HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Workplaces

The Healthy Eating Active Living project is a local implementation of the Government "Walking the Talk" initiative, one of the Ministry of Health's strategies towards improving the lifestyles of New Zealanders with respect to nutrition and physical activity.

HEAL was established in 2004 by Canterbury's Community & Public Health. It is now supported and steered by a range of staff from within the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), Ministry of Health, and since October 2008, Sport Canterbury.

There is no denying the research with respect to the benefits for individuals and for the organisation of having healthy, happy workers. The CDHB is an ideal workplace to lead by example and "walk the talk" with respect to being physically active and eating nutritious food. The more immediate aim of HEAL is therefore to take on the exciting challenge of making the healthier choice the easy choice for CDHB staff and partner organisations, with its wider intentions being to extend its sphere of influence on the wider Canterbury community.

Workplace initiatives such as HEAL are about motivating and engaging people, and working towards a workplace that fosters healthy habits. HEAL is and will continue to do this by increasing awareness, developing supportive environments and encouraging positive sustainable HEAL behaviours.

HEAL - the background

A nutrition policy for all CDHB premises has been developed and implemented. This policy has achieved 70% healthy food choices in the hospital café's and food vending machines.
CDHB Staff have been supported and encouraged to become more active via the awarding of small financial grants, the promotion of events such as City to Surf, Push Play and Sea2Sea, and supporting Occupational Health wellness initiatives such as Healthy Lifestyle Expo's at Hospitals.
A HEAL website has been established to provide support, advice and information to CDHB staff on Healthy Eating, Active Living. The website has up to date information on nutrition and physical activity ideas for staff as well as the chance to 'talk to an expert'.
The address is www.heal.org.nz – external people are welcome to read and utilise the information