Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Social Issues: Health

Blog post: “Let’s Talk” Day

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Written by Myron Liew, ESPC Volunteer

Introduction

“Let’s talk”- about the corporations profiting from mental health while not meeting the bare minimum.

As the awareness of mental health struggles grows year after year, many corporations have seemingly capitalized on this phenomenon by creating mental health-related campaigns under the guise of altruism. While this is not to say that corporation-created mental health campaigns are strictly ineffectual or malicious, other intentions must be considered and evaluated. Bell Canada’s annual “Let’s Talk” mental health campaign is at the forefront of this controversy.

This post is divided into three parts: Bell Canada’s history of employee mistreatment, the corporatization of mental health, and the inadequacies of the campaign.

Bell Canada’s Rocky History

Beginning in 2011, Bell Canada promoted the “Let’s Talk” campaign as an opportunity for all to tell their struggles with mental health, reduce the negative stigma of mental health, and raise awareness of mental illnesses in Canada (Vido, 2019). The “Let’s Talk” campaign is seemingly well-intentioned in bringing the challenges and struggles of mental health to attention in all digital mediums, especially through social media with the hashtag #letstalk. There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands of Canadians suffering from mental health challenges may have benefitted from the nationwide campaign funded by Bell. Since its inception the campaign has raised more than $129 million for mental-health-related non-profit groups (Evans, 2023).

However, the irony of the campaign is that Bell Canada has been subjected to numerous allegations of toxic work culture and discrimination, which undermines the corporation’s credibility in promoting mental health support and mental illness awareness. Erica Johnson of CBC News (2017) published an article that featured testimonies from previous Bell Canada employees alleging overly harsh and stress-inducing workplace culture (Johnson, 2017). Testimonies from the employees noted that they experience severe anxiety, depression, and stress while working at Bell, forcing them to take stress leave and medical leave (Johnson, 2017). Additionally, some employees noted that they experienced stress-related physical symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, panic attacks, and diarrhea (Johnson, 2017). This phenomenon is so widespread among Bell employees that it was termed “The Bell Effect” by physicians (Johnson, 2017). Most employees commented that the stresses came from upper management (Johnson, 2017). Employees said that concerns were repeatedly brought up to upper management, but remained ignored (Johnson, 2017). In addition, Bell Canada has come under fire for alleged discrimination in the firing of multiple employees and laying off staff weeks before the “Let’s Talk” Campaign (Johnson, 2017), (ThoroldToday Staff, 2023). For a corporation that has made mental health and illness awareness one of its largest campaigns, mental health is not taken as seriously with the same amount of enthusiasm from within.

Let’s Talk – The Corporatization of Mental Health

“Profit is sweet, even if it comes from deception” – Sophocles

Since its conception, many news and opinion articles have criticized the Bell’s “Let’s Talk” campaign for corporatizing mental health. The general theme of the criticism focuses on the corporation profiting from the campaign by capitalizing on mental health awareness and using it to construct a positive image of their company, all while failing to support their own staff.

Bell Canada is a business when we get right down to it. The “Let’s Talk” campaign has been criticized for presenting a front to get tax breaks and exploiting people suffering from mental health. Lukas Redmond’s (2022) article from The Fulcrum highlights how Bell Canada receives a tax credit from their donations, in addition to receiving free advertising on social media. Redmond also explains how most people keep quiet on the matter as the donations go directly to various academic institutions across Canada (2022).

Elianna Lev’s article on Yahoo! News compiled a series of tweets criticizing the campaign for its excessive branding and empty words. The criticisms consisted of annoyance with the ads, the ineffectiveness of the campaign, lack of accountability, triggering shock value, and obvious brand marketing and awareness (Lev, 2023). Jasmine Vido (2019) in her Master Thesis on the critical investigation of Bell’s “Let’s Talk” says it best: “Let’s Talk Day exploits social media users with mental health illnesses by profiting from their troubles”.

