The provincial government has decided to spend $400-million plan for a worthy cause, mainly to educate Quebecers about the benefits of adopting healthy eating habits and leading an active life. This is especially opportune as obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Canada.
The Health Minister, Philippe Couillard, while inaugurating a 10-year plan to improve the health of people and reduce weight-related illnesses, blamed improper dietary choices as well as inactive lifestyles , that is amounting to high obesity rates."I don't want to sound old-fashioned, but when I was young, we used to go outside and play hockey," Couillard said. ''Now it seems they would rather stay inside and have their thumbs moving. I think parents also have a responsibility here."
The funds will be allocated to school boards, community groups, municipalities and other organizations which actively participate to inspire healthy living.
The goal for this anti-obesity program is to cut the obesity rates by at least two percent in the next 5 years. "We have, in each of us, the power to make a change," Couillard said. "This plan is a signal that the changes must start now. It starts in the home, the workplace and in the school."
Source-Medindia
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