Mats Sundin and U of T promote healthy, active living at local elementary school
Dr. Stephen Lye (Left), Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Physiology, and Mats Sundin serve a nutritious breakfast to elementary school students.
Hockey legend Mats Sundin surprised students at a Toronto elementary school today by serving a wholesome breakfast and playing hockey with student leaders. The visit to the Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School was part of a campaign to help raise awareness about childhood obesity, a problem Sundin hopes to end by joining with U of T’s Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development.
The Institute has identified childhood obesity as one of its major priorities, and U of T researchers are tackling the issue from a number of angles such as investigating its roots in genetics, nutrition, fitness and environment. Sundin – who donated $330,000 to create scholarships in human development between U of T and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden – is a major supporter.
“As a father, it’s important for me to ensure that all kids have a healthy successful life free from the chronic challenges of obesity. I support The Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development because it is taking a truly unique approach to this epidemic,” says Sundin.
Obesity in childhood has been linked to lifelong physical and mental health challenges, ranging from diabetes to heart disease and psychological issues. U of T’s researchers are focusing on the first 2,000 days of a child’s life to determine the root causes of obesity.
“The research we are conducting will help us better understand the origins of childhood obesity, giving us the fundamental tools we need to stop it in its tracks,” says Professor Stephen Lye, Executive Director of the Institute and Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Physiology.
Along with spending time with the kids, Sundin answered health and fitness questions sent to the Faculty of Medicine and U of T News via Twitter and Facebook. His answers can be found here: http://bit.ly/YDRYJO.