Upon investigation into Bell Canada’s corporatization of mental health, there was a fair amount of branding on their free resources. Available on their “Let’s Talk” website, their mental health toolkit is a resource to share with family, friends, and colleagues to create positive change for mental health. The toolbox contains resources such as stickers, conversation starters, and crafts to facilitate mental health and mental illness discussion and support. In isolation, these are potentially a great resource to facilitate some dialogue. However, the Bell branding features prominently in every resource within this toolkit. For instance, the Bell “Let’s Talk” Kindness Box craft requires users to craft the box with the Bell “Let’s Talk” Logo on the front of the box. The concept of the box has good intentions; it can help people easily access a pick-me-up through creative crafts when needed. The question is, is the branding necessary to achieve this effect, or is it just a way for free advertising? In some ways, the “free” resources may be a way to acquire free advertising while maintaining a positive brand image.

Playing It Too Safe – The Inadequate Bare Minimum

The Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign sets an example of standing up and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health while not even meeting the bare minimum.

While the campaign does address challenges such as suicide, anxiety, and substance abuse, there are many more serious and still-stigmatized mental illnesses that the company chooses to exclude. For instance, the campaign does not address the stigma associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 2.2% of Canadians live with BPD, which roughly translates to 840,000 people (CMHA, 2023). The campaign overlooks nearly a million people in their quest to reduce mental illness stigma. Additionally, the campaign ignores schizophrenia, which 1/100 Canadians are diagnosed with (Government of Canada, 2020). Again, a substantial number of people who live with a heavily stigmatized and debilitating mental illness is ignored once again by Bell. It appears that Bell attempts to do enough to gain public approval by only addressing “safer” mental illnesses.

In their 2024 campaign, Bell attempts to address the topic of Indigenous communities experiencing difficulty in finding mental health support. However, nothing is offered beyond the simple acknowledgment. Factors such as systemic racism, colonialism, and intergenerational trauma are ignored. Instead, their challenges are reduced to “there are barriers”. The video ends with a short text about the National Association of Friendship Centres. At most, this segment gives a nod to the existence of barriers to Indigenous mental health support and barely scratches the surface of a complex and significant issue. It seems that Bell attempts to show sincerity in addressing Indigenous mental health to improve its brand image. Yet, it falls short and instead highlights their insincerity in addressing the real challenges and causes affecting the mental health of Indigenous peoples.

A common criticism of the Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign is the refusal to address intersectional identities that influence mental illnesses, such as racism and systemic discrimination. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 9.6 million Canadians identify as members of a visible minority group. Minorities compose 26.53% of the population, yet obvious and common challenges such as racism are not acknowledged in the “Let’s Talk” campaign (Statistics Canada, 2021). Many more groups remain unacknowledged in the “Let’s Talk” campaign. What about the systemic discrimination that minorities and women face in acquiring employment or moving up in ranks? These are existing issues that create stressors that can lead to mental health challenges for women and minorities. What about the LGBTQIA2S+ communities who may face discrimination and prejudice daily? Nothing in the campaign addresses these crucial issues that affect a large part of our diverse population. For a campaign focused on mental health awareness, very few mental health-related problems are addressed.

Conclusion

“Let’s Talk” is about how the campaign inadequately addresses the intricacies of mental illness and mental health, while profiting from the struggles of people experiencing mental health challenges. The campaign may have achieved some good with their charitable donations, but much more needs to be done. The workplace culture of Bell Canada has proven that mental health support is not a priority. Many employees suffer from mental and physical symptoms caused by the workplace, and more alleged systemic discrimination. The campaign relies on excessive branding, corporatization of mental health, empty words, and selective coverage of mental illnesses as well as ignores intersectional identities. For these reasons, while it seems to come from a good place, it is wholly inadequate. Perhaps this year, Bell Canada should have a “talk” with members of the community and mental health professionals before pursuing an advocacy role in mental health awareness.

