The spirit of the Greek god Zeus is coming from Mount Olympus to the mountains of Whistler. The best competitors from all parts of the world will soon gather in Whistler and the Lower Mainland.

All eyes will be focused on this part of the globe for about 2 weeks. This will be a unique opportunity to see what diligent work, excellent coaching, and discipline can achieve. I wonder whether the BCMA, the Ministry of Health, and the BC community have done enough to take advantage of this opportunity to promote living a healthy lifestyle and being physically active as the very essence of health and well-being.

We have the opportunity to promote healthy food, regular physical activity, play, friendship, a nonsmoking environment, and the Olympic motto: “The most important thing is not to win but to take part.” The old Greek saying, “a healthy mind in a healthy body” seems to be forgotten in the Western world.

We need to engage our medical community, Ministry of Health, health institutions, universities and colleges, and all communities and school boards to inspire and motivate citizens of BC—especially young people—to build their health on healthy habits.

After these Olympic Games we might end up with better transportation and sport and tourism facilities, but the best legacy we could leave would be improved health of all people in BC. This is a great opportunity and now is the time to act! Every single cent invested in this action would be paid off numerous times in the years to come.

—George Kljajic, MD
New Westminster