Become a health champion by taking up the 5/30 Health and Wellness Challenge

Register at HealthChallenge.ca by March 1

MONTREAL, Jan. 22, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Motivating Quebecers to achieve three health goals, the 11th annual 5/30 Health and Wellness Challenge was launched this morning at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. From March 1 to April 11, 2015, Quebecers are encouraged to eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, get active at least 30 minutes a day, and take a break for increased wellness in life. Actor and TV host Mélanie Maynard, the Health Challenge's energetic spokesperson, urges everyone to register today at HealthChallenge.ca.

"My family and I are thrilled to take up the Health Challenge for the fourth consecutive year and we'd like to encourage all Quebecers to do the same! Taking part in the Challenge is the perfect opportunity for an annual check-up and to see what other "healthy habits" we can pick up. It also gives us the chance to put ourselves first!" said Mélanie Maynard.

This year's features will help you become a health champion
With the participation of the TELUS Fund, the 2015 Health Challenge promises an even more exciting and inspiring experience thanks to a new interactive multiplatform concept:

• A web app (a coaching tool for participants only): a tracking tool to keep track of your goals on a daily basis, exercise videos from MyVirtualYoga.com, free SOS Cuisine meal plans, the Healthy Home Quiz... and so much more!
• A series of TV and online videos that tell the inspiring stories of three aspiring champions coached by true health champions. For instance, Mario Jean will get some valuable advice from Stefano Faita and Dr. Richard Béliveau on how to improve his eating habits, while Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre will learn how to fit exercise into his busy schedule thanks to help from Alexandre Bilodeau. And Julie Snyder will get some tips from Marie-Claude Savard on taking smart breaks to help her achieve a more balanced lifestyle.

"The TELUS Fund is proud to support The Health Challenge 2015. This far reaching and important initiative in Quebec harmonizes with our mandate to fund exceptional content promoting the health and well-being of Canadians", explain Nini Baird, Chair of The Telus Fund.

In other news, three health pros will give Mélanie tips to help her complete the Health Challenge. Participants can also access these tips on the web app. Dietitian Johanne Vézina, kinesiologist François Raymond, and psychologist Marie Christine Larocque have all agreed to be health coaches for participants across Quebec!

A healthy Quebec
This kind of initiative would not be possible without the invaluable contributions of our many partners, including the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux who has supported the Health Challenge from the very beginning. "I hope to see lots of Quebecers become health champions and adopt healthy lifestyles. The Health Challenge is the perfect time for everyone to improve their lifestyle through daily concrete actions to build a healthier Quebec," said Lucie Charlebois, minister of Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, and Public Health in Quebec.

"And a healthy Quebec means this year's Health Challenge will include more than 475 local municipalities and communities, all of whom are actively involved in promoting healthy living among residents and encouraging families to be proactive!" added Julie Dostaler, executive director of Québec en Forme.

What is the 2015 Health Challenge?

1. Six weeks of motivation to take up the Health Challenge along with thousands of Quebecers
2. Lots of prizes, including $5,000 in groceries from IGA and a gym membership with a personal trainer (value: $5,000) or the equivalent in cash from Blue Cross
3. Free support, including weekly motivational emails, the IGA Passport, and more
4. The new web app for participants only
5. A flexible format so you can join on your own, with your family, or as part of a team
6. A Facebook page with more than 30,000 fans: a vibrant online community that cares deeply about being healthy!

Register by March 1 at HealthChallenge.ca!

About the 5/30 Health and Wellness Challenge
Launched in 2005, the Health Challenge is an annual public health campaign that encourages Quebecers to improve their lifestyle. The campaign has since surpassed the million mark in registrations. The Health Challenge, a Capsana initiative, is made possible through the assistance and financial support of Québec en Forme and through partnerships with Quebec's Directions de santé publique, Agences de la santé et des services sociaux, and the Quebec government. The Health Challenge is produced in collaboration with the Telus Fund, IGA, Blue Cross, Danone, Leclerc, Bon Matin, Fleury Michon, Oasis, and Cheerios. To learn more, visit www.HealthChallenge.ca.

The Health Challenge for Municipalities and Families is made possible with the support of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Occupation du territoire, the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UQM), the Fédération québécoise des municipalités, and the Réseau québécois de villes et villages en santé.

About Capsana
Capsana is a social enterprise owned by the HMR Foundation, the ÉPIC Foundation, which is associated with the Montreal Heart Institute, and the Fondation PSI. Its mission is to help individuals take an active role in their health. Founded in 1988 under the name ACTI-MENU, Capsana is dedicated to the promotion of health and healthy lifestyles, as well as the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

To learn more, visit www.capsana.ca

For additional information or interviews with our spokesperson, Mélanie Maynard, one of our health pros (François Raymond, kinesiologist; Johanne Vézina, dietitian; or Marie Christine Larocque, psychologist), or one of our health champions, please contact:

SOURCE Capsana

Marie-Noël Phaneuf, Annexe Communications, Tel.: [phone], ext. 211, [email protected]