References

CMHA Nova Scotia Division. (2023). May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness. CMHA Nova Scotia Division. https://novascotia.cmha.ca/may-is-borderline-personality-disorder-awareness-month/

Evans, P. (2023, January 9). Bell replaces pledge of 5 cents per text on let’s talk day with lump-sum $10m donation. CBC News. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-canada-let-s-talk-1.6708000#:~:text=Over%20the%20past%2013%20years,in%20the%20process%2C%20Bell%20says.

Government of Canada. (2020). Schizophrenia in Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia-canada.html

Johnson, E. (2017). Bell’s ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign rings hollow for employees suffering panic attacks, vomiting and anxiety. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/bell-employees-stressed-by-sales-targets-1.4418876

Lev, E. (2023). ‘We need action, not annual empty words’: Bell Let’s Talk campaign ads are ‘awful’, only for ‘shock value’, critics say. Yahoo! News. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/bell-lets-talk-criticism-commercials-suicide-anxiety-232641966.html

Redmond, K. (2022). Opinion: Bell, let’s talk about Bell Let’s Talk Day. The Fulcrum. https://thefulcrum.ca/opinions/opinion-bell-lets-talk-about-bell-lets-talk-day/

Statistics Canada. 2023. (table). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2021001. Ottawa. Released November 15, 2023. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed January 23, 2024).

ThoroldToday Staff. (2023). Bell hasn’t erased bad memories of Let’s Talk Day: Brock experts. Thorold Today. https://www.thoroldtoday.ca/local-news/bell-hasnt-erased-bad-memories-of-lets-talk-day-brock-experts-6428794

Vido, J. (2019). “A critical investigation of Bell Let’s Talk”. Major Papers. 74. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/major-papers/74

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January 24, 2024
Blog Post: Update on Supervised Consumption Sites in Alberta
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Written by Janell Uden, Research Services and Capacity Building Coordinator

Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) are part of a range of evidence-based services that aim to reduce harm, support prevention, and provide treatment for Albertans (Alberta Health Services, 2023). In these sites, people who use drugs can do so in a monitored, hygienic, way to reduce harm from substance use. Medical care, connecting people to broader health and social services, such as treatment and recovery-oriented support, as well as decreasing the transmission of infections are all functions of SCS. Supervised consumption sites’ most well-known benefits are reducing overdose mortality, and infectious related complications (Young & Fairbairn, 2018). Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence supporting the benefits of SCS for people who use drugs, and saving costs by avoiding emergency services, SCS that have been closed in Alberta, have not re-opened and expansion is not on the horizon.

It has been 3 years since the Government of Alberta released a report about supervised consumption sites, claiming that they increased social disorder, crime and prevented treatment (Government of Alberta, 2020). To address this, the elected UCP government “shifted controlled drug/public health policy away from evidence-based harm reduction toward a moralistic model of abstinence and treatment” (Hudes, 2019). This report which has been criticized by many, including criminology professor James D. Livingston. In this article, Livingston highlights that to date, no peer reviewed research has linked supervised consumption sites to increased crime. He also explains that the report had a major methodological flaw regarding how crime was measured. The way the review panel measured crime was by using police service call data and public perceptions of crime. Livingston notes that this is problematic because “police service calls” measure a variety of police activities and it is unreasonable to present police service calls as equating to changes in crime levels. Additionally, using public perception as the other data source of criminal activity increase fails to withstand scrutiny, as it was taken by a convenience, non-representative sample which relies on people to “recall their past experiences with numerous crime related (and other) experiences before and after opening the SCS” (Livingston, 2021). The report shows the “crimes reported in the “sub-beat” of the Lethbridge SCS in 2017, and in 2018 but does not include the first two months of 2018, as it opened February 28, 2018. It shows large amounts of crimes reported in the “sub-beat” area of the SCS (Government of Alberta, 2020). In his commentary, Livingston reminds readers that “recall and recency bias are inherent limitations of such questions and of retrospective self-report surveys generally” (Livingston, 2021). Although the report can safely be discredited, it has been the standing ground for closing supervised consumption sites, avoiding plans to address the current opioid crisis and spreading the narrative that supervised consumption sites are a “failed experiment” and should not be funded (2023 Governance Resolutions to UCP AGM, 2023).

