This atlas defines, measures, and maps wellness for the Province of British Columbia. Using mostly readily available data, the atlas aims to focus on what is right and well with respect to health, instead of taking the traditional approach of emphasizing what is sick and wrong. Maps inform about health regions that, for example, are the most smoke-free, have the largest number of recreational centres and playing fields per capita, or score highest on self-reported wellness indicators. The atlas covers themes related to health determinants, smoke-free environments, food security, physical activity, healthy weights, and wellness outcomes using more than 270 maps, differentiating many of the themes by gender as well as age categories. A refreshing and fascinating look at health and wellness taking an asset approach that shows that the glass is more than half-full!
The BC Atlas of Wellness was created in partnership with the University of Victoria Geography Department. It springs from the ActNow BC initiative, which was introduced in early 2005 to encourage British Columbians to make healthy lifestyle choices to improve their quality of life, reduce the incidence of preventable chronic disease, and reduce the burden on the health care system."
Contributors include Jack Boomer, Diane Braithwaite, John Fowler, Michael Hayes, Perry Hystad, Patti Jensen, Ken Josephson, Perry Kendall, Brian McKee, Gord Miller, Aleck Ostry, David Weicker, and Martin Wright
About the Author: Leslie T. Foster is an adjunct professor of both geography and child and youth care at the University of Victoria. C. Peter Keller is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and a professor of geography at the University of Victoria, where he also co-directs the Spatial Sciences Laboratories.
