Learning Connections Conference 2019

In Ontario, around Canada and within our academic institutions we have endorsed practices and programs which support mental health, sexual health, diversity and equality issues, violence and abuse. Physical health programs are mostly directed towards physical activity and healthy eating. While this is all important, “Education on risk factors” that lead to common and serious diseases and how to modify them, may have been much less of a focus. Additionally, the barriers that prevent people from applying healthy life styles and conducting behavioural changes, are rarely discussed. Did you know Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Canada and worldwide and that the treatment costs in Ontario is around $5.5 billion annually? Did you know thrombosis (blood clot) is the most common underlying pathology of the three top cardiovascular fatal diseases: Ischemic heart disease, Stroke, and Venous thromboembolism.Did you know that 1 in 4 people die from causes related to thrombosis? And that these causes are preventable in many cases. Did you know that 84% of Canadian know what a blood clot is, but only 43% know what a DVT ( deep vein thrombosis), the leading cause for fatal lung clots, is ? Did you know there is a huge awareness program on thrombosis currently provided by Thrombosis Canada? Would you like to participate in building an in-house awareness program for our 7000 faculty and students tricampus? If so, come join us for a 60 min. workshop where you will actively learn, inform us about your needs, discuss barriers to improve your physical health and innovate to help make a difference to your life and others around you.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the facts and risk factors around thrombosis and cardiovascular disease
2. Participate in quick and short survey questions to help identify key points for the health awareness program around thrombosis and cardiovascular disease
3. Generate novel ideas/tools for implementation of the health awareness program