The authors conveniently chose data stating that death rates in the vicinity of supervised consumption sites continue to rise after sites were being established, ignoring the fact that the death rates overall were lower when a supervised consumption site was open. Here we can see in this graph below that while The Lethbridge Supervised Consumption Site was open, the death rate per 100,000 people was on average 47.91% lower (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, 2023)

As was found in the same Government of Alberta report, there were no deaths recorded amongst people who used drugs at the SCS sites. This means that one of the most basic tenets of Lethbridge’s supervised consumption site was effective: reduce the amount of opioid related deaths, and this not only worked in the facility, but also in that city. As shown in the graph above, death rates overall in Lethbridge have increased since the closure of the site. So, even if death rates increased within the radius of the supervised consumption sites, death rates overall did not increase and did not occur within the facility.

When the SCS in Lethbridge closed, Alberta Health put an overdose prevention service (OPS) van in place, as a temporary measure to continue to address the drug poisoning crisis. Between August 17, 2020, to present, the median number of visits to this site has been 11,876 visits per quarter (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, 2023). When the Lethbridge SCS was open, the median number of visits per quarter was 50,585 (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, 2023). Although the Lethbridge OPS sees less visits overall, this clearly does not mean overdoses are decreasing, as shown above. Lethbridge OPS was established as a temporary measure, to replace the SCS, however, it has been open for half a year longer than the SCS. It is doing a less effective job at reducing the death rate, and no longer provides other resources that help people who use drugs. Lethbridge was the most highly visited supervised consumption site in North America while it was open (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance Government System, 2023). The reduction in visits to the OPS does not mean people have stopped using drugs. Supervised consumption sites, as obvious by the name, is a place where people can use drugs safely, with clean supplies, with people there to help them in case of an overdose. Supervised consumption sites also have resources like healthcare, social services and addiction services, social and affective resources (Greene et al., 2023). The replacement of the SCS with the OPS as reported by the participants in Greene, Maier and Urbanik’s study made them feel unsafe to access it due to location, limits on consumption routes, and lack of social space, activities and services. These new barriers have deterred many people who use drugs away from accessing any services at all. Supervised consumption sites not only save lives and provide resources, but they also enable cost savings.

A study done by Khair et al (2022) found that each overdose managed at the SCS in Calgary produces approximately $1600 in savings. During the two full years studied, the benefits from avoiding emergency services by handling overdoses at the SCS in Calgary were $1,078,630 in 2018 and $1,132,156 in 2019. This is only accounting for the need for ambulance and emergency department services, and assuming the minimum billing fee. These numbers do not account for overdose-related hospitalization costs, or health complications from needle sharing, and thus may underestimate the total costs saved.

Provincially, the crude death rate of people dying by drug poisoning has increased since the closure of the supervised consumption site in Lethbridge, as well as the closure of another in Edmonton during approximately the same time (Boyle Street SCS 5 booths, 12 hours per day, March 23, 2018- December 16, 2020, Government of Canada, 2023; Alberta Substance Use Surveillance Government System, 2023). Currently, the opioid crisis is killing an additional average of 303 people per year in Alberta, each year since 2020, and in 2023, 434 people have died within the first three months (Government of Canada, 2023).

Previous research and activism cautioned the government against closing the sites to begin with, referring to tons of research showing their validity and benefits. The criticisms of the government’s report on supervised consumption sites, plans for addressing the province’s ongoing opioid crises, the increase in the death rate in municipalities where SCS existed and no longer do, the increasing deaths provincially, the cost benefits to avoiding emergency services, and all previous evidence-based research supporting SCS, demand a reconsideration of not expanding or further funding supervised consumption sites.

