The Douglas Institute is collaborating with ACTI-MENU to contribute to the mental health component of its 5/30 Health and Wellness Challenge Program.

Every year since 2005, the Health Challenge has been inviting people to take action to improve or maintain their health. Over a 6 week period, participants pledge to eat better (at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day) and to move more (at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day). This year, a Wellness component was added to the “5/30, to promote a better balance in life.

As a partner in ACTI-MENU, the Douglas will validate the content of eight brochures on mental health published for the general public. Some 300,000 copies of the brochures will be distributed to general practitioners’ offices and medical clinics across Quebec

The agreement will also see Camillo Zacchia, Ph.D., participate in the production of eight video clips and three columns in which he will offer advice on the following topics:

• Making time for yourself
• Prioritizing priorities
• Sleeping well
• Maintaining balance in the home

Louis Gagnon, M.D., Personality of the Week

Louis Gagnon, M.D., co-founder of ACTI-MENU, was named Personality of the Week on January 17 by La Presse and Radio-Canada. For 20 years, Dr. Gagnon has promoted taking a responsible approach to personal health. The Douglas Institute sincerely congratulates him on this recognition and is proud to help ACTI-MENU contribute to the wellbeing of society.

About ACTI-MENU

ACTI-MENU is a social enterprise wholly owned by three foundations: Fondation Prévention Santé Intégrale, Fondation ÉPIC, and Fondation de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. ACTI-MENU develops its programs and services in partnership with such prestigious institutions as the Montreal Heart Institute and Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont.

ACTI-MENU provides the general public, organizations and their staff, as well as health care professionals and their patients, with information, tools, and support that will encourage individuals to look after their own mental and psychological health, and encourage the creation of social and physical environments that promote healthy behaviours.