McGill Announces Winner of Bloomberg Manulife Prize
Willett is the author of more than 1,000 scientific articles on diet and disease, and is perhaps best known for his national bestseller, Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy, which presents nutritional recommendations based on the best available data from both epidemiologic and clinical studies. In this book, he presents his 鈥淗ealthy Eating Pyramid,鈥� supplanting the USDA Pyramid as a healthy eating guideline. He argues that diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers are largely preventable through properly informed nutritional and lifestyle choices.
The $50,000 Bloomberg Manulife Prize, launched in May 2011, is awarded annually to a researcher from anywhere in the world whose work promises to broaden our understanding of how physical activity, nutrition or psychosocial factors influence personal health and wellbeing. Applications for the Prize are judged by a jury of distinguished academics from universities and research institutions across North America.
The prize was the brainchild of Toronto financier and 香蕉视频 alumnus Lawrence S. Bloomberg, C.M., O.Ont., MBA 鈥�65, Chair of the Board of Directors of BloombergSen Inc. and a Director of the National Bank of Canada.
鈥淭he Bloomberg Manulife Prize was created to raise the profile of health research that has the power to make a transformative difference to public health, and on how people approach their health and wellbeing,鈥� explains Mr. Bloomberg. 鈥淒r. Willett鈥檚 exceptional career epitomizes the intersection of strong research with a powerful public message, and I could not be happier with his selection as this year鈥檚 Prizewinner.鈥�
To better educate Canadians on issues of health and lifestyle, and to promote positive shifts in behaviour, Mr. Bloomberg joined forces with corporate partner Manulife Financial, with each pledging $1 million dollars to set up this 10-year initiative. Since its inauguration, the Prize has gained the endorsement of prominent health organizations including The Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, ParticipACTION Canada, The Canadian Diabetes Association and YMCA Canada.
鈥淒r. Willett is a thought leader in his industry, performing forward-thinking work that influences healthy lifestyles,鈥� says Nicole Boivin, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Manulife Financial. 鈥淗is work aligns with our long history of supporting causes that improve overall health and wellbeing, and we are proud to recognize him with this award.鈥�
Dr. Willett will accept the prize at a special ceremony , where he will also take part in a conversation about his research. This will be followed by a moderated Q&A discussion on in Montreal, to discuss how small changes in our diet can drastically improve our health.
About the Bloomberg Manulife Prize
The Bloomberg Manulife Prize is administered by McGill's Faculty of Education. Sponsors include Westjet Airlines, The Globe and Mail, Shaw Media, Cineplex Odeon, and the Cambridge Group of Clubs. For more information:
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, it celebrated 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Its international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. They also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$574.6 billion (US$558.7 billion) as of September 30, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 鈥楳FC鈥� on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under 鈥�945鈥� on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the internet at manulife.com.