Section 8

CONCLUSION

All four provinces in Atlantic Canada have strategies in place covering both healthy eating and physical activity, the two main risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, there are a variety of other related strategies and initiatives taking place at the national, Atlantic-wide, provincial, regional, and community levels.

Significant progress has been made in the last six years. Much more coordination and integration of efforts is in place to promote healthy living. Instead of what appeared to be a loose collection of programs and initiatives in the last scan, there is greater effort to link initiatives, develop coordinated strategies, plan social marketing campaigns and the like, and to encapsulate the physical activity initiatives and nutrition/healthy eating initiatives under one integrated strategy in recognition of their contribution to chronic disease prevention.

One notable development that has contributed to the strength of this progress is formation of the healthy eating and active living alliances, which have been instrumental in influencing the development of strategies as well as being key partners in implementation. Long-term sustainable funding at a sufficient level is the most significant constraint affecting the degree of future progress in this area. The greatest opportunities lie with the commitment of governments to act on these two key risk factors, as evidenced by their involvement in provincial strategies and the strength of the extensive network of partners participating in the healthy living alliances which provide a strong foundation for intersectoral action. Partnerships have proven to be a critical success factor in ensuring organizations achieve their common goals in this area.

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes in Atlantic Canada, its association with physical inactivity and obesity rates in the region, the costs/economic burden of diabetes, and the implications for the well-being of individuals with diabetes provides a solid rationale for engaging in health promotion to address these factors and creates a "call to action" for all stakeholders. The healthy eating and active living strategies will guide the work of the four Atlantic provinces and will serve as the springboard for action in the upcoming years.

 

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