Legislation concerning different aspects of health is made at both the federal (all of Canada) level, and the provincial level. In this activity, we will focus on Ontario legislation. Politics and public policy can have a big influence on factors that affect our health. Political decisions can create public policies and programs that protect our environment, such as our air and water quality, and benefit our personal health. Legislation tells us what we can and cannot do for our benefit and for the health of others in our community.

One example of legislation that has been created to protect all members of a community is the banning of handheld devices while driving. The issue of distracted driving was the source of this legislation since many people were seriously injured or killed because of it. Watch #PutDownThePhone, as an example of an ad created by the Government of Ontario about this issue. This video shows what can happen with just a few seconds of distracted driving. It illustrates how governments also take action in convincing people why they should obey legislation.

Things can happen very quickly when you are not paying attention to the road. This is called distracted driving and it includes: using your phone to talk, text, check maps or choose a playlist. Eating, reading or typing a destination into a GPS is also dangerous when you’re driving. These rules apply if you’re on a highway or stopped at a red light – and distracted driving can cost you dearly. In Ontario (2017), the penalties for distracted driving include:

• a fine of $490, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee);
• a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and receive a loss of three demerit points on your driving record;
• as citizens in a community, we all must do our part to maintain its safety and health.

Use any of these tips to avoid distracted driving and its penalties:

• Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before you get in the car.
• Put it in the glove compartment (lock it, if you have to), or in a bag on the back seat.
• Before you leave the house, record an outgoing message that tells callers you’re driving and you’ll get back to them when you’re off the road.
• Some apps can block incoming calls and texts, or send automatic replies to people trying to call or text you.
• Ask a passenger to take a call or respond to a text for you.
• If you must respond, or have to make a call or send a text, carefully pull over to a safe area.
• Silence notifications that tempt you to check your phone.

Of the tips outlined above, which would work best in reducing this behaviour in teens?

Do you think you would choose different tips for adults? Why or why not?

There are several laws and regulations set by the government to try to protect the environment by controlling or banning items that harm the environment and by reducing our consumption of valuable natural resources. The policies that our government makes to protect our water, air, soil, and natural environment, also protect our health. To help citizens follow these policies, our government supports and encourages programs that reduce the stress on the environment. The interactive below lists three examples of how our actions harm the environment and our health and how government regulations are in place to try to protect our environment along with programs that support these regulations.

Long Description

"Walkable communities" is a term that has popped up in the past few years. It indicates how close your home is to amenities like banks and grocery stores. Could you walk to them or would you need to drive your car? Real estate agents now list homes with a walk score to increase their appeal. Being in a walkable neighbourhood means short commutes; this can increase community involvement. People who can walk to amenities may weigh six to ten pounds less; walkable places can make individuals happier and healthier.

Take a look at these "walkable" scores from walkscore.com:

From walkscore.com

Government policies, regulations, and educational programs can also play a big role in protecting the health of our communities. In Unit 2, Activity 5, we learned about some of these policies and educational programs, such as Sabrina’s Law to protect students with severe allergies, and Ryan’s Law to protect children with asthma. In Activity 3 of this unit, we learned about The Accepting Schools Act (Bill 13) to ensure a safe space for all children to learn that is free of bullying behaviour. A law called Rowan’s Law, passed in June, 2016, was aimed, not only at preventing and diagnosing head injuries in youth sport, but managing an athlete’s return to play. You can read more about Rowan's Law at the National Post.

Many people consider getting the flu shot to avoid influenza, especially in November. It is given free of charge to anyone in Ontario who has a compromised immune system or who works around others who may be sick. Public Health recommends that everyone is vaccinated to stop the spread of this virus in a school or community in order to protect the health of others who may already be sick or may be vulnerable.

Time to formulate questions, gather and organize, interpret and analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions and reflect.