Heart and Stroke Foundation studies First Nations' food choices to improve heart health (Canada)

"First Nations people in Canada have higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and related problems such as diabetes and obesity. While there is much evidence showing that these problems are more consistent in this population, very little is known about the reasons why. Partnering with the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) in London, Dr. Chantelle Richmond and her colleagues Rachel Bezner-Kerr and Kathi Wilson are being funded by the Foundation to find the underlying causes of the heart health problems in First Nations people by looking at what they eat, and examining the social and environment factors that lead to food choices. 'We have questions about why people make the choices they do,' says Dr. Richmond. 'We're looking at what contributes to their shopping behaviour and the way they consume food.' In this pilot study, the researchers will identify dietary patterns and reasons for the food choices among First Nations people living in London, Ontario, as well as on the nearby reserve of The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation"