National Health Day

Health and wellness expert declares February 15th National Health Day Mayor of Ottawa proclaims it for Nation's Capital

For the 6th year in a row, a well known Ottawa Chiropractor and health expert is once again doing what Canadians have been asking for over the last decade. Dr. John Zielonka of the Ottawa Chiropractic and Natural Health Centre has declared Monday February 15th to be officially known as National Health Day. The Mayor of Ottawa, his worship Larry O’Brien, has joined Dr. Zielonka’s quest in proclaiming National Health Day for the nation’s capital for the sixth year in a row.

Dr. Zielonka has written letters to every Member of Parliament, will be on television and other news media, and has closed his office in Ottawa for the day giving his employees the day off with pay. Dr. Zielonka wrote to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty more than 5 years ago with the idea. “I’m pleased to see Ontario has finally taken me up on the idea although they have chosen to call it Family Day”.

As for business owners who complain of the cost of a new day off Dr. Zielonka is quick to point out that he is a business owner too. “This is really not about the government or employers; it’s a personal decision that each person must make as they are ultimately responsible for their health and should make it a priority for the rest of their life. Even without the day off we need to understand that our entire system still misses the mark on health and it’s up to us to change that”. “To continue to wait for the government to take quick action on our health is really an oxymoron.” says Dr. Zielonka. “Since Canada has always prided itself on its health care there is really no need to name a holiday after any historical figure. Canadians have wanted a long weekend in February for a long time. It’s time they took one.”

Dr. Zielonka says there is nothing magical about February 15th. Rather it was the third weekend in February that was chosen as it is the approximate mid-point between New Year’s and Easter. “This way we will always get the desired effect – a long weekend.”

The public has even been invited to Dr. Zielonka’s website at www.excellenceinhealth.com to print a doctor’s note encouraging that people take the day off. Dr. Zielonka goes one step further in challenging all employers to be proactive and give their employees the day off with pay for the sake of their health.

Canadians are encouraged to do anything healthy on this day. The one thing Dr. Zielonka would like them to do, however, is to learn the actual definition of the word health.

“The optimal state of physical, mental and social well-being
 – and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

“If all Canadians, especially politicians and doctors understood what the word actually meant, and more importantly acted on it, our country would be a much better place.