References

Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Supervised Consumption Services. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15434.aspx

Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System. Health Analytics Reporting Site. Health Analytics reporting site. (n.d.). https://healthanalytics.alberta.ca/health-analytics.html

Government of Canada. Opioid- and stimulant-related harms. (2023, September 28). https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/graphs?index=435

Greene, C., Maier, K., & Urbanik, M.-M. (2023). “it’s just not the same”: Exploring PWUD’ perceptions of and experiences with drug policy and SCS services change in a Canadian city. International Journal of Drug Policy, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103934

Hudes, S. (2019). Kenney and Notley spar over ‘opioid crisis’ as UCP announces health-care platform.Calgary Herald March 28. Retrieved from https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/kenney-and-notley-spar-over-opioid-crisis-as-ucp-announces-healthcare-platform.

Khair, S., Eastwood, C. A., Lu, M., & Jackson, J. (2022). Supervised consumption site enables cost savings by avoiding emergency services: A cost analysis study. Harm Reduction Journal, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00609-5

Livingston, J. D. (2021). Supervised consumption sites and crime: Scrutinizing the methodological weaknesses and aberrant results of a government report in Alberta, Canada. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00456-2

UCP AGM 2023 Policy And Governance Resolutions. https://united conservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/Resolutions2023.pdf

Young, S., & Fairbairn, N. (2018). Expanding supervised injection facilities across Canada: Lessons from the Vancouver experience. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 227–230. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-018-0089-7
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November 2, 2023
Community Matters (June 2023) — Justice and its Impacts on Marginalized Communities

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Note: This is excerpted from the June 2023 edition of our Community Matters publication.

Welcome to the Summer Edition of our quarterly publication, Community Matters.

Community Matters aims to inform the community about social issues that impact citizens and connect the dots between social issues, evidence, and policy. We aim to use this space to give local agencies, ESPC volunteer writers, and staff members a voice.

Each edition will spotlight a specific social issue and demonstrate the intersectional nature and impact on equality. Our goal is to use evidence as we continue to inform on the issues affecting individuals and families.

For our Summer 2023 issue, we are focusing on Justice. The justice system was an institution designed to bring about law and order in ways that have benefited white male property holders at the expense of almost everyone else; as a result, the way justice is wielded has shortcomings in matters of equity. For example, while Indigenous Peoples make up roughly 5% of the Canadian population, Indigenous people represented 32% of those in federal prisons in 2020-21. This disparity is a product of a colonial system that has harmed Indigenous Peoples for generations and continues to the present day, which the justice system has played a role in upholding.

While criminal laws are passed and enforced to address violence or disorder, they have also contributed to the further marginalization of various equity-seeking groups, particularly those who live in poverty and low income. One negative interaction with the justice system can further entrap someone already stuck in the cycle of poverty.

This issue seeks to critically examine the myriad ways the justice system affects many marginalized populations and how the situation can be ameliorated. Not all laws and the way they are enforced guarantee justice for all. In fact, many laws create injustice when they go against the public interest. Reforms will be needed in order to ensure a system that is truly just and equitable.

Whether that is looking at our current drug policies, the reporting of hate crimes, incarcerated person’s access to health care, or the negative impacts our current laws have on sex workers, we hope the articles inside will elevate the conversation.

– Susan Morrissey, Executive Director
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Community Matters – June 2023 (Click on image)
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June 5, 2023
Blog: World Health Day
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To underline the need for health equity, this article, on the 75th anniversary of World Health Day, describes the current situation of healthcare for Canadians in the Canadian system based on recent research and studies.

By Ankur Subedi, RSW, ESPC Volunteer

World Health Day is observed annually and draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This April 7 commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 (WHO, n.d.). The WHO theme of 2023 is “Health Equity, Health for All” to emphasize the need for addressing health disparities and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of socioeconomic background, geography, or other variables (Sharma, 2023).

