Miramichi MANGO Program Provides an Ounce of Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is the philosophy behind the Miramichi Regional Health Authority’s Miramichi Action for Nutrition Guidance Opportunities or MANGO program.

MANGO is an innovative population-based wellness program that promotes healthy eating and active living in the Miramichi Region.

“Our goal is to empower and involve the community in making lifestyle changes to prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” says Jacqueline Forrest, registered dietician and MANGO coordinator. “In the long-term we are hopeful that these preventative efforts will result in a healthier population and decrease the strain on a heavily burdened health care system.”

“MANGO is an unique one-of-a-kind wellness program in the province of New Brunswick,” says Miramichi family physician Dr. Basil Blanchard. “It’s unique because it reaches out to the community and helps them identify and develop action plans to meet their needs and attain a healthier lifestyle.”

He says he is very optimistic about the program as it focuses on education and will assist in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and other controllable illnesses.

Fred Baisley is a member of the Miramichi community advisory committee.

“I became involved in MANGO because I wanted to help others eat healthy and get active.”

He says that a year ago he was the perfect candidate for developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

“I was overweight, non-active, beginning to lose my vision, and generally feeling horrible.”

He says his attitude changed after he attended a healthy eating class that was presented by a Miramichi Regional Hospital dietician.

“I spoke with Jacqueline Forrest, dietician and she recommended I lose some weight.”

With her help and support, Baisley was able to lose 83 pounds through following the Canada Food Guide and walking.

“It was simple and uncomplicated once I got started,” says Baisley speaking with great enthusiasm. “I walk four to five times a week at French Fort Cove.”

He says walking is an excellent form of exercise and is an activity most everyone can participate in.

“The only cost to walking is a pair of comfortable walking shoes and your time. We have beautiful walking trails in the Miramichi that make it a pleasant experience.”

Baisley shares his enthusiasm for active living with his fellow committee members. MANGO advisory committees throughout the region have been active in researching their community’s needs and developing action plans to attain a healthier population.

Community advisory committees have been established in Baie Ste. Anne, Blackville, Néguac/Alnwick Region, Rogersville, city of Miramichi, Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation, Esgenoopitig (Burnt Church), and Eel Ground First Nation.

“I like the fact that we are trying to help others improve their state of health by becoming active, eating healthier and accepting responsibility for their own well-being,” says Pearl Parsons, member of the Miramichi MANGO community advisory committee.

“I think that being part of this steering committee can help to plant the seeds for the direction we need to move towards in order to become a healthy community.”

Margaret Levy, a member of the Metepenagiag (Red Bank) MANGO advisory committee is equally enthusiastic about MANGO.

“I believe MANGO in our community can make a difference.”

Levy says that nutrition and healthy lifestyle activities will benefit the whole community.

“Since becoming a member of the committee, I have begun to walk regularly and eat healthy. I don’t make excuses anymore.”

She says the Metepenagiag (Red Bank) MANGO advisory committee is in the process of developing healthy lifestyle activities to be launched in the fall.

“Preventative medicine is the key and we need to take responsibility for our own health,” says Baisley.

Parsons adds that if our community supports MANGO, it could result in an improved quality of life for a significant number of people who are currently experiencing health problems.

How can I get involved? – Upcoming MANGO initiatives in your community

To learn more about eating healthy and becoming active, you can participate in the following MANGO community initiatives and partnerships:

• Miramichi Walking Challenge to begin September 1. Register and pick up your personal walking record at Yvon’s Health and Fitness Centre or any Miramichi Irving and Subway locations.

• Breakfast Gets You Going Campaign. A series of articles will be printed in the Miramichi Leader, Bread ‘n’ Molasses online information newsletter, and L’ÉCHO. Dieticians from the Atlantic Superstore (Miramichi) and Sobeys (Douglastown) will be offering education sessions about the importance of breakfast, and holding breakfast displays.

• Grocery Store Dieticians. Dieticians at the Atlantic Superstore (Miramichi) and Sobeys (Douglastown) provide free grocery tours, and offer healthy cooking and health related courses.

For further information about getting involved in your community’s MANGO initiatives please contact Jacqueline Forrest by calling 623-3553 or E-Mail jforrest@health.nb.ca

Healthy Eating Resources in the Community

· Your Family Doctor

· Miramichi Regional Health Authority Dieticians – require physician referral

· MANGO program

Jacqueline Forrest, Registered Dietician and coordinator

623-3553, E-mail jforrest@health.nb.ca

· Public Health Nutritionists (Registered Dieticians)

Aline Allain-Doiron, 778-6102

· Marie-Eve Gagnon, Registered Dietician

Atlantic Superstore (Miramichi & Bathurst Markets)

voice mail: 1-888-225-5295 ext. 5107

email: megagnon@hotmail.com

· Renée Frenette, Registered Dietician

Sobeys (Douglastown)

1-866-546-9239

· Nutrition and You/Lifestyle Counselling Services

Lucy McRay, Registered Dietician (Private)

624-8673

· First Nations Health Centres

Metepenagiag (Red Bank) 836-6130

Eel Ground 627-2266

Esgenoopitig (Burnt Church) 776-1244

Watch for the next article that will address the topic of Living with Heart Disease and the Miramichi Regional Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program.