At the heart of healthy populations are healthy communities.
Researchers in Applied Health Sciences are working with communities at home and around the world to improve quality of life through outreach programs, policy evaluations and education. By understanding the social determinants of health, our researchers are not just laying the foundation for strong communities, they are improving individual lives and giving populations the tools they need to thrive.
Measuring what matters to communities
To be Canadian means that we value quality of life for ourselves, our communities and our country. While Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) measures the economic health of our country, it fails to account for many things that matter to Canadians — protecting our environment, having access to leisure and cultural opportunities, feeling a strong sense of belonging to our communities and achieving greater work-life balance. The Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) in Applied Health Sciences conducts research and reports on the quality of life of Canadians using a comprehensive framework that incorporates eight interconnected domains Canadians have identified as important to their lives. By tracking trends over time, the regular reports released by the CIW provide evidence that policy-makers and community leaders can use to look beyond purely economic measures when tackling complex societal issues.
Supporting recovery for cancer patients
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, maintaining an exercise routine is the last thing on most people’s mind. But research shows that physical activity can help reduce the negative side-effects of cancer treatment and accelerate the road to recovery. The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is home to UW WELL-FIT, a tailored exercise program for individuals undergoing treatment for cancer. With a referral from an oncologist, participants can work with certified exercise physiologists to gain strength, improve physical function and minimize side-effects from chemotherapy or radiation. The program follows the Cancer Care Ontario Exercise Program for Cancer Patients and provides all participants with a safe and supportive environment to enhance their quality of life, both during and after treatment.
Improving transitions from prison
After spending time in prison, many individuals re-enter the community lacking adequate support networks. As a result, they risk returning to the social circles and lifestyles that led to their incarceration.
In partnership with the Grand Valley Institution for Women and Community Justice Initiatives, Professor Heather Mair is evaluating a program that matches women in prison with volunteers in the community to facilitate successful and lasting re-integration into society. By acting as a circle of support, these volunteers create a new social environment for women coming out of prison, helping them build different lives and stay outside of the corrections system for good.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES
Preventing muscle loss in cancer patients
People with breast and prostate cancer typically lose muscle and gain fat, putting them at risk for other serious conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Professor Marina Mourtzakis is working to understand how these changes in body composition can be slowed or even avoided with nutrition and exercise during treatment. Working with UW WELL-FIT, she is assessing programs to see whether modifications to eating habits and physical activity levels can improve the way patients’ bodies manage sugar and cholesterol. With current cancer treatment options resulting in increased survival rates, her research aims to help more patients become healthier survivors.
DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
Equalizing access to healthy foods
In remote Indigenous communities, access to healthy and affordable food can be limited. Factor in low income levels and poor living conditions, and many families struggle to meet basic nutritional guidelines.
Professor Rhona Hanning is working with some of Canada’s most isolated communities to enhance access to nutritious foods for youth while restoring and promoting cultural identity and traditions. Collaborating with community members, NGO partners and researchers, she aims to develop sustainable programs to expose children to healthier foods and break the cycle of diet-related disease.
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SYSTEMS