In conjunction with the WHO theme for 2023, the Canadian Health Act ensures that every Canadian, regardless of their ability to pay, receives timely access to medically essential health services and that no Canadian experiences undue financial hardship as a result of having to pay medical expenses (Senate of Canada, 2003). The national principles of the Canadian Health Act include universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability, and public administration (Senate of Canada, 2023). Instant and timely access to healthcare services is critical for Canadians’ health (Clarke, 2016). Difficulties in obtaining services may result in delays in seeking and receiving treatment, underuse, or lack of awareness of preventive health care. As well there is an increased risk of complications if a diagnosis is delayed, an increased financial burden on the health care system (e.g., if patients arrive sicker and/or require longer hospital stays), and/or decreased compliance with treatment (Clarke, 2016).

A major purpose of Canada’s national health insurance policy is to guarantee that all Canadians have free access to medically necessary treatments. Yet, circumstances, such as wait times, can limit access to health care services, causing people to struggle to obtain the care they require (Clarke, 2016). Age, gender, amount of education, immigrant status, location of residence, and perceived health all have a substantial impact on access to specialist treatments (Clarke, 2016). People under the age of 65, females, immigrants, and those who reported poor or fair perceived health had increased probabilities of experiencing difficulties accessing health care compared to the reference group (Clarke, 2016). Those residing in Quebec, or the western provinces (the Prairies and British Columbia) were similarly more likely to report problems receiving specialist services than those living in Ontario (Clarke, 2016). Several interconnected variables, including personal characteristics (e.g., job schedule, family commitments) and system issues, might impact one’s capacity to obtain healthcare services (Clarke, 2016). When healthcare services are used more frequently, there is a larger chance of experiencing problems (Clarke, 2016).

In recent months, Canada’s healthcare system has been under severe scrutiny as the public looks beyond COVID-19 to find long delays or outright closures at emergency departments, shortages of healthcare staff, a scarcity of family doctors, and high surgical backlogs (Korzinski, 2022). The healthcare system has been called “collapsing” or “collapsed” (Korzinski, 2022). Although various headlines define the situation as a “crisis,” the president of the Canadian Medical Association considers the present strain on the system “unsustainable” (Korzinski, 2022). Individuals who had needed health care in the previous months were questioned about how simple or difficult they found seeking care (Korzinski, 2022). Specialist visits and surgical procedures were found to be the most stressful for healthcare searchers, with more than half reporting difficulty or inability to receive this sort of treatment (Korzinski, 2022). Individuals who needed non-emergency care and diagnostic testing were less likely to face obstacles (Korzinski, 2022). At least two-in-five people who required testing (41%) or non-emergency care (44%), indicated that accessing them was difficult or impossible (Korzinski, 2022). When the reports of inadequate healthcare access circulated, Canadians’ faith in the system appeared to be low (Korzinski, 2022). Three in five people (61%) were doubtful if they or their family would have timely access to health care in an emergency, with one-quarter (24%) having no confidence at all (Korzinski, 2022).

Health Equity is important to achieve for Canadians and everyone all around the world, yet it has not been possible. As World Health Day has approached, the key message of the World Health Organization, that “Health For All” envisions a society in which all people have good health and may live happy lives in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable environments. The right to health is a basic human right that everyone should have free access to whenever and wherever they need it (Pace Hospitals, n.d.).

Ankur Subedi is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), currently advancing her education in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Calgary. Having completed the Social Work Diploma from Norquest College, Ankur comes with a diverse background in community involvement. Ankur is passionate about working in social services and working with vulnerable populations to help them achieve their best possible levels of mental, social, and physical well-being.

