News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) released yesterday by Statistics Canada shows that B.C. continues to lead or be highly ranked in many healthy living categories compared to other jurisdictions, re-affirming the province as the healthiest population in Canada, announced Healthy Living and Sport Minister Ida Chong. 

“This is the second time in a month that a national health report has recognized B.C.’s leadership in healthy living, supported by statistics that show we are truly the healthiest population in Canada,” said Chong. “We are pleased to see that the latest data from the Canadian Community Health Survey finds that British Columbians are the most physically active, have the lowest smoking rate and self-reported obesity rates and that we are the second-highest consumers of fruits and vegetables in Canada.” 

The 2009 Canadian Community Health Survey shows that: 

·         B.C. has the lowest smoking rate in Canada at 16 per cent.

·         British Columbians rank second in Canada for fruit and vegetable consumption (five or more servings per day) at 45.7 per cent.

·         British Columbians (ages 12 and over) have the highest physical activity rates in Canada at 60.3 per cent.

·         British Columbians have the lowest self-reported obesity rates in Canada at 45.1 per cent.

·         B.C. ranked second among provinces for functional health at 82.7 per cent. Functional health measures eight categories, including hearing, vision, communicating, mobility, dexterity, pain, cognition and emotion. 

“The Canadian Community Health Survey shows that British Columbians are leading healthy and active lives, which is good news,” said Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services. “Whether it’s being physically active, eating more fruits and vegetables or quitting smoking, we can all take steps to lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

The Canadian Community Health Survey results for B.C. build on the latest Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report released in May 2010 that showed B.C. has the lowest heart-attack rate in Canada, along with the lowest self-reported conditions, including high blood pressure, asthma and obesity among the provinces. 

ActNow BC is the province’s healthy-living program that encourages British Columbians to eat healthy foods, increase physical activity, eliminate tobacco use and make healthy choices during pregnancy. It’s been recognized nationally by the Health Council of Canada, and recently internationally by the World Health Organization for being a model for health promotion. 

The Canadian Community Health Survey began in 2000 with its main goal being the focus of population-level information on health determinants, health status and health-system utilization. 

The survey is available online at:  http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100615/dq100615b-eng.htm

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