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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 13, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Region tackles alarming obesity rate By Stephanie Hounsell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER It's a sobering statistic with consequences that aren't all known yet -- half the adults in Halton weigh more than they should. Specifically, 37 per cent are overweight and 13 per cent are obese. Last Wednesday, more than 100 community participants gathered in Milton to discuss the implications of such a situation and offer up ideas about what should be done. The forum, entitled `Healthy Weights: Halton Dr. Bob Nosal Takes Action', took place at Country Heritage Park, where numerous speakers presented their thoughts on the topic. Father's Day Special Local Free Assembly Local Free Delivery Free Cover Bonus Father's Day Gift (with purchase while quantities last) Organized by Halton Region's health department, the event was one step toward developing an action plan to tackle obesity. "This event was an opportunity for key community partners to provide input for change when it comes to building healthier communities for everyone in Halton," said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr after the forum. Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton's Medical Officer of Health, told the audience the issue of unhealthy weight is of particular interest to him. He explained that although statistics indicate many of Halton's health indicators are better than elsewhere in Ontario and Canada, when it comes to weight, "we're relatively similar to the rest of Canada." He added obesity is known to cause numerous health problems and is a burden on the health-care system. "There is no easy solution to produce sustainable, long-term change. However, I believe we have started to take steps in the right direction." Dr. Bob Nosal Halton's Medical Officer of Health "To address this issue, we need to do it together," he said. Unfortunately, the issue is far from simple. "Although healthy food choices and quality physical activity are important contributors to healthy weights, we have to acknowledge that the causes of obesity are often complex," he said. "There is no easy solution to produce sustainable long-term change. However, I believe we have started to take steps in the right direction." Unfortunately, weight problems aren't just an adult problem. Studies show that in Halton, 13 per cent of five-year-olds are overweight, while eight per cent are obese, reported Shelley Lothian, senior research advisor for Halton Region Children's Services. Amongst 15-year-olds, 16 per cent are overweight and four per cent are obese. Low socio-economic status seems to play a role, as teens who fall into that category tend to eat less fruits and veggies and more chips and pop, Lothian reported. One of the problems is that people seem to turn a blind eye to the problem, Lothian said, with many parents of overweight or obese children believing they're actually a healthy weight. Keynote speaker Dr. Mark Tremblay See Active page 11 "Get the home team advantage" ASSOCIATE MEMBER All In-Stock Accessories Are On Sale United Wa Member Agency Steve Eadie Home Inspector 905-483-2207 Les Takacs Home Inspector 289-259-8900 · Professional Team Inspections · Ontario New Home Warranty Inspection · Fully Insured · On Site Reports Fax: 905-825-1820 Email: ohit.inc@cogeco.ca "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 OAKVILLE - Celebrating 150 years! NOTICE OF STUDY COMMENCEMENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE NO. 1 Improvements to Lakeshore Road West From Mississaga Street to Burloak Drive Class Environmental Assessment Study The Town of Oakville has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to facilitate the improvement of Lakeshore Road West from Mississaga Street to Burloak Drive (see map). Improvements to this section of Lakeshore Road are needed to accommodate existing and future travel demands. Members of the public are invited to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) on: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 -- 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Committee Rooms 1 & 2 consultation, an evaluation of alternative solutions and alternative design concepts, an assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed improvements, and formulation of measures to mitigate identified impacts. Future PICS Additional notices indicating the date and location of forthcoming PICs will be published in future editions of this newspaper. Upon completion of the Study, an Environmental Study Report (ESR) documenting the Preferred Solution and Preliminary Design will be prepared for public/agency review and comment. Comments Invited If you have questions or comments regarding the Study, or wish to be added to the Study mailing list, please contact either of the following Project Team members: Dick Gordon, P.Eng, MCIP, RPP Consultant Project Manager UMA Engineering Ltd. 60 Renfrew Drive, Unit 300 Markham, Ontario L3R 0E1 Tel.: (905) 472-2010, Ext. 229 Fax: (905) 470-2060 Email: Dick.Gordon@uma.aecom.com Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. This Notice issued on June 13, 2007. David Johnson, C.E.T. This PIC will introduce the project and receive public input Project Leader on traffic-related concerns and potential solutions. Town of Oakville Engineering and Construction The Process The Study is being carried out in accordance with the P.O. Box 310, 1225 Trafalgar Rd planning and design process for `Schedule C' projects as Oakville, Ontario L6J 5A6 outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Tel.: (905) 845-6601, Ext. 3326 Class Environmental Assessment document (June 2000). Fax: (905) 338-4159 Email: djohnson@oakville.ca The Class EA process includes public/external agency