CNW - Ontario is giving youth a chance to showcase their
creative take on healthy living.
    
The Healthy Eating and Active Living contest will be hosted on
the Ministry of Health Promotion's youth website
www.notgonnakillyou.ca
, which is an easy-to-access resource for young people seeking
information on all aspects of healthy living, from healthy
recipes to sports organizations.
   
Youth aged 12 to 15 are invited to submit poster and video
entries. Winning submissions will be posted on-line and winners
will receive brand new iPods. The contest closes on Apr. 25, at
4 pm.
"This contest is a part of our government's
priority in engaging youth to make healthier choices,"
said Margarett Best, minister of Health Promotion.
"Numerous studies have shown that people who eat healthy
foods and are physically active when they are young are more
likely to maintain nutritious diets and be active throughout
their lives."
    
"This is a great opportunity to give youth a voice in the
discussion about healthy eating and active living," said
Chris Markham, executive director and CEO, Ontario Physical and
Health Education Association. "It could reveal what
motivates young people to make healthy living choices, as well
as barriers to making these choices."
    
"When I am training, I see a lot of young people working
hard to achieve their goals," said Pierce Smith, national
junior snowboard champion. "This contest is a great way
for all youth to speak up and motivate their friends to live
active, healthy lives."
FACTS:
- Nearly one-third, 29 percent, of youth aged 12 to 17 are
overweight or obese, according to the 2004 Canadian Community
Health Survey.
-Increases in obesity rates are contributing to a dramatic rise
in illnesses such as type two diabetes, heart disease, stroke,
hypertension and some cancers.
- The contest supports the goals of Ontario's Action Plan
for Healthy Eating and Active Living.
- For details, read Ontario's Healthy Eating and Active
Living (HEAL) Action Plan at 
http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/HEAL/default.asp
.
- Get access to trusted health information, services and advice
for healthier living at
www.HealthyOntario.com
.
- For healthy eating and nutrition information, call one of
EatRight Ontario's Registered Dietitians toll-free, Monday
to Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET at 1-877-510-5102, or visit
www.Ontario.ca/EatRight
.
