Overcoming obstacles to encourage Canadians to lead healthier, more active lives will be the focus of a major new research award in Montreal. On Tuesday, McGill University launched the Bloomberg Manulife Prize for the Promotion of Active Health. The $50,000 annual award will go to an academic whose work within the past five years has broadened understanding of how physical activity, nutrition, or psychosocial factors influence personal health and well-being. "I want the Bloomberg Manulife Prize to help create a shift in people's attitudes toward healthy living," Bloomberg, a McGill graduate, philanthropist and financial executive, said in release. The award will fund research not only to understand the issues behind illness, but also to foster active behaviours and positive lifestyle choices, said Hélène Perreault, McGill's dean of education and a professor of exercise physiology. Only about 15% of adults and 7% of children move enough to get substantial health benefits, Statistics Canada said in January. Earlier targets of 90 minutes for youth ages 5 to 17, and 30-60 minutes daily for adults have been lowered to 60 minutes for youth, and 150 minutes a week for adults. The winner of the Montreal prize is expected to be announced in the fall of 2011. The award will be money to fuel ongoing research, and the recipient will be invited to deliver a public lecture. My Opinion of Article:
I believe this award is a great idea and not only will it help further research, it will push people to keep healthy and exercise daily. Staying active and healthy is one of the most important things in life and getting motivation to exercise and eat proper foods is hard. However, I believe with this award, more people will start doing this. I am not that shocked that the amount of exercise time has been lowered and numbers in that category have been dropping because our world is slowly getting taken over by technology. I am however happy that McGill University made this award and I know the recipient will use the money to good use and improve everyone, to make a healthier world.
I have to disagree with Alex. I think it is ludicrous that we have to give prizes for being active. Kids should be active, even if you don’t like sports, there are many ways to stay active and I feel this prize is a waste of their money. If a kid is lazy and doesn’t do active stuff, it's his problem. Not saying I don’t promote active living, but getting a prize, COME ON!
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