Movember – Week 2 is Over

Ok Bros and Sistas…we are officially at the halfway point.  I hope everyone has been having some fun with their Mo’s.  For me the itchiness has started to disappear and the focus has moved to grooming!

As I mentioned at the beginning of the Movember campaign, we’re not just growing Mo’s because they’re cool but also because there is a learning opportunity here.  We have an opportunity to start talking about health literacy.  And before we get into that discussion, let’s look at some statistics that are relevant to Aboriginal communities in Ontario.

Would anyone have thought that Prostate Cancer was the second leading type of cancer among Aboriginal populations?  I am almost certain that most people would think lung cancer was first.

With that being said, I am sure some of us are wondering what’s next then.  So we have some statistics and we know that cancer is a terrible disease.  So what can we do to reduce the chances of getting cancer?  I am not a doctor, researcher or scientist but I do know a couple things we can do.  Let’s get screened and let’s get active!

Most of our learners live in rural and remote communities in Ontario where it’s not always easy to get access to a doctor to get screened for cancer.  Or maybe people don’t know what services are available to them?  I don’t know what services are available.  How can we find out? 

We need a centralized place where adult learners can go and get informed about health literacy.  I am committed to gathering that information and promoting it but certainly can’t do that on my own.  I think this is a great opportunity for people to comment on this blog and share resources.

According to Cancer Care Ontario, “It is estimated that 50% of cancers can be prevented by adoption of healthy behaviours including healthy eating, healthy weights and physical activity.”  If these are the facts, then HOW do we do that? 

Our learners need help with understanding HOW we can prevent or reduce the number of critical illnesses.  We know the facts but what resources are out there to help our adult learners answer those HOW TO questions?

So, to summarize this blog, I am asking for help.  What resources are available in Ontario that address health literacy issues  for Aboriginal populations.  What resources are available to show our learners HOW they can take control and live healthy lives.  Your support is greatly appreciated and I look forward to sharing all your resources.