Note from the editor: CrossCurrents Summer 2003

CrossCurrents

This issue focuses on health promotion, an area in which Canada has played a leading role since the presentation of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion at the First International Conference on Health Promotion in 1986. Health promotion, as defined by the World Health Organization, is the process of enabling individuals and communities to increase control over and improve their health. Mental health promotion is essentially concerned with how individuals, families, organizations and communities feel, the factors that influence how they feel and the impact this has on overall health and well-being. It applies to the whole population in the context of everyday life - not only to those who experience mental health or substance use issues, nor only to those considered to be at risk. We all need mental health promotion.

The focus stories in this issue illustrate the three levels at which health promotion works - strengthening individuals and communities and reducing structural barriers to mental health. Debbie Bang provides an overview of health promotion. Kim Goggins' story about tobacco-free psychiatric institutions and Astrid van den Broek's story about campus alcohol policies demonstrate what organizations can do to promote the health of individuals and particular communities. In her story on healthy aging, Cindy McGlynn calls for increased efforts to promote health among older adults. Finally, the Q&A section provides answers to commonly asked questions about health promotions.

Send us your comments, suggestions and ideas, so that we can continue providing you with coverage of the issues that matter to you. In the meantime, have a happy summer.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
e-mail hema_zbogar@camh.net

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