References

Clarke, J. (2016, December 8). Health at a glance; difficulty accessing health care services in Canada health. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2016001/article/14683-eng.htm

Korzinski, D. (2022, September 29). Access to health care: Free, but for all? Nearly nine million canadians report chronic difficulty getting help. Augus Reid Institute. Retrieved from https://angusreid.org/canada-health-care-issues/

Pace Hospitals. (n.d.). World Health Day 7 April 2023: Theme, history & importance. Retrieved from https://www.pacehospital.com/world-health-day

Senate of Canada. (2003, November 12). Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, science and technology (37th Parliament, 2nd session). Retrieved from https://sencanada.ca/en/content/sen/committee/372/soci/rep/repoct02vol6part7-e

Sharma, P. (2023, March 21). World Health Day 2023: Theme, history, speech, Hashtags. New

Hope. Retrieved from https://www.newhopephysio.com/blog/world-health-day-2023

World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). World Health Day. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day
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April 7, 2023
CM: SOS: I need help with my medication
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Taking a medication exactly as prescribed is not as easy as it seems, contrary to popular belief. Reading comprehension is only one criteria to truly understand how to take a medication and be fully engaged in your health decisions.

Note: This is an excerpt from our March 2023 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

Did You Enjoy this Article? Please provide feedback here: Microsoft Forms
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March 22, 2023
CM: Beyond Gym Class: Physical Literacy’s Role in Lifelong Health
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By Carrie Cyre, ESPC Volunteer

The United Nations defines literacy as an essential life skill that enables individuals to fully address the challenges of the 21st century (PHE Canada, 2023). Literacy enables greater participation in the labour market, supports sustainable development, improves health and nutrition, and reduces poverty (UNESCO, 2022). Physical literacy is a type of literacy associated with health and body knowledge, movement and activity. Many nations, including Canada, have started including physical literacy messaging to help reduce the burden of chronic health conditions and improve overall health.

What Exactly Is Physical Literacy?

Physical literacy is a nuanced and holistic concept. Whereas physical activity is “any bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles that require energy” (PHE Canada, 2023), physical literacy is concerned with a complete version of physical attributes, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (UN, 2023). Margaret Whitehead, an educator and scholar of physical literacy, provides the gold standard definition:

“[Physical literacy is] the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” (2001).

Many models of physical literacy exist, however, physical literacy is typically comprised of three key parts:

Affective – Individual attitude and motivation associated with physical activity. This aspect of physical literacy focuses on self-esteem and confidence. Examples include ensuring all participants are given equal play time in team sports, encouraging the development of new skills, and building a positive relationship with activity and movement (Curry, 2020). Several studies have shown that individuals with higher self-esteem are more inclined to engage fully in physical activities than those with lower self-esteem (Edwards et al., 2016). The win-lose dichotomy in many sports is de-emphasized in favour of personal bests, participation, and team building.

Cognitive and Behavioral – Basic physical literacy knowledge and understanding of how to apply it during any activity. This includes learning the rules and traditions of individual and team sports, but also body awareness (Edwards et al., 2016). Cognitive includes the knowledge and application of knowledge about the role of exercise in a healthy life. Behavioural changes, such as life-long participation in sports and activities will ensure optimal health through aging (Curry, 2020). This core tenet includes ‘‘valu[ing] and tak[ing] responsibility for maintaining purposeful physical pursuits/ activities throughout the life course’’ (Edwards et al., 2016).

Physical – The physical skills and competencies needed for a healthy life. In the physical domain are competencies such as movement capacities, motor skill competence, physical competence, fundamental movement skills and purposeful physical pursuits (Edwards et al., 2016). Physical competence is defined as one’s ability to move with capability in a wide variety of activities, both within a sport but also in daily life (Mandigo et al., 2009). These skills include movement capabilities such as balance, coordination, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination, catching, throwing, running and jumping (Bolger et al., 2018).

Holistic and Life-long

These three categories embody a well-rounded approach to physical activity that balances knowledge with physical movement and activity. Physical and Health Education Canada states that physically literate individuals can move confidently in various physical activities (2022). Finally, physical literacy is meant to be a life-long journey for people of all ages. You are never too young or too old to improve your physical literacy.

