Statement from the CPHO on her Annual Report on the State of Public Health in Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Where we live matters, and we all have a part to play in creating communities that promote healthy living. In fact, our communities provide us with opportunities to make choices that can greatly impact our health.

Today, I released my report on the state of public health in Canada. I chose designing healthy living as the topic for my first report as Chief Public Health Officer because of the tremendous potential that our built environment has for helping Canadians live healthier lives.

Community design can contribute to better health by providing residents with opportunities for increased physical activity, by making healthy eating options easier to access, and by promoting better mental health through social support and community belonging.

Improving public health and preventing disease by designing healthy communities is a well-established concept. Infectious disease rates in the last century were reduced not just through scientific innovation and vaccination, but also through urban planning that improved sanitation, facilitated access to clean water and addressed overcrowding in residential neighbourhoods.

My report aims to raise awareness among Canadians and to inspire dialogue across the many disciplines involved in community planning and health promotion. I encourage decision makers and planners at all levels to consider health in making infrastructure planning decisions.

To read my report and find out more about how planning our communities can help build healthy living into our daily lives, visit Canada.ca/CPHOReport.

Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983