May 9, 2006 – Almost 40,000 people took part in the “5/30 Challenge” on 1er March to April 11. So they ate five servings of fruits and vegetables and got 30 minutes of physical activity, at least five days a week. During the same period, 28,441 smokers registered for the “I stop, win! “.
Set up at the initiative of Acti-Menu1, a communication and education company in the health field, these promotional campaigns have enabled more than 300,000 Quebecers to change their lifestyle.
Launched only two years ago, the “5/30 Challenge” has since attracted 90,000 participants. If 10,000 more people took up the challenge last year, it was simply because it lasted 12 weeks, rather than six weeks, like this year.
As for the “Défi J’arrête, j’y winner!” », More than 217,000 people have registered for seven years. The program would also display “smoking cessation rates which rank among the best in the world,” according to Acti-Menu. Year after year, follow-ups indicate that 21% to 29% of participants remain non-smokers one year after quitting. “This means that in seven years, the Challenge will have enabled 50,000 people to quit smoking,” explains Acti-Menu.
It should be noted that the websites2 both programs remain accessible year round for anyone wishing to take advantage of practical tools and sound advice to take charge of their health.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. To find out more about Acti-Menu: www.actimenu.ca/acti-menu/mission.html [consulté le 8 mai 2006].
2. 5/30 health challenge : www.defisante530.ca; Challenge I stop, I win : www.defitabac.ca [consultés le 8 mai 2006].
