Noncommunicable or chronic diseases are the number one cause of death and disability in the world.
By 2020, chronic conditions like lung disease, heart disease and cancer will account for more than 75 per cent of deaths worldwide. The same year, it is estimated one in three Canadians will suffer from Type II diabetes.
Researchers in Applied Health Sciences are working to curb these trajectories. Through population-level data analysis, development of new programs to treat and prevent chronic illnesses, and collaboration with both the public and private sectors, our researchers are addressing issues that are taxing the healthcare system and ending millions of lives too soon.
Protecting youth health
A healthier future begins with our youth. At the root of all major chronic diseases are factors like unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles and tobacco use. Whether implementing physical activity programs in schools or advocating for stronger smoking legislation, our researchers are tackling some of the biggest health concerns that can resonate across a lifetime: »
- In the world’s largest and most comprehensive study focused on chronic disease prevention among youth, researchers in the School of Public Health and Health Systems are following more than 50,000 high school students annually to evaluate how changes in programs, policies, or environments are related to disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, drug use, and obesity. By showing how even simple changes can reduce risk factors, the COMPASS study is providing educators and policy makers with information to protect our youth from a future of chronic disease and improve health outcomes.
- Studies suggest that children who exercise in the morning have greater activity levels, better academic performance and behaviour than their inactive peers. Active children may also have a lower risk of chronic disease later in life. In partnership with the Reebok Canada Fitness Foundation, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Football League, Propel researchers are evaluating Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS), a before-school physical activity program that aims to get elementary school kids moving and their brains ready for a day of learning. The five-year initiative will observe BOKS in schools across the country to measure its impact on student attitudes, skills, physical activity, behaviour and learning.
Preventing fractures and falls
Older adults often get advice to move more to prevent falls and broken bones, but Professor Lora Giangregorio thinks we can do better.
Her exercise recommendations, called Too Fit to Fracture, emphasize a shift away from aerobic-only exercise to programs that include strength and balance training. Developed in partnership with Osteoporosis Canada and a team of international researchers, the recommendations are the foundation for new patient education tools and continuing education for health-care professionals. By improving balance and building strong bones, the multifaceted approach gives older adults an effective way to avoid fall-related fractures, a leading cause of hospitalization among seniors.
DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
Evidence for stronger tobacco control
Tobacco remains the leading cause of premature death in the world — killing more than 6 million people each year. Despite the known health risks, cigarettes are just as addictive and harmful as 50 years ago.
Working with governments around the world, Professor David Hammond is tackling the global tobacco epidemic through stronger control laws and new prevention measures. His research on the effects of plain packaging, low-nicotine cigarettes and youth consumption of tobacco products provides decisionmakers with the best evidence to tighten legislation and develop new policies to protect the health of populations.
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SYSTEMS
Settings of support for cancer patients
For individuals living with cancer, finding places of support can be crucial to recovery.
Professor Troy Glover is exploring this intersection of place and health to better understand how different settings can enhance well-being. A study on Gilda’s Club, a non-institutional facility for people living with cancer, found that the organization provided members with the physical, social and emotional support needed to confront their illnesses and acted as a vital refuge from hospital and home. By examining the social and physical dimensions of place, Professor Glover is hoping to enhance settings that are engaging, healing and therapeutic across communities.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES
