Media Advisory                     Dec. 4, 2003

Many in Grey-Bruce at risk of developing heart disease and stroke

Who:            

·        Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit

·        Dr. Rob Nolan, Director-Behavioural Cardiology Research Unit, Toronto Hospital.  Principle Investigator, COHRT Study

·        Lucy Gowers, Area Manager, Heart & Stroke Foundation

·        Mary Anne Alton, Superintendent, Bluewater District School Board

What:           

·        Circulatory Disease (heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death in both Grey and Bruce Counties and Ontario.  The Bruce County death rate is significantly higher compared to Ontario and the Grey County rate is slightly higher.

·        New data reflecting the health behaviour of our residents will be released.

·        Concerns about the health of our children.  The impact of inactivity and unhealthy eating habits -- what will the future bring?

·        Community partnerships and strategies.

·        Preliminary results after the first year of the COHRT study.

·        The launch of an awareness campaign targetting one of the modifiable risk factors of circulatory disease — a sedentary lifestyle.

Where:         Boardroom, The Owen Sound & Area Family Y

640-2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario

When:           Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (light lunch provided)

Why:             Presentations will be made:

·        To provide new health behaviour data, which tells us many Grey-Bruce residents are at risk of developing circulatory disease.

·        To report on the first year of COHRT data, a Heart & Stroke funded research project currently ongoing in Grey-Bruce. 

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For more information, please contact:

Lynda Bumstead, Dietitian, Grey Bruce Health Unit                                                      

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456