Conclusion

Physical literacy is a relatively new concept in physical education, but it has shown promise in improving the health outcomes of Canadians. In addition, there is potential for physical literacy to change some people’s relationships with physical activity and open up inclusive spaces where all persons feel they can improve how they feel about physical activity in a way that works for their bodies.

Physical literacy is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. For example, several studies have linked physical literacy with reduced diabetes, and overweight and obesity in children (Nyström et al., 2018). Further research indicates that children with high physical literacy have better self-esteem, higher test scores and more stable moods (Jefferies et al., 2019). The skills associated with physical literacy also enable individuals to make beneficial and respectful choices for themselves, others, and their environment (PHE Canada, 2022). The benefits reaped from physical literacy, similar to other kinds of literacy, should be considered through the lens of personal and social responsibility (Mandigo et al., 2009).

It sounds like a win-win for everyone!

To Learn More:

Physical Literacy Canada is an excellent resource for everyone, from individuals looking to improve their physical literacy to educators, coaches and teachers interested in promoting physical literacy in students and athletes. https://phecanada.ca/activate/physical-literacy

If you are interested in Alberta-specific resources, see the Active For Life website: https://activeforlife.com/jointhemovement-alberta/ or the Active For Life Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/activeforlifecom/

If you are an educator, academic or interested in physical literacy research, see the position paper for educators here: https://phecanada.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/resources/pl_position_paper.pdf.

Note: This is an excerpt from our March 2023 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

Did You Enjoy this Article? Please provide feedback here: Microsoft Forms

Carrie-Anne Cyre, MPH, is passionate about eliminating food security and poverty in our local communities. Her background in research coordination, humanities, mathematics and knowledge of scientific processes makes her a strong addition to any research team. When she’s not helping teams knock out award-winning research, Carrie-Anne loves to volunteer, travel, read books and enjoy the outdoors. Carrie-Anne is a lifelong learner, terrible surfer, and lover of all animals and nature. Carrie is a volunteer with Edmonton Social Planning Council.

References

Bolger, L. E., Bolger, L. A., O’ Neill, C., Coughlan, E., O’Brien, W., Lacey, S., & Burns, C. (2018). Age and Sex Differences in Fundamental Movement Skills Among a Cohort of Irish School Children, Journal of Motor Learning and Development, 6(1), 81-100. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jmld/6/1/article-p81.xml

Curry, E. (2020). Physical Literacy: Why Is It Important And How Can You Develop it? https://www.scienceforsport.com/physical-literacy-why-is-it-important-and-how-can-you-improve-it/

Edwards, L.C., Bryant, A.S., Keegan, R.J., Morgan, K. & Jones, A.M. (2016). Definitions, Foundations and Associations of Physical Literacy: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine, 17,113–126. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40279-016-0560-7.pdf

Jefferies, P., Ungar, M., Aubertin, P., & Kriellaars, D. (2019). Physical Literacy and Resilience in Children and Youth. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 346. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00346

Nyström, C., Traversy, G., Barnes, J. D., Chaput, J. P., Longmuir, P. E., & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). Associations between domains of physical literacy by weight status in 8- to 12-year-old Canadian children. BMC public health, 18 (2), 1043. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5898-3

PHE Canada (2022). Physical Literacy. https://phecanada.ca/activate/physical-literacy

Mandigo, J.,Francis, Lodewyk, K., & Lopez, R. (2009). Position Paper Physical Literacy for Educators. https://phecanada.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/resources/pl_position_paper.pdf

UNESCO (2022). Literacy Statement. https://www.unesco.org/en/literacy

Whitehead, M. (2001). The Concept of Physical Literacy, European Journal of Physical Education, 6(2), 127–138, https://doi.org/10.1080/1740898010060205
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March 15, 2023