NRC 2017 Forum - SHOULD WE MIND?

Traditional, deficit-based approaches, focusing on individual behaviours to address obesity and weight have been ineffective and may lead to unintended negative consequences. New literature supports the use of a strengths-based approach to promoting health. This approach creates healthy, supportive environments and encourages community action that enables healthy balanced eating, regular physical activity and mental well-being for everyone, regardless of weight, shape or size. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit supports this new way of thinking through their “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds” position statement. This presentation will highlight the Health Unit’s journey of embedding a culture of health, wellness and resilience into our organization. We will share successes and lessons learned along with resources and tools developed to support the implementation of this approach both internally and externally.