This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting plans in the works for Dalhousie鈥檚 200th anniversary celebrations in 2018. For more features, visit our archives and learn more about Dal 200 at .
Healthy living and a healthy life: a sweeping concept, but one to which most of us aspire.
In honour of Dalhousie鈥檚 200th anniversary in 2018, the Faculty of Health Professions will explore healthy living through a variety of exciting media.
鈥淎s the most programmatically diverse faculty of health in Canada, our researchers investigate issues from across the health spectrum,鈥� says Alice Aiken, dean of the Faculty. 鈥淭o commemorate the anniversary year, we want to celebrate advancements in health and share the newest research around healthy living.鈥�
Throughout the year, the Faculty will showcase advancements that have improved health outcomes, health policies and patients鈥� experience through the 200 Health Achievements social media campaign.
From internationally renowned research accomplishments to the training and establishment of university health degree programs in China, Kuwait and Tanzania, the Faculty will celebrate the many contributions that past and present academics and staff have made to the field of health.
鈥淭hrough the 200 Health Achievements campaign, we鈥檒l highlight the many individual and group contributions at Dalhousie that have advanced health to date,鈥� says Dr. Aiken. 鈥淏ut we also want to share groundbreaking research and advancements happening right now.鈥�
Healthy living, healthy life
The Faculty plans to engage the community through the Healthy Living, Healthy Life Conference. Scheduled for September 19-21, 2018, this interprofessional conference will explore collaborative health, wellbeing and wellness-focused research and evidence on healthy living across the life course.
The conference will conclude with a Community Workout and Healthy Living Expo on September 22. Open to the public, the event will invite people from across the region to participate in a fun workout and expo highlighting the most up-to-date research on health topics for physically active individuals of all abilities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited about the community event,鈥� says Brenda Merritt, associate dean academic and co-chair of the Community Workout planning group. 鈥淚n the coming months, we hope to announce the celebrity fitness trainer who will host a motivating and inclusive workout for our community.鈥�
With informative displays from community groups, health organizations and the Faculty鈥檚 10 units sharing information on healthy aging, healthy participation in activity, and establishing healthy life habits, amongst others, the expo will provide useful information for a broad audience.
Tackling current and future health issues
Looking ahead to Dal鈥檚 third century, the Faculty wants to ensure that aspiring health researchers have the tools they need to tackle current and future health issues. To do this, the Faculty is creating a 200th anniversary scholarship. Set to launch at Homecoming 2017, the PhD in Health Scholarship campaign will run throughout Dal鈥檚 anniversary year.
鈥淥ur Faculty-wide PhD in Health program is the only one of its kind in Canada,鈥� explains Dr. Aiken. 鈥淏y supporting the next generation of health researchers, we鈥檙e ensuring that critical health questions that affect our population continue to be investigated and addressed.鈥�
Stay tuned for more information on the Faculty鈥檚 200th plans over the next few months.