nutrition is important and physical activity is important, BUT these activities
are heavily structured and shaped by one's life situation.  The sole reliance on
lifestyle messages has led to a virtual blind spot among policy makers and the
public regarding the social determinants of health.  One of 601 Hamilton
residents identified poverty as a cause of heart disease.  Each was given seven
opportunities to name a factor!

When this message is so pervasive, then public health has not only moved from
ignoring these broader issues but is serving to help suppress them.
Nutritionists recognize that food is heavily imbued with social meaning.  To
outline diet as the end all and be all (again not by commission but by omission)
for maintaining one's health, is not consistent with the evidence and furthera a
regressive political agenda.

dr









Bronwen Williams <[log in to unmask]>@YorkU.CA> on 02/04/2002 03:16:48
PM

Please respond to Health Promotion on the Internet <[log in to unmask]>

  Sent         Health Promotion on the Internet
  by:          <[log in to unmask]>

  To:          [log in to unmask]

  cc:          (bcc: Dennis Raphael/Atkinson)



  Subject      Re: I'm not making this up...
  :







I realize that poverty is the number one factor affecting the overall health of
Canadians, and I'm glad that you continue to remind us of this (I am being
entirely serious).

But, do you believe that messages such as nutrition and physical activity
promotion will not make ANY difference to anyone's health?  so we should give
them up?
Or is it because of the concern about blaming the victim?

We are a frustrated lot, working in health promotion.

Bronwen Williams, RD
Public Health Dietitian
Healthy Lifestyles

Toronto Public Health
399 The West Mall
Toronto, Ontario M9C 2Y2
Tel. (416) 338-1783
Fax. (416) 338-1780


>>> [log in to unmask] 02/04/02 11:30am >>>
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