Blog | Mary Ann Gatbonton

From Challenges to Insights: MHST 631 Reflections

As I reflect on my journey through MHST 631: Health Promotion I, my overall experience was positive while also meaningfully challenging. The course was not entirely what I had expected which required me to adjust how I approached the work. Having worked in public health and health promotion for over 20 years, many of the foundational concepts were familiar. However, the course pushed me to think more deeply about upstream action and how theory is applied in a structured and i

Mary Ann G.

23 hours ago2 min read

A Community Engagement Framework for Health Promotion

This post presents a community engagement framework for the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC), informed by the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health’s (2013) guidance on community engagement. Using the NCCDH template and example summaries, the framework outlines how SCHC engages communities to inform health promotion practice and advance health equity. Organization Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) URL https://schcontario.c

Mary Ann G.

Mar 202 min read

The Hidden Risks of Nutrition Myths

Let's talk about the popular health claim that seed oils are toxic and a major cause of chronic disease. Here's an example: Social influencers use dramatic language and broad health claims to suggest that seed oils, which are vegetable oils high in linoleic acid (LA), are toxic, cause inflammation and lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (Lamichhane et al., 2025). Phrases such as “poison” or “the root of all disease” are used to grab attention an

Mary Ann G.

Feb 223 min read

Video: A Health Promotion Approach to Vaccines

Vaccination remains a key public health intervention, yet confidence in vaccines has declined in some communities, contributing to preventable disease outbreaks. In this video, I explore how the Population Health Promotion Model can guide strategies to build vaccine confidence and reduce inequities. The presentation highlights relevant socioecological levels, Ottawa Charter action areas and determinants of health, showing how evidence-informed approaches can strengthen commun

Mary Ann G.

Feb 81 min read

Health Promotion Learning Journey: Beginning to Navigate Vaccine Confidence

At this early stage, my understanding of this topic comes mostly from my experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and from following Canadian news and public health updates. I have noticed reports about measles and pertussis outbreaks in Canada that are often linked to lower vaccination coverage. These stories highlight that vaccine confidence is important for protecting communities and maintaining herd immunity (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2025). I am beginning to

Mary Ann G.

Jan 242 min read

After 30 Years, Is the Ottawa Charter Still Relevant

Released in 1986, the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion , reshaped how we think about public health. It emphasized that health is shaped by social, political and environmental conditions, not just individual behaviours. Its five action areas such as building healthy public policy, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills and reorienting health services, remain a foundation for health promotion today (World Health Organizat

Mary Ann G.

Jan 162 min read

My Positionality, My Perspective

I am a Filipino woman, daughter, sister, wife and parent of three boys. My social location shapes how I see the world and how I work in public health. I am a nurse and manager in a hierarchical public health organization in Toronto, Ontario. My focus is on child and family health, policy, issues management and community engagement through partnerships with City divisions, schools, healthcare providers and local organizations. My work is about promoting health equity, addressi

Mary Ann G.

Jan 82 min read