April 25, 2008 – The enthusiasm for taking up the 5/30 Health Challenge or the J’arrête, J’arrête Challenge! was not denied in 2008. More than 140,000 Quebecers signed up to one or other of the health campaigns intended to initiate or maintain healthy lifestyles. And they are more likely to have done so as a family or as a team.
From 1er March to April 11, the 5/30 Health Challenge encouraged participants to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and to be active for at least 30 minutes, at least five days a week. This challenge attracted 111,932 participants.
Almost 50,000 people registered as a family or as a team – an increase of over 500% from last year. In addition, the 5/30 Health Challenge attracted 20,965 minors, an increase of over 40% compared to last year.
In addition, 19,014 smokers, supported by 11,134 godparents, took part in the Défi J’arrête, j’ywin! in 2008. The participants agreed not to smoke during the six weeks of the challenge, from February 15 to March 27. Here again, teamwork was popular: the number of registered “smoker-smoker” pairs doubled from 21% to 42%.
The challenge to continue
Does the growing popularity of these two health promotion programs translate into the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyles over the long term?
Yes, believes Dr. Martin Juneau, director of prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI). The ICM is one of the instigators of the 5/30 Health challenges and I stop, I win.
“The Challenge I quit, I win! is the most cost-effective intervention, says the cardiologist. The decrease in the smoking rate in Quebec, which fell from 24% to 19%, led to a substantial drop in the rate of heart attack. “
For the 5/30 Health Challenge, follow-up will be provided by researchers who will analyze the data provided by participants and scrutinize long-term public health measures, says Dr.r Juneau.
The cardiologist is particularly pleased with the initiatives of groups, including that of the municipality of Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.
“The mayor registered the entire city, which resulted in the participation of 72 organizations and 52 local businesses,” he concludes. This type of initiative is promising because it encourages challenges while promoting social support. “
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net