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22 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 14, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Too Busy? Need a Night Off from Cooking? Introducing OUR RESTAURANT MENU GUIDE & FROZEN ENTREE SELECTIONS Free Consultation, No Obligation Vanessa OAKVILLE WEST 1500 Upper Middle Rd. W. (3rd Line, Sobey's Plaza) OAKVILLE EAST 380 Dundas St. E., Trafalgar Rd. (in Longo's Plaza @ Trafalgar) After Where we live counts T he way we design our communities has an impact on our health. Healthy communities are welcoming, supportive and fair to all residents. They have a viable natural environment and an economy that provides enough for everyone without stressing ecosystems. Since these factors all relate to each other, the way we design and build our neighbourhoods impacts the ability of a community to be healthy. How we build our communities can reduce the need for commuting and make efficient public transportation possible. It can protect farmland by encouraging growth on already developed land, instead of developing rural land. It can also contribute to lively, supportive and sociable communities by giving citizens a chance to interact and develop a sense of community. A number of key health issues can be impacted by the way our communities are designed. Air Quality The transportation sector is one of the most important sources of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in Ontario. We can protect air quality and the climate by building compact, walkable communities that support the use of public transit and active modes of transportation. Fuel used to produce electricity or heat homes is another major source of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. We can reduce emissions by encouraging mixed housing, renewable energies, and high energy efficiency standards for new buildings. Community Food Security To be a healthy community, everyone must have equal access to healthy food. In order to supply healthy food, we need farmland available to produce it. However, quality farmland in Canada is scarce. As of 2001, about 11 per cent of the province's best farmland was already being used for urban purposes. By creating compact complete communities, we can take development pressure off farmland. Walkability Being active helps improve health and prevent disease. Unfortunately, 63 per cent of Canadians are not active enough to achieve these health benefits. Many studies suggest that designing neighbourhoods for walking and bicycling helps people to be more active. Neighbourhoods that have homes within a short distance of stores and services, as well as sidewalks and bicycle paths, encourage physical activity. Healthy Communities The way that we create a healthy community is just as important as actually achieving one. Public participation, local government commitment, involvement of many sectors of the community and healthy public policy are four key elements to a Healthy Communities process. The Healthy Communities model requires policies, programs, partnerships, services, and decision-making that involves all areas of government. The health department has prepared a series of brochures that outline a number of health issues that can be impacted by the way our communities are built. You can download a copy of these brochures from www.halton.ca or you can order a free copy by contacting Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-8664HALTON (1-866-442-5866),TTY 905827-9833. -- Health Notes is prepared by staff of the Halton Region Health Department Before OAKVILLE SOUTHEAST 511 Maple Grove Drive (Sobey's Plaza) KNEE, HEEL & ARCH PAIN ARE TREATABLE! Understanding the source of your foot and knee pain could lead to permanent relief. Book a consultation today! SALIMA KASSAM REG. CHIROPODIST 905-469-4532 905-257-2404 905-618-0058 www.herbalmagic.ca www.herbalmagic.com NEW LOCATION Free Parking in front of office We Treat: · Diabetic Foot Care · General Care · Custom Made Foot Orthotics P Covered by most insurance companies. 728 Burloak Drive 905-632-1414 Lower Your Numbers Naturally Ask us about our 6 pack Blood Pressure Blood Sugar Cholesterol Body Fat Body Weight Triglycerides & More! New sessions starts July 7th 2008 Significantly change your health without medication. Thousands have made it happen with the NEW program. Register for Upcoming Seminars Workshop: Healthy Eating & Weight Loss Thursday June 19th at 7:00 pm Workshop: Detox & Boosting Immunity Thursday June 26th at 7:00 pm Workshop: Allergy Epidemic - What's happening? Thursday July 3rd at 7:30 pm Call today! 905-825-2476 Cost: $10 for each workshop All proceeds donated to Children's Charity DENTURES COMPLETE DENTURE For Oakville Location & Online Tickets Visit www.fltforlife.com 349 905-842-8209 ea. $ LIMITED TIME OFFER