Health stats, new info on website

New websites have been created by the health unit to more effectively reach segments of the population.

The new sites follow evaluations of the health unit's website, which noted the preference of young people to certain web design elements and the need for current, accurate statistical and demographic information about the health of Simcoe Muskoka residents.

For young adults, The Phakz (www.thephakz.ca) provides a lively, userfriendly guide to alcohol use, sexual health, healthy foods and tobacco issues. Photos, music, links to other teen-related information - and even a rap video about tobacco and the "power walls" in convenience stores - are included on the site.

The site was created in consultation with students in the health unit's youth action alliance named "article 4," with design assistance from a marketing firm. In her presentation about the site, health promotion specialist, Shawn Fendley said the students provided invaluable advice on how best to reach youth and what issues were uppermost in their minds.

HealthSTATS provides information on the health of Simcoe Muskoka residents. The site will expand regularly with a wide range of statistics, demographics and reports on topic areas such as reproductive health, lifestyles, determinants of health, and the causes of disease and death.

It can be reached from the top bar of the home page of the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.