The new survey, released yesterday, also revealed some other concerning findings
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A new survey looking into the health of Canadians has yielded some worrying results. According to the Desjardins survey, released yesterday, about one quarter (24%) of respondents do not believe they are in good physical health.
The online survey, conducted in March, 2018, polled 2,964 people across Canada, and its findings related to physical activity are also concerning. Almost 30% indicated they do not participate in any form of physical activity. And, of those who do, 26% say the costs associated with exercise (programs, equipment, memberships, classes) requires a significant financial compromise within their budget. More than half (55%) of respondents who rated their physical activity as fair or poor were female, 45% were male.
Diet is another important pillar of a healthy lifestyle. Experts have identified eating less processed food and portion control as ways to be healthier, but one in five respondents to the Desjardins survey admitted to not regularly eating fresh foods. Nearly 30% don't pay attention to portion sizes and 23% frequently overeat to feel good. 44% say that they make financial compromises to integrate costs related to their eating habits into their budget.
In an attempt to help Canadians get healthier, Desjardins also announced a partnership with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).
"Proper nutrition and physical activity are essential to preventing things like heart disease and cancer,” said Gregory Chrispin, Executive Vice President, Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance Executive Division, Desjardins. “This survey shows that we can still make healthy improvements in our lifestyle and this is very important to Desjardins. Our partnership between the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society shows our mutual goal to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent disease."
Over the next three years Desjardins will donate over $1 million to Heart & Stroke’s The Breakthrough Fund and the Canadian Cancer Society’s It’s My Life campaign.
"We're delighted that our long-time partner Desjardins is focusing its support on the critical work we do in prevention with The Breakthrough Fund,” said Yves Savoie, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This fund supports researchers whose work holds great promise in terms of our efforts to promote health and prevent disease."
Lynne Hudson, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, echoed Savoie’s thoughts. “With nearly 1 in 2 Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, now more than ever we need people to take action to reduce their cancer risk,” she said. “Eating well and making healthy choices are small but important steps to stay on the path of great health at any age."
