| Two-thirds of Canadians aged
25 to 55 are not physically active enough to meet the guidelines
for sufficient physical activity set out in Canada's Physical
Activity Guide for Healthy Active Living, according to the 1997
Physical Activity Monitor conductedby the Canadian Fitness and
Lifestyle Research Institute.
The proportion of physically inactive Canadians remains unchanged
from a previous survey conducted in 1995 by the Institute. There
had been an increase in Canadians' physical activity levels
between 1981 and 1995, but the upward trend seems to have stalled
since 1995.
Physical activity levels of Canadians, age
18+
Source: 1997 Physical Activity Monitor
The 1997 Physical Activity Monitor, conducted as part of a
joint monitoring program supported by the federal and provincial/territorial
governments, also shows that there is virtually no difference
between the physical activity levels of men and women. As many
as 66% of women and 67% of men between the ages of 25 and 55
do not meet the requirements of the Guide.
These findings show that many Canadians are putting their lives
at risk by not being sufficiently physically active. Physical
inactivity is associated with a higher risk of premature death,
heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes,
osteoporosis, stroke, depression and colon cancer.
Canada's Physical Activity Guide — which is the result
of a partnership between Health Canada and the Canadian Society
of Exercise Physiology — provides concise, clear direction
for Canadians on how to achieve better health by making physical
activity a part of their daily routine. It is designed to be
used primarily by those who are currently inactive and those
who have already begun to incorporate somephysical activity
into their daily lives.
Dr. Angelo Belcastro, Co-Chair of the Guide Steering Committee,
says "Research shows that even moderate physical activity
can improve your health. The Guide will tell you that any activity
is good, but more is always better."
To obtain your copy of the Guide, call 1-888-334-9769 or visit
the Guide's website at www.paguide.com
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