MOH to Present to County Council Re: Transportation Master Plan
Written by admin, February 20, 2013
February 20, 2013 – Better Rural Transportation Services and Infrastructure Will Improve Health
Helping county residents stay healthier with safer active transportation routes and increased access to public transit will be the focus of a presentation today to County Council by Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, local Medical Officer of Health.
“When the built environment makes active transportation safer and more accessible, people incorporate it more into their lives, thereby improving public health for all,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “The County has a great opportunity to create a transportation plan that promotes physical activity for residents now and in the years to come.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that 85% of Canadian adults do not meet Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines, and that people who are less active have a much greater chance of developing a number of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, breast cancer, colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. These illnesses cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually in direct and indirect health care costs.
Dr. Salvaterra is providing today’s presentation as part of Peterborough County’s public consultation process for the development of its Transportation Master Plan. To receive a copy of Dr. Salvaterra’s full presentation, please contact Janet Dawson, Health Promoter, Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 392 or jdawson@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391