The region’s health officials need residents help to take the community’s pulse.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and the eHealth Strategy Office at the University of British Columbia have partnered on a project to learn how Sea to Sky residents’ lifestyles, environments, neighbourhood characteristics and daily interactions affect their health.
“It is going to be used basically to improve the health care system,” said Dr. Paul Martiquet, Sea to Sky medical health officer.
The online survey examines everything from how many times a week a person gets exercise to smoking and eating habits. It also delves into issues such as how many residents have a local family doctor, Martiquet said, adding that information will be shared with family practitioners.
“You will be able to compare your results against other areas,” he said, noting that Whistler, Pemberton and Mount Currie are also a part of the survey area.
To get accurate results, officials need more Squamish residents to participate in the survey. Martiquet estimates at least an additional 300 surveys need to be completed so that the authority can use the results.
“I would like to see a high number,” he said, noting the more people that participate, the more valuable the data will be.
The survey — www.myhealthmecommunity.org — continues until the end of June. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
The District of Squamish has taken an interest in the survey. Last month, the province handed the district $5,000 to use in creating a healthier community. Municipal staff will use the money and survey results to examine the district’s official community plan and land use planning policies through a health lens.
The municipality, health authority and Sustainability Solutions Group are contributing $7,180 worth of time and in-kind services to make the study a reality.
The project is scheduled to be complete by 2015.
