Every year since 2005, from March 1 to April 11, the Health Challenge has been inviting children and adults to take action to improve or maintain their health, enjoyably and at their own pace, thanks to a simple and positive formula.

During those 6 weeks, participants pledge to:

• Eat better: at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
• Move more: at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, a minimum of 5 days a week.

And for a more global approach to health and to call attention not only to the importance of taking care of our bodies but also of our minds, a Wellness component was added to the 5/30” in 2010, with goals promoting a better balance in life.

This year, Camillo Zacchia, Psychologist and Senior Advisor at the Douglas Mental Health Education Office is the « Wellness Coach » in a series of 2-minute video clips in which he shares advice on how to benefit most from what life has to offer and deal with the demands of everyday life.

The video clips are available on the 5/30 Wellness Health Challenge website under the following titles:

• "Can you say no?"
  Subject: Above and beyond assigning priority to priorities, it's also important to know how to say no.
   
• "Are you self-centred?"
  Subject: A little selfishness, in the right place, helps us set aside a bit of time for ourselves!
   
• "Sleep and stress… a bad mix!"
  Subject: Sleep won't come? Here are some tips that will help you sleep -- stress-free!
   
• On the path to happiness
  Subject: Happiness is finding the balance between all aspects of your life.