Islanders are making as individuals and communities to embrace a culture of wellness and build it into their daily lives,” said Currie in a news release.

After wide consultations, the province wants to focus on five points.

• Mental health.
• Physical activity.
• Healthy eating.
• Living tobacco-free.
• Consuming alcohol responsibly.

“It is well known that the best investments in health are ones that help people to take more control over their own health,” said Currie.

A new community engagement fund will provide $100,000 in grants over the next year to support community partnerships that support the five wellness priorities. Currie said real steps towards wellness will happen in small steps, and at the community level.

The province is also sponsoring a public awareness campaign led by wellness ambassador Heather Moyse. Currie announced the names of five role models, each with a message connected to the five focus points of the strategy.

• Lynn-Anne Hogan: Working on work/life balance.
• Beverley Boulter: 30 straight days taking a walk.
• Alexander MacKay: My life’s sweeter with less sugar.
• Darcy Campbell: Six months tobacco-free.
• Paul Chessman: Always thinking responsible drinking.