The MPP for Bruce Grey Owen Sound is giving back.
Bill Murdoch has volunteered for a provincial health study that is looking at chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases.
The 65 year old Murdoch says it’s part of his way to give back to help prevent future health problems.
Murdoch is among 900 people from Owen Sound and Grey Bruce who have so far taken about two hours of their day to take part in the Ontario Health Study.
Murdoch hopes by taking part in the study — it will persuade others between the ages of 35 and 69 to take the study.
The Ontario Health Study is looking for two thousand people in Grey Bruce to take part in the study by April.
The study’s goal is to monitor the long term health of Ontarians in an effort to improve the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Murdoch wonders why more people have not taken part in the study because this will help prevent disease in the future.
Murdoch also feels this study will help reduce health care costs in Ontario.
Personal data will be collected from volunteers, as will blood and urine samples.
The study will follow up with them on an annual basis via postal mail, e-mail or telephone.
Anyone interested in being part of the study can call 1-866-606-0686 seven days a week, or visit the website www.ontariohealthstudy.ca
The study is also being held in Mississauga and Sudbury.