PHE Canada Responds to UN Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable diseases

PHE Canada Responds to UN Declaration
on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable diseases

OCTOBER 4, 2011 – On September 19, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Physical & Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) applauds the UN for recognizing that physical activity can reduce the rates and prevalence of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

With statistics showing an alarming increase in the prevalence of NCDs worldwide, the United Nations General Assembly recently convened a high-level meeting to endorse a political declaration addressing the prevention and control of NCDs. Canada has endorsed this declaration.

“We have seen statistics showing that now, more than ever, children are leading less active and more sedentary lifestyles and that this is having a dramatic impact on their health,” said Andrea Grantham, Executive Director and CEO of PHE Canada. “To realize the goal of this declaration it is critically important that schools, parents, communities and governments work together to create the opportunities and invest the resources to ensure all children have access to daily physical activity and healthy living opportunities.”

The most prevalent NCDs are linked to common risk factors, including an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. Throughout the declaration, the UN recognizes the critical importance of that physical activity plays towards achieving this goal. Poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, and uneven distribution of wealth are also identified as critical risk factors.

PHE Canada works tirelessly to ensure that all children and youth in Canada lead healthy, physically active lives. This includes advocating for the adoption of Quality Daily Physical Education in schools, improving access to active after-school programs, and developing resources to teach life-long healthy living practices.

Contact:

Andrea Grantham
Executive Director & CEO
Physical & Health Education Canada
613-523-1348 x224
Andrea@phecanada.ca