Dear Editor
This letter is in response to comments in recent local media reports concerning a donation to the North Battleford CUPlex. Reference was made to a preference to donate toward health care rather than the CUPlex project, in view of an aging population that will likely continue to require even greater health care services.
While we respect individuals' rights and decisions to support the causes of their choice, we wish to remind people that projects such as the CUPlex are a vital part of "health."
Health care comes in many forms, one of which is health promotion and illness/disease prevention. Preventative health care plays a significant role in overall personal health and well being. Most preventative care does not take place in health care facilities and clinics.
The CUPlex has a huge role to play in promoting good health and supporting preventative health care for all members of the Battlefords and area community. Both users and non-users of the CUPlex will benefit in many ways that are an investment in health care, with returns beyond those of direct funding for health care alone.
The benefits to users include improved physical and mental health, enhancement of the likelihood of independent living for seniors and persons with disabilities, and combating diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The CUPlex will be essential to the development of our children and youth, will provide safe sport and play, will be a great place to build relationships and will produce leaders who will serve our communities in many ways.
Benefits for non users accrue from a healthier population overall. Healthy people require fewer health care services thereby lessening the demands for health care resources and costs, through illness and disease prevention. Recreational and cultural activities support families, reducing the need for social interventions, and reducing crime and social dysfunction. Recreational and cultural amenities help to improve the health and vibrancy of the community, attracting new residents, new businesses and new jobs.
Projects like the CUPlex are not just places for dance performances and curling matches, but are also places that improve the quality of life and health of individuals and families.
"Families that play together stay together," and culture helps people to understand their neighbours, their environment and their history. Each contributes to individuals' and families' overall health. The opportunities the CUPlex will provide will build pride and unity in our community in addition to the mentioned health benefits.
A final thought: the cost of heart attack and stroke ein Canadian in 2001 was $3 billion. The estimated capital cost of the CUPlex is $55 million. Its health benefits will continue for many years to come.
Dion Kardynal, Erin Bland, Kim Tradewell
Prairie North health Region's Population Health Promotion Team
Editor's note: The 'local media reports' referred to in this letter were not published in the News-Optimist. The points made in the letter are valid, however, and of interest to our readers. B.D.
