Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Perth District Health Unit
New Study Finds Connection between Sense of Community Belonging and Feeling Healthy
Perth County – When we feel like we belong, we feel healthier. New Statistics Canada
data released April 16 shows that the majority of people (two-thirds) who feel strongly
connected to their communities also report feeling in “excellent” or “very good” general and
mental health. In Perth County, almost three quarters of Perth County residents report a
strong sense of community belonging. This is above the provincial average of 66%.
In contrast, only half of the 10 percent of Canadian people who report a “very weak” sense
of belonging report feeling in good health. “This data shows the importance of social
relationships to health,” says Tracy Allan-Koester, Director of Community Health at the
Perth District Health Unit.
More than three quarters of Canadian youth ages 12 to 17 report a strong sense of
community belonging. But this rate drops to 55% among young adults ages 18 to 29. “By
creating opportunities for young people to participate in the world around them, we can
foster meaningful engagement with their communities that will continue into adulthood,”
says Allan-Koester.
Health Unit Youth Engagement Activities
The Health Unit has recently launched new programs to foster a sense of belonging among
young people. The THINK group, for example, is comprised of 10 youth from across Perth
County with a goal to educate their peers about the tobacco industry and its products. A
new THINK group is soon launching with a focus on substance misuse. “These groups give
youth a chance to speak out, be advocates, and make a difference in their schools, with
their peers and in their communities,” Allan-Koester explains.
The Health Unit also recently led Young Active and Healthy (YAH!) workshops with
students in grades 4 to 7. The workshops develop youth leaders to support healthy
schools. “By preparing young people to lead healthy school activities you give them the
tools to become meaningfully connected to their schools and communities” says Allan-
Koester. “These students are more likely to develop healthy habits and less likely to
engage in high-risk behaviours, such as drug use.”
For more information, call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267. Listowel area residents call
1-877-271-7348 ext 267. Or visit
www.pdhu.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill, Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279 or email:
rhill@pdhu.on.ca.
|