| British Columbia
Physical activity profile
- As many as 46% of British Columbians are insufficiently
active for optimal health benefits. (Canadian Community Health
Survey, 2000/01)
- Physical inactivity declined significantly since the early
1990s, going from 51% in 1994 to 46% in 1998. (CCHS, 2000/01)
What about youth?
In British Columbia, 50% of youth aged 12-19 are not active
enough for optimal growth and development. For the purpose of
these analyses, the term physically inactive is equivalent to
an energy expenditure of less than three kilocalories per kilogram
of body weight per day (KKD). This level of physical activity
can be achieved by playing team sports for an hour or a half
and hour running, combined with an accumulated hour of walking
throughout the day (2000/01, CCHS).
Awareness of Canada's physical activity
guidelines
- 41% of adults reported having heard of the Guide in the
previous 12 months.
Beliefs about the benefits of lifestyle
behaviours
- 73% strongly agreed that a healthy lifestyle contributes
to long-term health benefits.
Residents in british columbia are most likely to hold strong
beleifs about lifestyle.
Self-reported health
- According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, aged
15 and older rate their health as very good (35%) or excellent
(24%).
Healthy lifestyles
- 62% eat the recommended minimum of 5 or more servings of
fruit and vegetables per day.
- 17% smoke daily.
- People in British Columbia are the least likely to smoke.
Body mass
- 31% aged 20-64 are classified as overweight having a body
mass index of 25.0 to 29.9, or as obese (13%), having a body
mass index of 30.0 or higher.
- The prevalence of overweight and obesity is the lowest in
British Columbia than Canada in general.
High blood pressure
- 22% of British Columbians aged 45+ were diagnosed with high
blood pressure.
Diabetes
- 4% of Albertans aged 20+ are diagnosed with diabetes.
Perceived control over choice to be active
- 39% of adults stated that they have complete control over
their decision to be active, 24% said they had a lot of control
and another 26% reported moderate control.
Barriers to physical activity
- 75% cite lack of time, 62% lack of energy, 31% lack of skill
and 56% lack of interest or motivation.
- 41% report feeling ill at ease/uncomfortable, 55% illness
and disability, 38% fear or injury and 48% due to cost.
Support for government investment
- 39% think that government should increase tax spending to
provide opportunities for physical activity and 15% say that
much more should be spent in this area.
Safe places to walk and bicycle
- 73% report that there are many safe places to walk in their
community, including sidewalks, paths and walking trails.
- 38% report many safe places to bicycle, such as bicycle
paths or lanes, and 34% report that there are none.
Trails and physical activity facilities
- Over 51% of adults report that there are many public facilities
for physical activity in their communities and 35% report
having many public multi-purpose trails.
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