Newfoundland

Physical activity profile

• As many as 63% of Newfoundlanders are insufficiently active for optimal health benefits. (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2000/01)
  
  
• Physical inactivity declined significantly since the early 1990s, going from 69% in 1994 to 63% in 2000/01 CCHS.

What about youth?

In Newfoundland, 58% 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 accumulated hour walking throughout the day (2000/01 CCHS).

Awareness of Canada's physical activity guidelines

• 64% of adults reported having heard of the Guide in the previous 12 months.
• Prompted recall was significantly higher in Newfoundland and Manitoba than it was nationally.

Beliefs about the benefits of lifestyle behaviours

• 62% strongly agreed that a healthy lifestyle contributes to long-term health benefits.

Self-reported health

• According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, aged 15 and older rate their health as very good (43%) or excellent (22%).
• Newfoundlanders are the most likely and those in New Brunswick are the least likely to rate their health as very good or excellent.

Healthy lifestyles

• 70% of Newfoundlanders eat the recommended minimum of 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
• 26% smoke daily.

Body mass

• 39% Newfoundlanders aged 20-64 are classified as overweight having a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9, or as obese (22%), having a body mass index of 30.0 or higher.
• The prevalence of overweight and obesity is the highest in Newfoundland.

High blood pressure

• 31% of Newfoundlanders aged 45+ were diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Diabetes

• 7% of Newfoundlanders aged 20+ are diagnosed with diabetes.

Perceived control over choice to be active

• 33% of adults stated that they have complete control over their decision to be active, 28% said they had a lot of control and another 29% reported moderate control.

Barriers to physical activity

• 75% of Newfoundlanders cite lack of time, 60% lack of energy, 43% lack of skill and 61% lack of interest or motivation.
• 39% report feeling ill at ease/uncomfortable, 58% illness and disability, 35% fear or injury and 44% due to cost.

Support for government investment

• 48% think that government should increase tax spending to provide opportunities for physical activity and 28% say that much more should be spent in this area.

Safe places to walk and bicycle

• 64% report that there are many safe places to walk in their community, including sidewalks, paths and walking trails.
• 20% 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 31% of adults report that there are many public facilities for physical activity in their communities and 20% report having many public multi-purpose trails.
  

The Institute gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Health Canada and the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council toward the Benchmarks Program. Our Newfoundland partner is the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Recreation and Sport Division).